Social housing, 5.4 million homes and slowed growth

With 5.4 million social rental housing units recorded on January 1, 2024the social housing stock in France continues to grow, although in a more measured manner than in previous years according to statistics from the Ministries of Territories, Ecology and Housing. A look back at the significant developments of the year, between construction, demolition and overhaul of priority neighborhoods.

Borrowing rates noted on 12/26/2024

Slow but significant progress

In 2023, 72,400 new social housing units will be added to the stock, representing an increase of 0.9%. This progression is slower than that of the previous year (+1.1%), due to a growing number of demolitions, which jumped by 33% in one year. At the same time, 11,400 homes were sold, representing an opportunity for tenants to become owners. If HLM tenants wish to purchase their own property, they can take out a property loan to finance their purchase.

Individual housing, although in the minority (15%), is more concentrated in certain regions such as Hauts-de-France or Mayotte. These latter illustrate territorial disparitiesboth in terms of housing and management of social housing.

Rising rents and redefined territorial priorities

The average rent in social housing rises to €6.52/m² in 2024, marking an increase of 3.8% compared to 2023. This upward trend, similar to that observed the previous year, is more pronounced in Île-de-France where the average rent reached €7.68/m². Rents vary depending on the financing arrangements: social housing under PLAI (assisted rental integration loan) remains the most accessible, with an average rate of €6.11/m².

The priority districts of the city policy (QPV) also experienced significant redistribution. In mainland France, 150,000 additional social housing units are now integrated into these areasbringing their total to 31% of the social stock. This revision, the first since 2015, aims to better adapt public systems to the needs of the most vulnerable populations.

Diversity of the park and future challenges

The social park presents varied characteristics. Recent housing, often smaller, contrasts with old housing which offers a higher proportion of large areas. In parallel, the vacancy rate rental income continued to decline to reach 2.3%an encouraging sign of the park’s mobilization. However, mobility within social housing is down slightly, dropping to 7.4%.