Retirement: Real Estate Remains the Favorite Anchor for the French
As reforms continue to proceed and purchasing power weakens, the French are approaching the issue of retirement with increasing concern. According to a Kantar study for Iroko, nearly three-quarters of them doubt their ability to maintain their current standard of living. In this climate of distrust toward the public system, real estate emerges as the ultimate safe haven, while savings strategies are rapidly changing.
Redefined Strategies
Retirement now holds a central place in the financial concerns of the French. The figures are clear: 74% of respondents express worry about their future standard of living. This apprehension increases with age, which is not new, but it now begins very early: 69% of people in their thirties harbor this fear, 73% of those in their forties, and up to 77% of those aged 50-64, who are entering the final stretch of their professional lives. These numbers highlight a more anxious and pragmatic approach to retirement. The reasons for concern are manifold. 65% fear a decrease in purchasing power. More than one in two French people (53%) worry about handling unexpected expenses or a loss of autonomy. Meanwhile, 45% question the stability of the pay-as-you-go system, perceiving its budgetary limitations. On the other hand, constraints related to housing seem less significant: only 10% fear they will have to continue paying off a mortgage, and 12% worry about having to pay rent once retired.
This widespread anxiety has very concrete effects. Two out of three French people claim to have changed their savings strategy following recent reforms: a significant shift indicating an accelerated awareness. Now, 63% save specifically for retirement, often on an ad hoc basis (42%), but with growing discipline. Those under 50 are the most committed: 88% are either already saving or planning to start, signaling a generational shift in attitudes towards personal responsibility.
The motivations reflect this quest for security. The main goal is not performance; it is to secure a regular additional income (29%) and to prepare for unexpected situations (25%). Capital preservation and the desire to be less dependent on the public system are also influential, particularly among young adults, 21% of whom cite this independence as a priority. More ambitious financial endeavors—such as growing wealth, passing it on, or investing responsibly—remain secondary in this context, which is dominated by the desire to secure the future.
This widespread concern has very tangible effects.
In a seemingly unstable environment, the French are favoring cautious investments. 53% are seeking low-risk options and 41% are looking for minimal fees, both being key factors driving their decision-making. The regular income generation is important for 34%, while the ease of management appeals to 31%, indicating a need for simplicity and transparency. Considering these criteria, real estate emerges as the most reassuring investment choice, with 62% deeming it relevant to complement their retirement income. Euro-denominated funds and direct real estate investments are at the top of the list of considered solutions, each chosen by 35%.
Following these are gold and stocks/ETFs at 20%, and then bonds at 18%, forming a secondary tier of preferences. Cryptocurrencies, structured products, and real estate investment trusts (SCPI) remain more marginal at 14%, not due to rejection but due to a lack of knowledge: 34% of respondents do not know which product to choose for retirement planning, highlighting a significant information gap. In detail, higher-income renters and individuals aged 30–39 show a strong preference for real estate: rental property ranks first for 41% of households earning over €45,000 annually, and for 37% of those in their thirties. This choice reflects a deeply rooted cultural view: real estate is perceived as a protection, a source of regular income, and a tangible asset, unlike financial products which are sometimes considered technical.
Nevertheless, SCPIs offer advantages that directly address the identified expectations: potential regular income, risk diversification, no property management, and accessible entry costs. The criteria put forth by the French interested in this solution confirm this logic: 44% prioritize no entry fees, 44% seek high potential returns, and 35% prefer part of the real estate portfolio to be located in France. The sustainable (15%) and international (10%) dimensions are seen as secondary, reflecting a preference for familiar frameworks. While obstacles remain—insufficient budget (64%), risk of capital loss (30%), lack of product knowledge (28%)—the study highlights a key point: there is considerable room for growth, particularly in advisory services. According to Gautier Delabrousse-Mayoux (Iroko), education is crucial: it is less about changing behaviors and more about turning an intuition—"real estate is reassuring"—into a truly optimized strategy.
This content has been automatically translated using artificial intelligence. While we strive for accuracy, some nuances may differ from the original French version.
