Housing is unsuitable for heatwaves, estimates one in two French people who suffer from them

Among French people who have suffered from heat in their homes over the past ten years, 57% believe that their home is not well-suited to heatwaves, according to an Ipsos survey conducted for the Qualitel association, which certifies the quality of housing, published a few days ago.

Among people who live in homes without outdoor space, 70% even consider themselves poorly protected against extreme heat, a phenomenon that will multiply and intensify under the effect of climate change.

Among the 3.680 people surveyed by Ipsos, 74% had experienced extreme heat and 66% had difficulty tolerating the high temperature in their homes.

The survey was conducted between April and May 2025, before this summer's heat waves, said Estelle Chandèze, deputy director at Ipsos.

Respondents said they were more affected in their homes by heat (56%) than by cold (48%). A further 56% had experienced drought, 56% by hail, 55% by storms and 33% by floods.

"All regions are affected" by these climatic hazards and the proportion of people affected "is high everywhere," notes Estelle Chandèze.

Some 15% of French people surveyed believe that they will be forced to move within 20 years due to climate hazards, which worry 42% of those surveyed.

This awareness is even more pronounced among young people under 25, 28% of whom think they will have to move.

To protect their homes, 43% of owners are considering, or have already installed, thermal insulation, 32% are installing a rainwater recovery system, 29% are reinforcing the roof and 28% are installing shutters or sunshades.

To combat the heat in your home, installing air conditioning comes before installing shutters, but behind ventilation.

During the conference presenting this barometer, architect Ingrid Taillandier welcomed the emergence of charters, adopted by cities or social landlords, imposing sunshades or dual orientation of housing to facilitate ventilation.

"East-west orientation has long been promoted, but be careful with western exposure, which is the worst for heatwaves, because the evening sun's rays penetrate deeper into the home. You have to be very vigilant and protect western exposures from the sun," she explained.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.