France Advances Housing Policy Amid Political Stability and Climate Challenges

As France navigates a period of political calm following recent turbulence, the government is poised to introduce significant housing reforms aimed at decentralization, regulatory simplification, and adapting to climate change impacts.

On February 2, the government faced two motions of censure which are unlikely to succeed, allowing Prime Minister to maintain stability after invoking Article 49.3 to impose national budget laws. Vincent Jeanbrun, Minister of City and Housing, is expected to remain in office through to the 2027 presidential election, giving him a stable platform to pursue reforms.

The government plans a new law enhancing decentralization with a focus on housing, empowering mayors who currently manage construction permits and local renovations, potentially enabling them to oversee housing policies without state approval. This includes improving the Jeanbrun device, designed to amortize older rental properties, though the existing framework may be too restrictive.

Simultaneously, the government aims to simplify construction regulations to boost housing development, citing successes like the expedited Olympic Village project in Saint-Denis. Outdated housing laws will be revised and real estate profession regulations improved to ensure clearer, more effective management of property and rental agreements.

Parallel to legislative moves, a recent colloquium at Sciences Po brought together over 300 experts and stakeholders to address housing in the context of a potential 4°C global temperature rise by 2100. Experts highlighted the unpredictable and severe risks posed by climate change, including flooding impacting areas previously considered safe. Hydrologist Emma Haziza noted that 50% of recent flood victims lived in non-flood zones, while Cerema's Hélène Peskine reported that 12 million homes face medium to high climate-related risks.

The event underscored the necessity of involving local communities in housing decisions. Anne Vignot, mayor of Besançon, emphasized local engagement, and Jacques Baudrier, deputy mayor of Paris, called for increased resources to expand and renovate social housing. The launch of the BEL research program will explore housing needs through 2028 amid ecological transition, stressing the integration of forward-looking research into policy-making.

France’s dual approach, combining legislative reform and scientific insight, aims to address housing challenges from both governance and environmental perspectives, signaling a strategic commitment to sustainable and adaptable housing policy underpinned by political stability.