Rental housing: the pressure remains very high despite an increase in supply in the first half of 2026

According to data published Thursday by the real estate listings portal Bien'ici, the volume of housing available for rent in France increased by 12,5% ​​in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.

For its part, the real estate group Foncia recorded a more moderate increase, with a stock of rental properties up 3% in the first six months of the year.

The rental supply is still far too insufficient.

This development represents a "slight improvement in 2026," but it doesn't compensate for historically low supply levels, emphasizes David Benbassat, president of Bien'ici. According to the platform, the number of available rental properties in France has halved since 2019.

The situation remains particularly worrying in major urban areas. "Tensions are extreme in the ten largest metropolitan areas," with a 56% drop in rental supply over seven years, continued David Benbassat. Small apartments, especially studios, remain highly sought after and are insufficient to meet demand.

Another telling indicator of this tension: Bien'ici now observes more studios offered for sale than for rent, a reversal of the trend compared to the situation observed before 2023.

Tenants who stay longer in their homes

The slowdown in housing turnover also contributes to the scarcity of available properties. According to Foncia, the average tenancy length has increased by several months. Tenant departures have decreased by 7% in one year, resulting in a projected 2,5% drop in the housing turnover rate by 2026.

"We lack rental properties and properties that are turning over," added the president of Bien'ici.

In Paris, the situation remains particularly tense. Foncia reports currently having "only 70 available rental properties," even as students begin their search for accommodation for the start of the academic year. "The rental housing crisis is deep, long-lasting, and structural. In 54 years, we've never seen anything like it," worries Zahir Keenoo, president of Foncia ADB.

A mixed improvement depending on the region

Bien'ici's analysis, however, is a little more nuanced regarding the capital. The platform notes a 25% decrease in the Parisian rental market since 2019, while observing a gradual improvement in the situation over the past two years.

According to Régis Sebille, head of research at Bien'ici, "We are seeing a return of seasonal rental properties to the market." He specifies, however, that these properties, often furnished and offered at higher rents, do not necessarily meet the expectations or financial means of the residents.

Professionals expect concrete results from government measures.

The government's initiatives to support private investment in rental housing have been welcomed by Bien'ici and Foncia. However, their impact on the market remains limited at this stage. According to Zahir Keenoo, the "implementation" of these measures into real-world effects remains "very slow."

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.