Modular Homes: One of Rising Real Estate Trends in France
As property prices soar, prospective homeowners in France are embracing expandable homes, offering flexibility and affordability for future needs.
In the face of soaring property prices, prospective homeowners are increasingly gravitating towards modular houses, ingeniously designed for future expansions. For those unable to secure their dream abode, these innovative structures present a tantalizing opportunity to extend their living spaces down the line. A growing number of developers in France are marketing homes specifically tailored for this purpose, effectively alleviating initial financial burdens.
These properties often feature modular designs, with architects incorporating additional wiring and plumbing from the outset, thereby facilitating future room additions with minimal disruption. Recent changes in French planning laws have further simplified the process of obtaining approval for such extensions, particularly when it comes to adding extra storeys.
However, the reality of these extension plans can sometimes diverge from expectations. A notable case is a 2016 housing development in Chanteloup-en-Brie (Seine-et-Marne), which proudly showcased 35 properties engineered for enlargement. Despite the initial fanfare, a recent follow-up by a France 2 TV reporter revealed that none of the homeowners had yet embarked on their planned expansions. The primary obstacle cited was the steep rise in costs—what was once estimated at €35,000 for a storey addition has now ballooned to €50,000.
While many of these extension-ready homes are constructed from wood, one particularly innovative design, known as Cubik-Home, crafted by David Damichy of Magny-Cours (Nièvre), utilizes prefabricated concrete units. These units boast walls a mere 5cm thick, to which an additional 18cm of internal insulation can be affixed. Manufactured in a factory, each unit measures a maximum of 10m by 4m and is assembled on-site. Most homeowners opt for flat roofs, although sloped roofs are also an option, with the wooden framework resting atop the walls. Pricing for these modular homes begins at approximately €1,500 per square meter.
In a bid to combat urban sprawl, the French government is also advocating for the utilization of large gardens as sites for new homes. Périgueux in Dordogne stands out as a pioneering town, offering guidance and support with planning requirements for those contemplating such a move.
Modular Homes: One of Rising Real Estate Trends in France
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