lemonde.fr
French Coastal Town Bans New Second Homes to Combat Housing Crisis
The French town of Cancale, facing a housing crisis fueled by a surge in second homes, has banned new constructions of this type, mirroring similar measures in other French towns.
- What is the primary impact of Cancale's ban on new second home constructions?
- The ban aims to alleviate the strain on the local housing market caused by the increasing number of second homes and tourist rentals. Between 2011 and 2022, second homes increased from 35.5% to 41.2% of Cancale's housing stock, while declared tourist rentals rose 30% between 2020 and 2024, reaching 582 units. The measure directly impacts new housing constructions, requiring them to be used as primary residences for at least eight months annually.
- What are the potential long-term consequences and broader implications of Cancale's policy?
- The long-term effectiveness of Cancale's policy remains to be seen. While it directly addresses the immediate housing shortage exacerbated by second homes, the policy's long-term impact depends on factors like enforcement and the broader national housing market trends. The 1000 euro per day fine for non-compliance suggests a strong commitment to enforcement.
- How does Cancale's approach compare to other French towns dealing with similar housing pressures?
- Cancale's ban follows similar actions in Biarritz, Bayonne, Anglet, Bidart, and Boucau, all enacting measures to restrict new second home constructions. Chamonix also implemented a similar ban earlier in 2024, reflecting a broader trend among French towns grappling with the disproportionate impact of second homes on housing affordability and availability.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents Cancale's ban on new second homes as a positive measure to address housing tensions, highlighting the unanimous council vote and the potential for significant fines. The inclusion of similar actions in other towns like Biarritz and Chamonix reinforces this positive framing. However, it could benefit from including perspectives from those who might be negatively affected by the ban, such as developers or potential second-home buyers.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, focusing on factual details. However, phrases like "crise aiguë du logement" (acute housing crisis) and descriptions of the high percentage of second homes could be considered slightly loaded, potentially exaggerating the problem. Alternatives could include more neutral phrasing like "housing market pressures" or "significant number of second homes.
Bias by Omission
The article omits potential drawbacks of the ban. For example, it doesn't discuss the impact on the local economy from reduced tourism or construction jobs. It also doesn't present arguments against the ban or perspectives from those who might oppose it. While space constraints might explain some omissions, more balanced reporting could strengthen the piece.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't present a false dichotomy, but it could benefit from acknowledging the complexities of the issue. The focus is heavily on the need to address the housing shortage but doesn't fully explore the economic implications or alternative solutions.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses Cancale, a French town, prohibiting new constructions of secondary residences to address housing tensions. This directly relates to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. By limiting the increase of second homes, Cancale aims to ensure more housing for its residents, contributing to affordable and sustainable housing, which is a key aspect of SDG 11. The measure also contributes to preventing urban sprawl and promoting sustainable urban development. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for other communities facing similar challenges.