Nearly 30% of new housing comes from development projects

Nearly three out of ten new homes are produced as part of development projects in France. This is one of the main findings of a study carried out by the Union of Developers (Unam) in partnership with Adéquation, presented on September 2, 2026 at the Grand Palais, during the Planning Trophies ceremony.

According to this survey, 630.900 housing units were authorized in developed areas between 2020 and 2025. This represents an annual average of approximately 105.000 housing units and 29% of total national production.

A relatively stable contribution despite market fluctuations

The proportion of housing units authorized in developed areas remained relatively stable over the period studied, fluctuating between 28% and 30% depending on the year. However, their number followed general construction trends, peaking at over 120.000 units per year in 2021 and 2022.

The results also vary across different regions. The proportion of new housing built through urban development projects ranges from 25% to 36% depending on the area. These projects are particularly significant in western France.

"These figures were eagerly awaited by the entire sector, since until now no recent in-depth analysis had been produced to measure the weight of development in France in the construction of new housing," recalls Nicolas Gravit, president of the Union of Developers.

One third of individual dwellings and one quarter of collective dwellings

The study estimates that 33% of new single-family homes are built in developed areas, representing approximately 48.000 homes per year. This proportion regularly reaches or exceeds 40% in several areas of western France.

In multi-family housing, development projects represent 25% of production, or approximately 45.000 units per year. Their contribution also reaches 31% of the volume of new social rental housing.

These results show that development affects different forms of housing and is not limited to large-scale collective housing projects. It also contributes to the production of single-family homes and social housing.

Operations 49% denser than in the diffuse

According to the French Union of Developers, the density of the studied projects is 49% higher than that of scattered developments. This difference highlights the potential role of urban planning in producing housing while limiting land consumption.

Urban planning operations make it possible to coordinate housing construction with the creation of public spaces, facilities, services, and infrastructure. They can also incorporate objectives of functional and social diversity, adaptation to climate change, and consultation with residents.

“These results demonstrate that urban planning is an essential lever for resolving the housing crisis. Through its ability to address a range of issues (mixed-use development, adaptation to climate change, anticipation of needs and uses, consultation with residents, quality of public spaces, etc.), the urban planner is the best ally of local authorities to support their public policies in the medium and long term. It is not just another operator. Its responsibility is significant and its expertise is highly valued,” according to Nicolas Gravit, President of Unam.

Reconciling housing, heritage and economic development

Present at the presentation of the study, the Minister for Urban Affairs and Housing, Vincent Jeanbrun, stressed the need not to reduce planning to the mere production of built surfaces.

“We are not just building square meters, but places where people can live well,” he declared. According to the minister, “the strength of urban planners lies in finding that delicate balance between economic development, heritage preservation, and housing creation, while integrating the entire residential journey.”