The French Housing Foundation, formerly the Abbé Pierre Foundation, has raised the alarm over France’s deepening housing crisis, highlighting the struggles of millions.
A report released on February 3 revealed that 4 million people are either homeless or living in dire conditions, with the number of homeless rising to 350,000 in 2024—up from 143,000 in 2012. The death toll on the streets also hit a grim record of 735 fatalities, the highest ever recorded.
The crisis is driven by rising rental prices, skyrocketing building costs, and soaring mortgage rates. Construction has slowed, limiting supply, while wealthier citizens have increased property investments, further driving up demand. Vulnerable groups, including students, single parents, and low-wage earners, are the hardest hit.
The foundation criticized the French government for its “wait and see” approach, blaming political instability and poor decision-making for the lack of new housing. Public social rental housing has sharply decreased, from 500,000 units annually between 2015-2017 to just 393,000 in 2023. Additionally, 30% of households reported being unable to properly heat their homes in 2024, up from 14% in 2020. A staggering 75% of households reduced heating to control costs—22% more than in 2020.
This crisis isn’t unique to France. Across the EU, both low-income and middle-class households are facing similar pressures as housing costs soar. Between 2015 and 2023, EU house prices rose by 48%, with France seeing a 31% jump.
