The partition market is adapting: less volume, more value

On the other hand, the market value is holding up better (-5% only), supported by inflation in production costs and by the gradual upgrading of the supply.

New construction in sharp contraction

Historically a driving force, new construction has collapsed since 2022, limiting opportunities for the partition market. Construction starts, in both residential and non-residential sectors, have declined sharply. Maintenance and renovation initially took over, boosted by the MaPrimeRénov' scheme and stimulus packages, but the abrupt slowdown in transactions in the existing housing market (-31% between 2021 and 2024) and the temporary suspension of subsidies in 2025 have hampered this momentum.

Non-residential housing: between change and a wait-and-see attitude

In the office sector, the transformation of workspaces (flexible offices, modularity, self-contained pods) is supporting demand for modular partitions and movable walls. However, the decline in new construction, the gradual halt of projects related to the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and economic uncertainty have limited the scope of these positive trends. Redeveloping vacant office spaces offers opportunities, but these are insufficient to compensate for the overall weakness in investment.

A market structured around dry and wet partitions

The French market remains largely dominated by dry and wet partitions, particularly plasterboard, which enjoys a strong presence in both residential and commercial buildings. Their success stems from their ease of installation, the large pool of trained professionals, well-established construction practices, and an attractive price-performance ratio. Upgrades to higher-end products—in terms of acoustics, safety, and design—further strengthen their position. Meanwhile, modular partitions occupy a significant place in offices, driven by the need for flexible office layouts, while movable walls remain a niche segment focused on the modularity of spaces in offices and public access buildings.

Prospects for recovery from 2027 onwards

In the medium term, the signs are more encouraging. The partition market is expected to return to gradual growth from 2027 onwards, driven by an anticipated recovery in new construction, the continuation of energy renovation programs, and the increasing use of reused materials. Societal and environmental trends will continue to shape demand, placing added value at the heart of manufacturers' strategies.

A study that has just been published

In November 2025, MSI Reports published a detailed study on the Partitions market in France.

With 239 pages and 131 tables and graphs, MSI Reports provides an in-depth analysis of market developments in France in 2024 and 2025, with historical data from 2019 and forecasts up to 2030. The study also includes an analysis of the competitive landscape and profiles of 25 manufacturers.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.