Existing Real Estate: 958,000 Sales in a Year, Recovery Already Under Strain
A Confirmed Yet Moderate Recovery
According to the April 2026 Real Estate Economic Report, the market for existing real estate continues to confirm the revitalization that began in 2022. Sales volumes increased by 11% in 2025 compared to 2024. However, this improvement needs to be put into perspective: over a longer period, the growth remains limited and does not reach the levels of the market's high phases. Currently, transactions are in a balanced zone at around 975,000 sales, corresponding to a user market without excess, meeting housing needs.
Price Stability and Vulnerabilities of New Properties
The index for existing home prices recorded an increase of 1.1% between the fourth quarter of 2024 and the fourth quarter of 2025. Preliminary contract projections as of the end of May 2026 indicate a stability of -0.2%, reflecting a gradual adjustment through sales delays and negotiation rather than sharp price corrections.
In the new housing sector, construction starts remain insufficient with 27,158 units in February 2026, showing a slight decline. The single-family home segment remains fragile, and rental investment continues to lag behind, as the Jeanbrun scheme has yet to take effect. Several factors are constraining the sustainability of the recovery: the upward trend in interest rates averaging 3.3% over 20 years in April 2026, energy cost pressures, and the European Central Bank's monetary policy.
This content has been automatically translated using artificial intelligence. While we strive for accuracy, some nuances may differ from the original French version.
