Holidays: how heat is redefining our criteria for housing

In recent months, French residents have begun to rethink their criteria for selecting housing due to the relentless heatwaves that have swept through the country. With three consecutive waves of extreme temperatures this summer, many citizens are integrating thermal comfort into their decision-making process when searching for new homes. Factors such as window shutters, air conditioning systems, swimming pools, and sun exposure are now being scrutinized more carefully than ever before. The shift in priorities has been noted by real estate professionals. Joseph Denke, an agent with FredéLion in Paris, observed that the preference for south-facing properties, once highly sought after, is declining. He explained that even in high-rise buildings, interior temperatures can become unbearable during peak heat periods. This change reflects a growing awareness among buyers that livability under extreme conditions is essential. One potential buyer, Camille Couturier, a 30-year-old stagehand, expressed concerns over the heat during his visit to a small 14-square-meter studio. He described the experience as unsettling, noting that living under the roof could pose challenges. As he plans to live in the apartment for at least a decade, he worries about whether it will remain comfortable during future heatwaves. His hesitation highlights a broader trend among prospective homeowners who are increasingly concerned about long-term habitability. According to a study conducted by Pouget Consultants and Ignes, nearly half of all homes in France are considered “thermal boilers”, meaning they retain excessive heat. A survey of 1,750 users on the Le Bon Coin platform revealed that eight out of ten respondents felt discomfort due to high temperatures. These findings have motivated one-third of the surveyed individuals to consider relocation should heatwaves worsen. Sophie Bourg, director of marketing for Le Bon Coin Immobilier, stated that heatwaves are no longer viewed as temporary anomalies but rather as structural elements influencing residential choices. She emphasized that coolness and summer comfort have become essential factors in property selection, transforming them into key considerations for buyers. Real estate experts are reporting a noticeable evolution in buyer preferences. Exposures, floor levels, presence of swimming pools, installation of air conditioning, availability of window shutters, airflow possibilities, outdoor spaces, shaded terraces, and proximity to trees are now central topics of discussion among professionals. Yann Jéhanno, president of Laforêt network, detailed how buyers are no longer satisfied with just energy efficiency ratings. They are asking specific questions about indoor temperatures during past heatwaves, nighttime ventilation options, and sleep quality in bedrooms. This level of scrutiny indicates a fundamental shift in consumer expectations regarding home comfort. Some properties have already suffered from reduced appeal due to these concerns. Christian Tokoto, an agent with Guy Hoquet Paris 5 Maubert, is selling an elegant apartment with large windows in the fifth district. Despite numerous viewings, potential buyers consistently mention the issue of excessive heat because the unit lacks cross-ventilation. The property remains on the market, illustrating the impact of current climate concerns on real estate dynamics. Air conditioning, once a controversial feature, is now widely accepted. According to Laetitia Caron, general director of PAP (Particulier à Particulier), having air conditioning in an apartment is seen as a major advantage, especially considering the complexities of co-ownership. Property owners looking to sell are increasingly highlighting features related to summer comfort, such as air conditioning and window shutters, in their listings.