As part of the Grand Prix of the Real Estate & Finance Forum 2024 organized by L'Agefi and Immoweek on the occasion of the Real Estate & Finance Forum which took place at the Shangri-La hotel in Paris, SOFIAP (Société Financière pour l' Accession to Property), a subsidiary of La Banque Postale, received the Innovation Prize on Thursday, November 7 for its employer-subsidized loan system, which revolutionizes access to property for employees in France.
The Innovation Prize rewards an innovative approach, whether in terms of source of financing, type of real estate operation or services in the field. This award recognizes the significant impact of SOFIAP by facilitating access to property for young people and by offering an unprecedented salary advantage. Concretely, SOFIAP offers companies that wish to do so, private and public, VSEs and large groups, to finance all or part of the interest on their employees' real estate loans. Today around forty companies offer this assistance, with more than 600,000 eligible employees. Thanks to this system, SOFIAP helps companies retain their employees while contributing to social inclusion. A major issue when we know that the housing crisis has become the primary concern of households (58%)[1]that real estate prices have increased 10 times faster than wages since 1950 and that nearly 1 in 3 business leaders say they have seen some of their employees resign due to insufficient benefits or difficulty in accommodation near the workplace[2]. While 80% of companies report having difficulty recruiting and retaining their talent[3]and 78% of employees declare that they would more easily join an employer who would offer to help them access property[4]. This Innovation Award helps to strengthen SOFIAP's credibility with customers, partners and investors, by highlighting the innovation and effectiveness of its products.
« It is also a sign of recognition to win a prestigious prize for internal teams, a factor of pride which marks the daily commitment of employees to serving our customers and ensuring quality service. In summary, this recognition provides SOFIAP with a solid platform to strengthen our position in the market, improve our brand image, and boost our notoriety. », rejoices Mickael Le Nezet, Chairman of the Management Board of SOFIAP.
Pascal Bonnefille, director of Immoweek publication (left), handing Mickaël Le Nezet, Chairman of the Management Board of SOFIAP (right) the 2024 Innovation Prize.
About SOFIAP
Created in 1921, SOFIAP is a subsidiary of La Banque Postale and SNCF, designing subsidized loans (real estate purchase, consumer credit, etc.) by companies to allow employees to finance their life projects. Certain that becoming an owner is an element of inclusion, society and preparation for retirement, SOFIAP responds to the “S” of CSR around the social and societal commitment of employers and allows innovation around real estate ownership and more broadly financing. The SOFIAP system is the current response to the needs of companies to recruit and retain by allowing employees to live more comfortably, more responsibly, and to create assets. With more than 40,000 loans financed and as many families supported in their life project, SOFIAP continues to play a key role in improving the quality of life of employees.
To find out more: www.sofiap.fr
[1] Source: Ipsos barometer for the National Economic, Social and Environmental Council, September 2024.
[2] Source: Ipsos survey for SOFIAP on social benefits and access to property, April 2024.
[3] According to Pôle Emploi in 2023.
[4] Source: OpinionWay study for SOFIAP, June 2022.
