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Weekly Building News
2026 - Week 31
Highlights
 
Real estate: the number of homes for sale increased by 10,4% year-on-year
Conjuncture
According to an analysis by eXp France based on listings published on SeLoger, the number of homes offered for sale in France increased by 10,4% between June 2025 and June 2026. This increase represents 81.625 additional properties and expands the choice offered to buyers. Read more
 
MaPrimeRénov': applications for aid for major renovations have fallen by nearly 80% in one year
Study / Review / Report
Just over 20.000 major renovation applications were submitted in the first half of 2026, compared to 95.000 a year earlier. The National Housing Agency attributes this decline to reduced subsidies and the wait-and-see attitude triggered by the announcement of France's electrification plan. Read more
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In a nutshell
 
Decarbonizing buildings: TerraWater takes stock of twenty years of public policies
Study / Review / Report
Following the close of the public consultation on the third National Low-Carbon Strategy (SNBC 3) on July 5, 2026, the TerraWater Institute is publishing two studies dedicated to the decarbonization of the building stock. The first analyzes the role of energy renovation over the past twenty years, while the second formulates twenty proposals to accelerate the electrification of buildings. Read more
 
Tile roof renovation: a market that remains sluggish at the start of 2026
Study / Assessment / Report by FFTB
The 14th Observatory of Tile Roof Renovation, published by the French Federation of Tiles and Bricks (FFTB), reports stable activity, but without a real recovery. Conducted from January 14 to March 20, 2026, among nearly 800 professionals, the survey predates the economic repercussions of the conflict in the Middle East mentioned by the federation. Read more
 
Road risk: only 21% of managers of very small and small businesses know that it is the leading cause of work-related deaths
Study / Assessment / Report by MMA
The 11th MMA–Ifop barometer[1] on occupational road risk reveals a still limited awareness of this issue among managers of companies with 1 to 49 employees. Only 21% identify road risk as the leading cause of work-related fatalities, while 78% admit to having already engaged in at least one dangerous driving behavior. Read more
 
New housing: construction starts jump by nearly 30% in the first half of 2026
Conjuncture
Housing permits fell by 4,8% in June after several highly volatile months, but remain up 4,2% for the first half of the year. Construction starts are up nearly 30% year-on-year, but this hasn't reversed the crisis in the new-build sector: permits granted over twelve months remain 8% below their five-year average. Read more
 
Existing properties: recovery slows with 949.000 sales by the end of May 2026
Conjuncture
The existing home market continues its recovery, but at a slower pace than at the beginning of the year, according to the economic outlook report published in July 2026 by the Notaries of France. Stable prices and negotiations between sellers and buyers are helping to maintain a still fragile balance. Read more
 
Construction materials: the war in Iran and climate hazards are hindering recovery
Conjuncture by UNICEM
After four years of declining volumes, 2026 was expected to mark the beginning of a recovery in the construction materials sector. However, according to UNICEM, the economic consequences of the war in Iran, along with adverse weather conditions and heat waves, hampered this recovery in the first half of the year, despite a rebound in building permits and construction starts. Read more
 
Photovoltaics, social housing, substandard housing: what changes with the new simplification decree
Legislation
Published on July 28 in the Official Journal, decree no. 2026-674 brings together 30 measures concerning, in particular, urban planning, construction, housing, and the environment. For the building sector, it modifies the procedures applicable to photovoltaic projects, the calculation of social housing obligations, and structural assessments of dilapidated buildings. Read more
 
Forest fires: exceptional measures for victims and businesses
Climate
In response to the forest fires affecting the Gironde, Landes, and Var regions, the government and insurers announced exceptional measures on Monday, July 27, regarding rehousing, claims processing, and partial unemployment benefits. Simultaneously, the Capeb (Confederation of Craftspeople and Small Businesses in the Building Sector) and the FFB (French Building Federation) have established mutual aid and support programs for affected construction companies. The total cost of the damage cannot yet be estimated. Read more
 
Forest fires: private forest owners demand more resources and a 50-meter no-build zone
Climate
Following the fire that ravaged over 42.000 hectares in the Gironde region, the Fransylva federation asserts that forest owners are already working to adapt their forests to climate change. It calls for the reinstatement of funding for forest regeneration, improved enforcement of mandatory brush clearing, and the creation of buffer zones in urban planning documents. Read more
 
Building-integrated photovoltaics: developers call for two dedicated tenders before 2027
Energy
A group of photovoltaic developers is raising concerns about the replacement of tenders dedicated to buildings, rooftops, and carports with technologically neutral procedures. Believing this timeline threatens project financing and jobs in the sector, they are calling on the government to publish two 300 MWp "building" tenders before the 2027 presidential election. Read more
 
Nexity: Housing reservations fall by 10% in the first half of 2026
Company News by Nexity
Nexity recorded 3.858 housing reservations in the first half of 2026, a 10% year-on-year decrease. Sales to first-time buyers fell by 26% in a geopolitical context deemed unfavorable by the developer, while reservations from individual investors increased by 16%. Read more
 
