France’s real estate market is starting 2026 on a positive note, showing signs of recovery after a challenging couple of years. Even so, the housing shortage continues to be a pressing issue across the country.
Faster Sales and Renewed Buyer Interest
Properties priced right are now selling at lightning speed. Take the recent example from Seine-et-Marne: a 100-square-meter house listed at €329,000 received ten phone calls within just two hours of being put on the market. According to local agents, well-priced properties are currently selling within 15 days to a month — a stark contrast to the six to nine months it often took to close a sale just two years ago.
A Surge in Sales Volume
Statistics back up this renewed momentum. In 2025, home sales climbed sharply, with 929,000 properties changing hands — an 11% increase compared to the previous year. This uptick is largely credited to mortgage interest rates stabilizing between 3.25% and 3.5%, making buying more accessible for many families.
Projections for 2026 are even more optimistic, with an estimated 980,000 homes expected to be sold by year’s end. If achieved, this would mark an impressive resurgence in the French property market.
Housing Crisis Still Shadowing the Market
Despite the surge in activity, the underlying housing crisis remains. High demand continues to outstrip available supply, pushing many prospective buyers and renters to act quickly when homes do appear on the market.
What Buyers and Sellers Should Know
If you’re considering buying or selling property in France in 2026, be prepared for a fast-moving market — and for strong competition, especially for well-located or reasonably priced homes. While rising transaction numbers are a welcome sign for the market, the persistent housing shortage means that finding the right property can still be a challenge.
Key Takeaway
The real estate rebound in 2026 brings both hope and challenges. Buyers benefit from stabilized interest rates and renewed activity, while sellers enjoy quicker turnaround times. However, the ongoing housing crisis means competition remains fierce, and acting quickly is more important than ever.
For the latest updates and expert insights on France’s real estate trends in 2026, keep following our news coverage.
