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French New-Build Apartments Cost Significantly More Than Resales
As of September 2025, the average price of a new apartment in France is €5,189 per square meter, compared to €3,677 for a resale apartment, a difference explained by construction costs, land prices, and government incentives.
- What are the primary factors contributing to the significant price difference between new and resale apartments in France?
- The higher cost of new apartments stems from increased material costs, stricter building codes, advanced construction techniques, and the premium price of land in urban areas preferred for new construction. Resale apartments, conversely, lack these costs and may be located in less expensive areas.
- What are the long-term implications and strategies employed by developers to address market changes and affordability concerns?
- Long-term, new apartments require less maintenance and offer energy savings. Developers are adapting by introducing initiatives like the Bail Réel Solidaire (BRS) for more affordable housing and collaborating with investors through the Logement Locatif Intermédiaire (LLI), providing more options for buyers. Significant discounts are also being offered on soon-to-be-delivered units.
- How do financial incentives and government programs influence the affordability of new apartments, and what are their implications?
- Financial incentives like reduced notary fees (2-3% vs 7-8% for resales), potential tax exemptions, and the zero-interest rate loan (PTZ) for first-time buyers significantly reduce acquisition costs for new builds. The PTZ covers up to 50% of a new apartment's price, making them more affordable.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view of the price difference between new and old apartments in France. While acknowledging the higher cost of new constructions, it also highlights financial incentives and long-term benefits that could make them more appealing. The inclusion of quotes from various industry professionals provides diverse perspectives. However, the article's focus on the advantages of new constructions might subtly favor this option, despite mentioning potential drawbacks like higher initial costs.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, employing factual descriptions and quotes from experts. However, phrases like "le choix du confort" and "économies d'énergie qui peuvent être substantielles" could be considered slightly positive framing. While not overtly biased, the overall tone is more positive towards new constructions.
Bias by Omission
The article omits a discussion of potential drawbacks of new constructions besides the higher initial cost. Issues such as potential construction defects, hidden costs associated with new builds, and variability in quality across different developers are not addressed. Additionally, the article might benefit from including data on the availability of new constructions across different regions in France, which could provide more nuance to the discussion of location-based pricing.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the French housing market, focusing on new constructions and their impact on sustainable living. New buildings are highlighted for their energy efficiency, inclusion of features promoting sustainable mobility (bike storage, charging stations), and adherence to modern construction standards. These contribute to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting sustainable urban development, improving housing quality, and reducing environmental impact.