Housing, a great witness to the new lifestyles of the French

Economic and ecological constraints, evolution of practices: what impacts on the use of housing? Have the 2020 health crisis, the sharp drop in purchasing power or even global warming changed the habits of the French at home since 2020? This is what the QUALITEL Association wanted to know by devoting the 7th edition of its Barometer, produced with IPSOS, to this theme.

3.414 people were interviewed. Teleworking, sport and leisure at home, saving water or energy, work, etc.: focus on the main lessons from the 2023 Qualitel Barometer, which clearly shows the extent to which housing crystallizes changing lifestyles (complete study available here).

Housing, much more than just a roof

The health crisis, the decline in purchasing power, the increase in energy costs, etc., have significantly changed the habits of the French. These developments are particularly felt within housing, which for some has become:

A place of leisure... and work...

Going out for dinner or a drink, going to the cinema, playing sports outside...: the French have reduced their outings. However, they have not abandoned these activities. Many people practice them more and more at home:

28% of those questioned have meals delivered there more frequently, 25% watch films or series there more often, 24% do their sports session(s) there, mainly for reasons of comfort.
61% of teleworkers do more teleworking than 3 years ago. 31% have even set up a dedicated space. Yet, 22% are unhappy with their home office setup.

A source of income for some...

New uses of housing seem to become, for some French people, possible alternatives for tomorrow. For example, make your home a source of additional income, particularly for those under 35, whether they are owners or tenants:

And why not, an intergenerational living space...

Intergenerational housing seems to be an alternative to which some aspire, with however a marked difference between generations: if the idea appeals to 38% of 18-24 year olds, only 19% of those over 70 say they are interested.

When sobriety sets in at home

Whether it is about saving money or reducing their impact on the environment, the French are increasingly vigilant:

They are paying more and more attention to their energy consumption for heating…

There are no small savings, especially when it comes to energy:

Compared to 2020, twice as many French people set the temperature of their main room to less than 2°C in winter.
And when they are away, 50% of those who use their programming device set the temperature to 16° C or less.

…and their water consumption

Water is also a resource to be preserved:

41% of French people take baths less often, mainly to reduce the amount of their bill (67%), but also for ecological reasons (25%).
48% spend less time in the shower, including 90% to save money and 70% for ecological reasons.

Savings that also come through more small gestures on a daily basis...

For example, with regard to household appliances, to save electricity:

36% run them more often during off-peak hours.
32% do separate laundry less often or use less full dishwashers.
And even 8% no longer use their dryer.

…And/or by energy renovation work

Nearly half of owners have already carried out energy renovation work in their home over the last 5 years.

And 45% think they need to do so to improve the energy performance of their home.

But there are still a few obstacles to overcome...

Works, information, mobility..., in this collective and virtuous dynamic, some resistance and difficulties persist:

72% of owners heating with an oil boiler do not intend to replace it.
While a majority of French people have a temperature regulation device, not all use it.
The lack of information persists, limiting possible energy savings. For example, 48% of French people say they do not know or only have a vague knowledge of what the DPE (Energy Performance Diagnosis) is.

For Antoine Desbarrieres, Director of the QUALITEL Association: “This 7th edition of the QUALITEL Barometer is rich in lessons. Health crisis, inflation, climate change... the past 3 years have marked a real turning point, particularly at the housing level. Changes in lifestyles are beginning, new habits appear, other perceptions and uses of housing emerge. For virtuous developments to take hold, it is essential to actively support them. Awareness raising, education, quality information are therefore more necessary than ever. The possible benefits, individually or collectively, are numerous: let's not miss this unique opportunity to combine the economic with the ecological, the pragmatic with the ethical. »

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.