One in Four French Households Live in Severely Under-Occupied Homes: Insee Study

A study released by France’s National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (l'Insee) on Tuesday, July 8, reveals that a quarter of French households reside in severely under-occupied homes—defined as having at least three more rooms than actually needed. This phenomenon affects 7.6 million primary residences, 93% of which are single-family houses, with three-quarters of these under-occupied homes exceeding 100 square meters in size.

The data highlights a striking contrast: while many French cities and popular areas grapple with housing shortages, 41% of single-family houses and 4% of apartments remain severely under-occupied. The majority of residents in these homes are over 60 years old, having lived there for more than 20 years. Insee analysts note, “As children move out, these residences may become excessively spacious for their current needs.”

The proportion of severely under-occupied primary residences has risen from 22% in 2006 to 25% in 2022, a trend l'Insee links to population aging. Among “active households” (those with economic activity), farmers—who almost all live in single-family houses—face the most prominent under-occupation issue, with a rate of 44%. This disparity underscores the complex interplay between housing dynamics, demographic shifts, and occupational living patterns in France.