Cannes hosts MIPIM 2025: Valérie Létard's announcements to revitalize real estate

Last week, Cannes was the global center of real estate as it hosted MIPIM 2025. During this event, housing minister Valérie Létard presented several measures aimed at boosting construction and real estate investment in response to rising interest rates and a slowing market.

Key announcements

Simplifying procedures: A forthcoming decree will reduce delays and ease regulations for developers. Converting office spaces into housing will be facilitated without modifying local urban plans (PLU).

• Support for municipalities: €100 million will be allocated to help mayors finance public infrastructure necessary for new housing developments.

• Easier homeownership: The zero-interest loan program will be expanded in April 2025, and a tax exemption will allow families to transfer up to €300,000 to help finance a home purchase.

• Urban renewal: Tax exemptions for office-to-housing conversions and a €230 million fund for rehabilitating urban wastelands will be implemented.

Expected impact

The government aims to finance 15,000 additional housing units, build 116,500 social housing units, and rehabilitate 667 wastelands to create 29,000 new homes. These measures are designed to accelerate projects and address France’s housing crisis. The key challenge will be their implementation and impact on the market.