The charm of Brittany has long attracted those dreaming of a seaside escape, but a recent surge in the tax on second homes is making waves among property owners and local communities alike. This year, over 1,600 municipalities nationwide—including many in Brittany—have implemented increases exceeding 50% for the housing tax on second homes, positioning Brittany as the French region with the highest such levies, ahead of Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Pays de la Loire.
A Heavy Hit for Second Home Owners
For people like Laurent Girard and Bruno Le Goff, owning a retirement retreat by Brittany’s picturesque coast was a dream come true. Now, the dramatically increased taxe d’habitation (housing tax) on their vacation property is putting new pressure on their budget. “We’ve always thought of this house as our escape and a future home for our retirement, but the tax hike means we have to reconsider our plans,” says Girard.
Curbing Empty Homes, Funding Local Projects
Municipalities like Cancale—where nearly half the homes are used only part of the year—argue that higher taxes on unoccupied houses can help revitalize small towns. The aim is twofold: encourage owners to keep their properties occupied and generate funds for local infrastructure that benefits permanent residents year-round. “All residents deserve quality services, but we need a solid budget to deliver that,” explains a Cancale official.
A Widespread Initiative Across Brittany
This approach is widely adopted throughout Brittany, with eight out of ten mayors choosing to apply the increased tax rate on vacant homes. The region’s leaders highlight the pressure of maintaining services for growing populations and the need to deter so-called “cold beds” that sit empty for months.
Balancing Community Needs and Tourism Appeal
However, owners and real estate experts warn that excessive taxation could hurt Brittany’s appeal as a tourist hotspot and dampen the real estate market. Striking the right balance between preserving local communities, supporting year-round residents, and welcoming outside investment is proving to be a delicate challenge.
Looking Ahead
In 2025, Brittany will officially be the region with the country’s highest second home tax—an unprecedented move that will be closely watched by both holiday homeowners and destinations hoping to manage seasonal housing more effectively.
Stay tuned for more updates on how France’s evolving property tax policies are shaping the nation’s beloved coastal regions.
