The French want to accelerate the renovation of elevators and access to housing

3 key figures

• 91% of French people believe that elevators over 40 years old need to be renovated (52% of them systematically).
• 72% of French people use an elevator regularly and user satisfaction is improving: availability (7,4/10, best level since 2017), comfort (7,1/10), space (6,9/10).
• 57% of users report having witnessed incivilities in elevators.

A renovation that can no longer wait: a clear political signal sent to decision-makers

The French overwhelmingly express the urgent need for action. According to the barometer, 1 in 2 users believes their elevator dates from before the year 2000. Faced with this situation, expectations are high: 91% of French people believe that an elevator over 40 years old should undergo significant renovation, with 52% believing this should be done systematically.

Moreover, 94% consider the replacement of outdated elevators a priority in building renovations.

But how can this modernization be financed?

This expectation is accompanied by a strong demand for financial planning: 80% are in favour of a mandatory annual provision to finance the modernisation of elevators and 85% of co-owners want the integration of elevators into the Multi-Year Work Plans (PPT).

74% of French people believe that it is up to owners or landlords to invest in modernization. Regarding the method, 46% favor regulatory constraints on owners, while 37% acknowledge the usefulness of voluntary consultation: the French are no longer simply asking for a structured and proactive framework, but are calling for it.

According to Florence Bigé, president of the French Elevator Federation: "The French no longer want half-measures when it comes to modernizing elevators. They now expect a clear framework, shared obligations, and a long-term vision. This is precisely the message that the French Elevator Federation is conveying to the public authorities."

Incivilities: a human and financial cost

The elevator is more than ever an essential part of daily life: 72% of French people use it regularly. And contrary to some preconceived notions, user satisfaction is improving, with an availability score of 7,4/10 – its highest level since 2017 – while trust in maintenance companies stands at 81%, up 8 points compared to 2024. But the barometer also highlights a shift in the debate: 57% of users report having witnessed antisocial behavior in elevators (littering, damage to equipment, inappropriate behavior). This behavior is perceived as responsible for higher maintenance costs (39%), more frequent breakdowns (35%), and premature wear and tear (34%).

Furthermore, for 68% of French people, condominium associations and residents themselves are primarily responsible for raising awareness about respecting equipment in common areas.

For Florence Bigé: "The quality of the service is recognized. The challenge today is a collective one: co-owners, users, landlords and public authorities must act together to preserve this essential facility."

Aging: the elevator is key to remaining at home

With one in three French people expected to be over 60 by 2030, elevators are no longer just a convenience; they are becoming essential for independence. The survey confirms that they are among the most useful amenities for remaining at home for as long as possible, second only to adapted bathrooms. 29% of French people cite them in this context, with 22% considering them their top choice.

For those who see the elevator as a key tool for aging at home, 88% consider the installer's certification as a determining criterion, a sign that the issue of quality and reliability is now fully important in decision-making.

For Florence Bigé: "The elevator is moving beyond the realm of comfort to become part of the policy for the elderly. It is becoming a concrete tool for enabling people to remain in their homes and controlling public spending."

Housing reinvented: the French want elevators from the first floors

The barometer also reveals a notable shift in housing expectations. Among the French for whom an elevator is a decisive factor in their property choices (39% of respondents), 56% consider it essential from the 1st or 2nd floor onwards, well below the thresholds traditionally considered in construction.

This expectation, driven by the aging population and a more demanding conception of urban comfort, directly challenges those involved in planning and construction.

For Florence Bigé: "French expectations are evolving faster than standards. Elevators are becoming a key factor in the attractiveness of housing, even in low-rise buildings, and are establishing themselves as essential elements of an inclusive city. We need to rethink construction standards."

Making elevators a priority in public policy

For the French Elevator Federation, the findings of the barometer now call for concrete decisions: integration of elevator modernization into housing renovation policies, anticipation of the aging of the stock and support for co-ownerships in financing.

For Florence Bigé: "The French have expressed a clear expectation: to adapt housing to demographic changes. It is now up to the public authorities to translate this demand into action. The profession presents proposals in this regard in its Manifesto."

Methodology

Ipsos bva barometer for the French Elevator Federation carried out from March 6 to 10, 2026 with a nationally representative sample of 1.000 French people aged 18 and over.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.