Resumption of new home sales in the first half of the year but the general trend remains downward

In the first half of the year, 70.402 new homes were sold, an increase of 21,6% over one year, but a decrease of 12% compared to the first half of 2019.

"We are far from any catch-up effect," confirmed Marc Villand, president of FPI Île-de-France, and CEO of the Interconstruction group, at a press conference.

With the health crisis, promoters' sales fell by nearly a quarter in 2020, but their difficulties are older. Indeed, their sales have been declining for several years.

Between the second quarter of 2018 and the second quarter of 2021, the commercial supply lost 27,8%, or 32.000 fewer homes in three years. "We will have to wonder about the reasons for this drop," said Marc Villand.

The promoters point out in particular the reluctance of certain local elected officials to issue building permits. "We have a supply problem," said REIT chairman Pascal Boulanger. "The mayors must take back the pens to re-sign building permits," he continued.

While the number of building permits picked up in the second quarter (+ 5,2% compared to 2Q 2020), they have fallen by around a quarter over the past three years.

The listings, an indicator of the level of supply, also fell by 21,1% in the first half compared to the same period in 2019, to 50.571.

Price side, they continue to increase, especially in regions, but since 2020, they increase more slowly than those of old housing. "People are leaving Île-de-France to look for something else," confirmed Marc Villand.