Bouygues announces a 66% increase in net profit for the first half of the year and confirms its outlook for 2026
Company News by Bouygues Construction
Bouygues recorded a net income attributable to the group of €287 million in the first half of 2026, a 66% year-on-year increase despite the exceptional contribution imposed on large companies. However, its revenue declined by 2,2% to €26,3 billion, while the group maintained its annual targets. Read more
 
Basilica of Saint-Denis: Stéphane Bern will lead the reconstruction
Cultural heritage
Stéphane Bern was elected on Thursday, July 23, as president of the association that is leading the reconstruction of the spire and the north tower of the Saint-Denis cathedral basilica, but without the vote of the Insoumis mayor Bally Bagayoko, who had argued that this presidency previously belonged to the mayor of the city. Read more
 
Energy renovation: three executives sentenced to prison for deceptive business practices
Justice decision
The Orléans Court of Appeal has definitively sentenced three executives belonging to the same network of energy renovation companies to prison terms of three years, two and a half years, and eighteen months. The investigation, launched following complaints from consumers, also led to €70.000 in fines and the seizure of assets with a total value of €700.000. Read more
 
Manufacturers and Distributors
 
MaPrimeRénov': Window and door manufacturers request that aid for window replacement be maintained
News Organization by UFME
Following the National Housing Council's unfavorable opinion on the proposed removal of certain renovation work from the MaPrimeRénov' grant program, the French Window and Door Manufacturers' Association (Union des Fabricants de Menuiseries de Fenêtres) is calling on the government to maintain the window replacement subsidy. The trade association emphasizes the anticipated benefits for households, energy efficiency improvements, and the French window and door industry. Read more
 
Rairies Montrieux unveils its new visual identity
News Manufacturer by Rairies Montrieux
Brick, tile, and brick manufacturer Rairies Montrieux has adopted a new logo and graphic identity centered around anthracite black, terracotta, and white. This redesign, being rolled out gradually across all its materials, supports the company's growth ambitions in France and internationally. Read more
 
Edilians is investing nearly 7 million euros to decarbonize its factory in Saint-Geours-d'Auribat
News Manufacturer by Edilians
The terracotta tile manufacturer has modernized the kiln and heat recovery equipment at its factory in the Landes region. After several months of operation, Edilians announces an 11% reduction in gas consumption on the production line, corresponding to 1.000 tonnes of CO₂ avoided each year. Read more
 
Ecocem is installing the main equipment for its future ACT cement plant in Dunkirk.
News Manufacturer by Ecocem
The four silos and the ball mill for the future ACT cement production unit have been installed at the Ecocem site in Dunkirk. The company maintains its target commissioning date of the end of 2026, with a projected capacity exceeding 300.000 tonnes per year. Read more
 
Gedibois reaches 60 points of sale with two new locations
Distributor News
The arrival of Drouaire Bois in Chelles and the opening of a third sales outlet by Anjou Maine Couverture in Évron bring the number of Gedibois locations to 60. Launched in 2008 by Gedicoop, the brand is thus continuing the development of its network of independent merchants specializing in wood and wood-based products. Read more
Videos
 
Create the screwed-on side finish of a wooden deck using the Profildeck® range
Video by Jouplast®
This video showcases the accessories in the JOUPLAST PROFILDECK® range for creating a screwed-on lateral finish on a wooden deck. It details the use of aluminum joists, brackets, and appropriate screws to neatly close the sides of the structure with wooden decking boards. Read more
 
PP58/11-06 Rainwater Harvesting Pump | Installation and Presentation | SIMOP Aquamop
Video by Simop
Influencers unbox the latest smartphones or the newest hyaluronic acid cream... At SIMOP, they unbox shoes. Today, Gérald is in unboxing mode! Read more
 
Can PIR be recycled?
Video by Recticel Insulation
Ward Dhaese provides a clear answer: yes, and in an innovative way. Thanks to years of research, Recticel Insulation has now mastered this technology on an industrial scale. Read more
 
He's got the RED SPIRIT! Thibaut - Sector Manager, SMAC Assistance Service
Video by SMAC
The main figure in this video, Thibaut, presents his role as a sector manager at SMAC Assistance Service in Normandy, encompassing everything from team safety to business development. He also shares his internal career progression since 2017 and testifies to his passion for teamwork and the diversity of his daily work. Read more
 
The film of the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec 2026 with Tiphaine Ragueneau!
Video by Orcom
One season, one injury, four stages, thousands of miles covered… and a determination that never wavered. For her second season on the Figaro Paprec circuit with ORCOM, Tiphaine Ragueneau – Navigator – experienced an intense adventure. Read more
 
