More than 8 out of 10 French people associate home security with peace of mind, according to a study.

Even today, far more than just a place to live, it stands out as an intimate and personal landmark: 88% of French people say they can be fully themselves there and 80% say they feel better there than anywhere else.

In a daily life often perceived as more demanding or anxiety-inducing, the home also appears as a space that is built over time: 34% of French people see it as a fundamental or vital need, while 27% consider it a place that evolves with them. Finally, when it comes to protecting it, the desire for reassurance is strong: 84% believe that a secure home directly contributes to their daily peace of mind.

The home, a space of balance and refuge

For the French, the home goes far beyond its mere function as a dwelling. Much more than an address or shelter, it constitutes an intimate anchor, an extension of oneself, and a true foundation of personal equilibrium. Those surveyed describe it primarily as "an intimate/personal space" (50%), "a place of rest and relaxation" (44%), and "a place of security" (33%).

The functional aspect of housing thus takes a back seat to an emotional connection. Home appears as a protective space, conducive to calm, refocusing, and self-expression: 88% of French people feel they can be fully themselves there, 86% feel safe, and 87% consider it essential to their personal well-being. It also stands out as the ultimate place of well-being: 80% say it's where they feel better than anywhere else. When they close their door behind them, the dominant feelings are calm (48%), well-being (45%), and relaxation (44%).

However, the study highlights different perceptions depending on the profile. Renters express the vital importance of home more than homeowners, while people with the lowest incomes more often mention a feeling of isolation and a lower level of well-being.

Home is also perceived as a personal and evolving construct. When asked, "For you, having a home is first and foremost…," 34% of French people consider it a fundamental or vital need, while 27% see it as a place that one builds and that evolves with oneself. This view surpasses more functional perceptions, such as the idea of ​​a marker of stability (16%) or a simple practical necessity (9%).

According to Stéphanie Morel, Director of Studies at Ipsos.Digital: “This study shows that the French maintain a deeply emotional and identity-based relationship with their homes. Home is not simply a place to live: it is a space for rejuvenation, grounding, and self-expression. In a social and daily context sometimes marked by uncertainty and tension, it becomes a true anchor, both protective and essential to personal balance.”

A need for protection and human support

Because home is experienced as an intimate and reassuring space, leaving it raises significant concerns. During prolonged absences, 42% of French people primarily fear burglary or intrusion, far ahead of fire (12%) or water damage (8%).

Perceptions vary depending on individual profiles, particularly age and type of housing, but a common expectation emerges: to preserve this personal sanctuary and avoid being left alone in the face of an incident. Thus, 43% believe that protecting their home is primarily about being able to leave with peace of mind, while 84% affirm that knowing their home is protected enhances their daily serenity.

In this quest for reassurance, human presence plays a central role: 79% of respondents consider it important to have real people behind the service, with 41% seeing it as essential and 38% as reassuring. In the event of an alert, the French primarily want to be able to rely on a contact person who is reachable, capable of understanding the situation, and able to act quickly.

According to Jean-Pierre Deleplanque, Deputy Director of IMA Protect: “This study shows that home protection goes beyond securing material possessions. Protecting one's home is first and foremost about preserving a living space, familiar landmarks, routines, and the peace of mind of those who live there. While the French recognize the usefulness of technology, they do not intend to delegate their security entirely to impersonal systems. When an alert is triggered, nothing replaces the attentive listening, sound judgment, and responsiveness of the experts mobilized to support our clients.”

In this logic, IMA Protect defends a vision of home protection based on proximity, availability and peace of mind: a service designed to reassure on a daily basis as well as in sensitive moments.

[1] Study carried out by Ipsos.Digital with a nationally representative sample of 1.000 French men and women, aged 18-75 years, by self-administered online questionnaire from April 3 to 7, 2026.

Image illustrating the article via Depositphotos.com.