Housing Atlas: What are the territorial dynamics in France?

A few months before the municipal elections, Icade and Olivier Portier, territorial analyst at OPC, have released a study on territorial dynamics through the lens of housing, presented in 50 maps: What is the geography of housing? What are the dynamics of accessibility? What are the challenges in terms of renovation? Which areas are declining or, on the contrary, growing? Where do seniors live? Which areas are most affected by climate change? This data provides an insightful view of the current housing stock and its future challenges.

In the context of a housing crisis, Icade and OPC are examining the future of housing through the lens of past territorial dynamics. This Housing Atlas presents the facts and lays out the findings. It is up to the stakeholders who shape the housing market to take ownership of these findings and plan for the future more effectively.

Key figures from the atlas

• + 3,8 million homes over 10 years, representing an increase of +11,5%, faster than population growth (+4,3%);
• Nearly 60% of primary residences were built after 1970;
• 3,4% of private housing stock has been vacant for more than two years, mainly located in the diagonal of emptiness;
• The proportion of the population over 65 years of age increased from 16,8% in 2011 to 20,8% in 2022;
• Climate risks are increasing across the entire territory.

Understanding territories to better understand housing: the ambition of the Housing Atlas

The subject of major public policies over the decades, housing is first and foremost a reflection of demographic, economic, and social dynamics at the territorial level. This Atlas examines these dynamics through various lenses: primary residences, private and social housing stock, age and disrepair, overcrowding, and vacancy. It also considers the profiles of its occupants, particularly household purchasing power and the age of residents. These analyses reveal major trends that illustrate the evolving attractiveness of different regions, with a shift from an industrialized Northeast France to a France of coastal areas, major urban centers, and border regions. The Housing Atlas thus concludes that housing is embedded in complex dynamics that intersect with the challenges of transition, attractiveness, and social cohesion.

Using publicly available data, this Atlas provides the context to guide discussions and rethink local strategies. At a time when the challenges of demographic transition and climate change are accelerating, the Housing Atlas opens up avenues for reflection towards a better planning strategy at both the national and local levels.

For Valérie Létard, Member of Parliament for the 21st constituency of the North: “We are experiencing a serious housing crisis that impacts the daily lives of our citizens: access to employment, education, and, more broadly, the cohesion of our communities. Icade’s Housing Atlas provides valuable insight by showing these realities at the right level: that of local communities. It is from these communities that solutions are developed: better tailoring public policies, supporting the production of social housing, restoring a clear framework for private investment, transforming and renovating existing housing, and addressing mobility and the needs of an aging population. To succeed, we must combine a clear national strategy, detailed local assessments, and renewed trust in elected officials. This Atlas underscores the urgent need for ambitious and collaborative planning.”

According to Olivier Portier, territorial analyst, OPC: "With the support of Icade, OPC contributes through this atlas to providing a systemic understanding of territorial dynamics, thanks to demographic, economic, social, and environmental data. The objective of this atlas is to reveal the underlying logics that structure territories, in order to provide a nuanced view of local balances. To understand housing, one must first understand the territories. Enjoy your reading!"

For Charles-Emmanuel Kühne, Managing Director of Icade Promotion: “As the real estate sector faces an unprecedented crisis, we wanted to create, with Olivier Portier, an overview of the major territorial dynamics of housing. The criteria observed are numerous and contribute to a detailed study of territorial development. This Housing Atlas aims to understand and act locally, identify areas of development potential, explore the emerging trends shaping the territories of tomorrow, and propose a framework for responding appropriately to the diversity of housing needs. This Atlas is a tool for elected officials and those who contribute to building the city: it supports discussions on decentralization and improved land-use planning.”

Illustrative image for the article via Depositphotos.com.