The professionals of the sector, gathered by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry within the Housing Real Estate Observatory, have confirmed the good health of this market. After years of difficulty, the 2017 results were good, and the forecasts for the current year and 2019 support this momentum.
These results are welcome in a territory where the structural deficit of supply and the high prices that result from it are a hindrance to its attractiveness and economic development.
In terms of figures, 2017 was an exceptional year for new housing, with a growth of +11% in a year; the sales volume (4569) reached a record level in 2017, as we have to go back to 1999 to find such a score (4663).
At the same time, supply also increased by +4% since 2016, while the housing stock remained relatively stable.
In this very favorable context, prices are rising, but moderately (+3%), still at a high level for the purchasing capacity of assets (nearly 5400€ per m2).
The resale market is also experiencing a revival of activity. There is indeed an increase of +5% in transactions in the existing market in one year, reaching a level not seen since 2007! Prices have recorded an increase of about +4% in one year.
2018 Outlook: The professionals in the sector are optimistic. Economic growth, the business climate, the absence of elections, bank rates at very attractive levels, market support measures (PTZ and Pinel) are all indicators pointing in the right direction.
A question mark also concerns public investments in housing: to better understand the direction the government wants to take, the professional world is eagerly awaiting the new law announced for the spring.
However, Jean-Marie Ebel, president of the Observatory, remains cautious: “It will be necessary to closely observe the evolution of the legislative and fiscal framework.”
