Business · Economy · 6 hrs ago
More French households are choosing to rent rather than buy
In France, 57.3% of households own their homes, but that share has been falling in recent years.
Nearly 40% of households rent, and some renters say they could buy but choose not to.
In Arras, Guillaume Devocelle rents a two-bedroom apartment in the city centre for 580 euros a month, while buying a similar home would cost more each month.
Higher interest rates have made buying harder, and some people are waiting rather than risk settling for a smaller or less suitable home.
Others, including a renter in Paris, say owning a home would bring too much work and expense or limit their freedom to move.
Renting lets some people keep the home and lifestyle they want without taking on those responsibilities.
An estate agent says demand has shifted, with some tenants now choosing cheaper homes farther from city centres.
France’s homeownership rate is falling, with 57.3% of households owning their homes.
Some people who could afford to buy are choosing to rent instead.
Renters cited the cost of buying, a preference for central locations and a desire for flexibility.
Higher interest rates have also led some potential buyers to wait for the market to stabilise.
Nearly 40% of households in France are renters.
- Who
- French households, including renters who choose not to buy.
- What
- More households are renting rather than owning their main home.
- When
- The trend has been observed in recent years; the article was published on 14 October 2026.
- Where
- France, including Arras and Paris.
- Why
- Higher interest rates and personal priorities, including location, flexibility and avoiding the work of owning a home.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Guillaume Devocelle has rented the apartment he wanted in central Arras.
franceinfo published its report on people who do not want to own their main home.
- Homeownership rate
- 57.3% of households
- Renters
- Nearly 40% of households
- Guillaume Devocelle’s rent
- €580 per month
- Guillaume Devocelle’s apartment
- 60 square metres in central Arras
- Guillaume Devocelle’s salary
- €2,500 per month
- Publication date
- 14 October 2026
What people are saying
We have the choice of having the number of square metres we want, the number of rooms we want, and being in a place and setting we like.
I decided not to buy because I find the level of hassle too high.
For me, having my own apartment and a permanent contract is not the priority. I preferred to keep a flexible lifestyle.