Business · Economy · 10 hrs ago
Rising rates make it harder for young people in France to buy homes
A survey found that 62% of people under 35 in France hope to own a home, but only 21% think they can do so in the next few years.
Higher interest rates and larger down payments are making it harder for first-time buyers to qualify financially.
The housing squeeze affects both new homes and older properties, according to a Paris notary.
People who cannot buy may turn to renting, adding pressure to a market where finding a rental can also be difficult.
The notary also said wars and wider crises are creating an anxious climate that weighs on the property market.
Young buyers face fewer realistic paths to secure housing, while the next steps for the market are not specified.
Rising mortgage rates and higher down-payment requirements are making it harder for first-time buyers in France to purchase homes.
An Ipsos BVA survey for franceinfo and Le Figaro Immobilier found that 62% of people under 35 hope to become homeowners, but only 21% think they can do so in the next few years.
Notary Elodie Frémont said the housing crisis is affecting both new-build homes and the existing-home market.
People unable to buy are turning to rentals, adding pressure to a market where finding a home to rent has also become difficult.
Frémont said the rapid rise in rates and an anxiety-inducing wider context are contributing to the problem.
- Who
- Young people and first-time buyers in France.
- What
- Rising rates and higher down-payment requirements are making it harder to buy a home.
- When
- The article was published on 29 October 2026.
- Where
- France.
- Why
- Interest rates and required down payments have risen, while financial and wider uncertainty affects the housing market.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Survey
- Ipsos BVA for franceinfo and Le Figaro Immobilier
- Under-35s hoping to buy
- 62%
- Under-35s who think they can buy in the next few years
- 21%
- Article publication date
- 29 October 2026
What people are saying
It's significantly more difficult, especially for a first-time buyer.
There is a double hurdle in terms of solvency: an increase in interest rates and an increase in the down payment.
The new-build sector is badly damaged.
The rise has been extremely sharp in a very short time.