French housing developer ExaHome has recorded an 18.8 percent increase in revenue as single-family detached homes continue to dominate the national market. The company, which operates as the largest housebuilder in France, saw strong growth driven by persistent demand for individual housing across the country.
Detached single-family houses currently represent 55 percent of all residential properties in France, with apartments accounting for the remaining 45 percent. Across the country, the average purchase price for a house stands at 268,000 euros.
Three-quarters of all house buyers in France are couples with an average age of 41. These purchasing couples maintain an average property budget of 318,000 euros when entering the housing market.
Regional price disparities
Property prices across France show sharp geographical variations depending on location. In rural and northern departments such as Creuse in central France or Aisne in the north, house prices range between 1,000 euros and 3,000 euros per square metre.
Prices increase significantly closer to the French capital in the surrounding Île-de-France region, where costs reach 6,000 euros, 11,000 euros, or up to 13,000 euros per square metre. These high-value locations are particularly favoured by higher socio-professional categories, known in France as CSP+ buyers, including executives and higher-earning professionals.
Stricter lending rules
France currently maintains a housing structure where 60 percent of residents own their homes and 40 percent rent. However, buyer demographics have shifted over recent decades, with French buyers making their first property purchase at an average age of 33, up from 30 years old during the 2000s.
Mortgage terms have also lengthened considerably to accommodate market conditions. Home loans are now taken out over an average duration of 22 years, compared to 15 years in previous periods.
The changes stem from increasing difficulties in acquiring real estate, driven by rising property prices, higher borrowing costs, and stricter bank lending criteria. Lenders now require buyers to hold permanent employment contracts, known locally as CDIs, while requiring substantially larger down payments than was necessary 20 years ago.
