A new wave is reshaping the French real estate market: wellbeing is now top of mind for homebuyers, eclipsing traditional financial factors. According to a Notariat Services study (Nov. 2025, 1,146 respondents), a staggering 94% of French people consider their home a cornerstone of their psychological balance. Home is no longer “just a roof”—it’s a sanctuary for mental health.
Wellbeing Becomes Essential in Choosing a Home
Today’s buyers look well beyond price per square meter. Natural light is a must-have, with 66% saying it directly lifts their mood. Living spaces matter too: the living room is the heart of happiness for nearly two thirds (64%) of respondents, far ahead of kitchens or bedrooms. The surrounding environment is crucial as well—38% rank a peaceful neighborhood as their top criterion, and 20% give priority to proximity to green spaces.
Home as Emotional Sanctuary—And Source of Complexity
Coming home is deeply emotional: 47% immediately feel relief and safety, while another 47% find comfort growing over time. Many (54%) say their relationship with their home is “fulfilling and recharging.” But it’s not perfect—36% feel lonely at home multiple times a week, and 11% describe the relationship as “toxic” or exhausting.
Key Pillars of Real Estate Wellbeing
- Natural Light: 58% would pay more for a brighter home. Good daylight is no longer a luxury, it’s become a mental health necessity.
- Plenty of Social Space: Spacious living rooms facilitate connection and reduce feelings of isolation.
- Neighborhood Environment: Peace, nature, and local life matter more than transport or even relative proximity, highlighting the importance of a supportive ecosystem.
Human Touch Remains Vital, Even as AI Grows
Despite the rise of artificial intelligence in real estate, the human aspect is non-negotiable. While AI can analyze property data, buyers increasingly want personalized support that understands their emotions and life stories. In fact, 62% are in favor of home purchases guided by notaries who consider psychological wellbeing, not just paperwork.
Transforming Real Estate: From Investment to Emotional Wellbeing
This shift is more than a trend; it’s a societal upheaval. The French are openly weighing mental health just as much as financial security when choosing a home. Sunlight, space, and atmosphere are the new luxury, driving a new standard for real estate agents and notaries to follow.
Takeaway for France’s Housing Market
The message is clear: choosing your home means choosing your mental health. The next era of French housing is about comfort, connection, and calm—beyond bricks and mortar. For buyers and industry professionals alike, real estate wellbeing is here to stay.
For more on real estate trends and homebuying wellness in France, stay tuned to our latest reports and market insights.
