Hexaom is focusing on land expansion and subdivision to create housing

The housing crisis affects households with very different profiles and life paths. A study by the National Institute for Youth and Popular Education (Injep), reported in June 2026 by the Banque des Territoires, indicates that one in four young people has never left the parental home by the age of 23 and that one in seven is still in this situation at the age of 25.

The aging population also raises the issue of adapting housing. Nearly 15 million people living in France are 65 or older, representing approximately 22% of the population. According to the National Housing Agency (Anah), only 6% of the housing stock is adapted for the elderly, people with disabilities, or those experiencing a loss of autonomy.

These situations lead some families to seek solutions that allow them to house a student, a young professional, or an elderly relative nearby, while preserving everyone's independence. Hexaom, a group specializing in home construction and renovation, highlights several possibilities based on new construction or the conversion of existing properties.

“Behind the housing crisis lie very diverse situations. A young adult starting their professional life, a single parent needing extra space, a senior citizen wanting to stay close to their family, or a student unable to find accommodation. In all these cases, a detached house offers concrete solutions that can be implemented quickly while creating asset value,” explains Loïc Vandromme, CEO of Hexaom.

New homes delivered in less than 18 months according to Hexaom

The government has set a target of building two million homes by 2030, representing a rate of 400.000 units per year. Within this framework, Hexaom advocates for the contribution of single-family homes, whose construction time, according to the group, is less than 18 months, compared to two to four years for some multi-unit housing projects.

Using a prefabricated timber frame manufactured at the Pobi factory in La Charité-sur-Loire, Nièvre, would reduce this timeline by three to four months. These timeframes, provided by Hexaom, should, however, be adjusted to account for land acquisition, studies, securing financing, planning permissions, utility connections, and any potential appeals.

The group's offering includes houses starting at 50 m², adaptable or custom-designed models, and single-story homes compliant with accessibility regulations applicable to the project. Hexaom indicates that the average selling price of its houses in 2026 will be €189.000 including VAT, excluding land, additional costs, and utility connections.

Building a second dwelling through land subdivision

Land subdivision involves detaching a portion of an already developed plot of land in order to construct a second building. This can house a child who has become independent, an elderly parent, or a tenant.

This solution allows for the use of already urbanized land, but its feasibility is never guaranteed. It depends in particular on the local urban development plan (PLU), the permitted building footprint, siting and access regulations, as well as the possibilities for connecting to water, electricity, and sanitation networks. A land subdivision may also require a prior declaration or a development permit, depending on the project's configuration.

Extension, attic and garage to make use of existing space

When a building is suitable, converting the attic, transforming a garage, or building an extension can create an additional room, or even a separate dwelling with its own entrance. These spaces can meet family, rental, or professional needs without requiring residents to move.

Hexaom estimates the cost of these operations to be between 500 and 3.000 euros per square meter. This very wide range depends on the existing structure, the surface area, the condition of the building, the level of finish, the insulation work and the necessary technical equipment.

The formalities vary depending on the nature and location of the project. In an urban area covered by a Local Urban Development Plan (PLU), an extension creating more than 5 m² and up to 40 m² generally requires only a prior declaration. However, a building permit becomes necessary in certain situations, particularly when the work brings the total floor area of ​​the building to over 150 m². Outside of an urban area covered by a PLU, the threshold between a prior declaration and a building permit is generally set at 20 m².

The conversion of a garage or attic must also comply with urban planning, habitability, parking regulations and, when the space is to be rented, the decency criteria applicable to housing.

The garden studio to create an independent unit

Hexaom also markets Natibox, a prefabricated timber-framed garden studio manufactured in Pobi factories. The group advertises on-site installation in one day. This timeframe refers to the installation of the module and does not necessarily include studies, site preparation, foundations, utility connections, and preliminary administrative formalities.

For a permanent, independent outbuilding, a prior declaration is generally required for floor areas exceeding 5 m² and up to 20 m². Beyond 20 m², a building permit is necessary. The Local Urban Development Plan (PLU) may also stipulate specific rules regarding location, exterior appearance, or distances from neighboring properties.

According to 2026 data provided by Hexaom, hosting an elderly relative accounts for 15% of Natibox studio usage, student accommodation 10%, and rentals 35%. The group does not specify the breakdown of the remaining 40% of usage.

“The garden studio meets very concrete everyday needs. It allows everyone to maintain their independence while remaining close to their family. It is a flexible solution, quick to implement and which particularly meets the new expectations of the French in terms of housing,” emphasizes Loïc Vandromme.

A long-term assessment of asset value

Adding extra living space or a dwelling can increase the value and potential uses of a property. However, it also entails costs for construction, maintenance, insurance, and utility connections, as well as a possible increase in local taxes. A permanent extension exceeding 5 square meters may, in particular, be subject to a development tax.

“Designing a home to meet multiple uses over time allows families to invest in an asset that is useful today and sustainable tomorrow. This flexibility is a major advantage in a context where needs evolve rapidly throughout the stages of life,” explains Steve Beaudel, Marketing and Supply Director at Hexaom.

Hexaom requests that the Jeanbrun scheme be extended to individual houses

The tax incentive scheme for housing recovery, also known as "Jeanbrun," applies to new housing units located in multi-unit buildings, as well as to existing multi-unit housing units undergoing a minimum amount of renovation work. It therefore does not cover the construction of a single-family home intended for rental.

Hexaom is asking the public authorities to extend this mechanism to individual houses and to maintain the zero-interest loan beyond 2027.

“Detached houses allow for rapid construction throughout France, including in areas where multi-family housing is not feasible. Excluding them from the Jeanbrun scheme means depriving ourselves of an additional tool in the fight against the housing crisis. We are once again calling for the reintegration of detached houses into this scheme,” says Loïc Vandromme.

“It is also essential to continue supporting homeownership, particularly for first-time buyers. Every successful purchase mechanically helps to loosen the rental market and free up housing that is currently lacking for many households. To this end, the zero-interest loan is an excellent tool, and it must be maintained and strengthened beyond 2027,” he concludes.