French Property Prices Decline, But Renovation Costs Pose a Risk
Buyers eyeing bargains in France's falling housing market are cautioned to budget for significant renovation expenses, as house prices see a notable decrease.
France's property market has experienced another downturn, with prices for existing homes and older properties falling by 1 percent between the first and second quarters of 2026. This marks a 0.8 percent reduction year-on-year, according to the National Institute for Statistical and Economic Studies (INSEE).
The figures reveal a divergence in price trends between apartments and houses. Over the year leading up to the second quarter of 2026, apartment prices saw a modest decrease of 0.1 percent, while house prices experienced a more substantial drop of 1.3 percent. This trend suggests that individuals seeking larger properties might find more significant opportunities.
Priscille Caignault, a representative for French notaries, advised potential buyers to exercise caution. She highlighted that the cost of renovations, particularly for older houses requiring energy efficiency upgrades, can transform an apparent bargain into a costly investment. "With houses, there can be a cost of energy renovation that weighs on the investment," Caignault stated. "You are buying a property which already has a certain price because it is a house, but you also have to think about the work that will be required."
Caignault emphasized the importance of assessing one's financial capacity for necessary renovations, suggesting that purchasing an apartment might be a more feasible option for those with limited financial resources.
Examples of properties available for renovation in Normandy include a former stone barn in Giel-Courteilles for approximately £17,112 and a small farmhouse in disrepair in Carrouges for about £20,629. Other properties in need of repair, such as a stone cottage in Saint-Brice for £23,131, are also listed.
Growing Anti-Tourism Sentiment
Amidst the property market shifts, a growing resistance to tourism, including from within France, has been observed. In Brittany, locals have expressed frustration, with some incidents involving cars being vandalized with slogans like 'No to Parisians' and 'Tourists go home.' This sentiment appears to be fueled by housing shortages exacerbated by the boom in second home purchases since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The mayor of Plobannalec-Lesconil, Loïc Le Fur, condemned such acts, stating, "The spirit of these acts deeply shocks us." While second homes are purchased by both French citizens and international buyers, these incidents reflect a broader anti-Parisian and anti-tourism sentiment.
In August, a separatist group in Corsica, the Corsican National Liberation Front-Union of Combatants (FLNC-UC), released a video threatening tourists considering moving to the island or purchasing second homes. The group condemned the annual influx of thousands of individuals, characterizing it as 'rampant settlement-driven colonisation.'
Similar sentiments have surfaced in other regions, including the Basque Country and Marseille. Protests have highlighted the impact of tourism on housing availability. Complaints have also been raised about the disruptive behavior of some tourists, such as loud parties in rental properties in mountain villages like La Bresse.
However, not all experiences with visitors are negative. Many Britons have reported positive interactions and a welcoming atmosphere in various parts of France, with some noting that the stereotype of French people being rude does not align with their personal experiences. Despite isolated incidents, many visitors have found locals to be friendly, helpful, and patient.