What if we finally unlocked eco-renovation in France?
Video by sofinco
In this new episode of Real Estate Deciphered, Laurent Permasse, Director of Sofinco Eco-Transition, explains why the real challenge of eco-renovation is no longer to convince the French, but to enable them to realize their projects. Read more
 
Pisto40CT in action
Video by ATDV
This video demonstrates the ATDV Pisto40-CT, a portable automatic rebar tying tool, in action. It illustrates the efficiency and speed of this tool for automatically tying metal reinforcement bars and wire mesh in reinforced concrete. Read more
 
How to seal a threaded fitting? | Filjoint tutorial, NF-RAC certified Gas
Video by GEB
Are you looking for a simple, quick and reliable solution to seal your threaded fittings in plumbing, heating or gas? Discover in this video how to use FILJOINT, an impregnated sealing thread designed to ensure the watertightness of metal and plastic threaded fittings. Read more
Products and Materials
 
Lift Up by Balsan: a new low-carbon carpet tile designed for office spaces
New product by Balsan
Balsan launches Lift Up, a 50 x 50 cm carpet tile for offices, equipped with the bio-sourced BioBack backing. Made from ECONYL® regenerated polyamide, it combines glue-free installation, acoustic performance, and a declared carbon footprint of 2,74 kg CO₂e/m² within its production area. Read more
 
Homematic IP offers its home automation touchscreen controls in wireless versions.
Range evolution by Homematic IP
German manufacturer eQ-3 is launching two Homematic IP wall-mounted displays with wireless connectivity, designed primarily for renovations and home automation systems lacking bus wiring. However, this wireless connection does not eliminate the need for a 230V power supply with a neutral conductor. Read more
 
Storistes de France is bringing together its aluminum windows under the Pléiade brand.
Range evolution by French storists
Storistes de France has now grouped its aluminum windows, French doors and bay windows under the Pléiade brand. The product range is structured around three configurations — Infinite Opening, Concealed Opening and Visible Opening — which are distinguished by their design, glazed surface and thermal and acoustic performance. Read more
 
Roller shutters: Somfy upgrades its RS100 Solar io solar motor with a 15-year battery life
Evolution produced by Somfy
Somfy has upgraded its RS100 Solar io solar motor for roller shutters with a NiMH battery whose advertised lifespan has been extended from 8 to 15 years. According to the manufacturer, this upgrade reduces the carbon footprint of the entire motor-panel-battery system by 35% over a 15-year cycle. Read more
 
NF Windows Certification: a single name and 27 new wood species included
Test / Trial / Certification by FCBA
FCBA and the Scientific and Technical Center for Building (CSTB) have combined their certification marks under the common name "NF Fenêtres" (NF Windows), with the certifying body remaining specific depending on the materials concerned. Approved on April 24, 2026, FCBA's new standard for wood and wood-aluminum composite windows also incorporates 27 additional wood species. Read more
 
Projects and Achievements
 
Renovation of the Montparnasse Tower: a first meeting to try to unblock the project
Project
The main co-owners of the Montparnasse Tower were brought together on Monday, July 27, by the Mayor of Paris, Emmanuel Grégoire. This initial meeting is intended to help resolve internal disagreements that threaten the start of the renovation, as the building permit expires at the end of November. Read more
 
In Bordeaux, Terres de Bastide is launching its first phase of 328 student accommodations
Construction site
The first phase of the Terres de Bastide development has entered its operational phase within the Bastide Niel mixed development zone in Bordeaux. Developed by Legendre Immobilier, Aquipierre, and Aire Nouvelle, the project includes a student residence with 328 units and a public parking garage with 392 spaces, with the first units expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2028. Read more
 
Grenoble: The Perret Tower reopens to the public after 66 years of closure
Achievement
Built in 1925 by architect Auguste Perret, the Perret Tower in Grenoble reopened to the public on July 11, 2026, after a €15,5 million restoration project. Listed as a historical monument, this 90-meter reinforced concrete structure had been inaccessible to visitors since 1960. Read more
 
In Rome, the lions of the French embassy are getting a makeover
Achievement
Hundreds of lion heads carved during the Renaissance under the direction of Michelangelo revealed their former splendor on Friday, July 10, on the facade of the Palazzo Farnese, the seat of the French Embassy in Rome, at the end of five years of restoration. Read more
 
AG Real Estate France delivers the Marceau building in Bas-Montreuil: 8.900 m² of new offices in a true oasis of coolness
Achievement
AG Real Estate France has delivered Marceau, an 8.900 m² office building which it is marketing in the Bas-Montreuil business park, near Vincennes. The project combines mixed-use development, quality of life, and a village atmosphere. Read more
Products of the week

Welcoming wildlife into parks

All-glass window guardrail

Innovative, low-carbon solar cladding

Reinforced sealing system

Nat'H

France

air-booster

tramico

FREE Security Registry*

Architectural lighting - LED chandelier

The swivel column that frees up space

BIM modeling software for architecture

Deemply

ACTiLED

Burgbad

Graphisoft
 
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