A Study on the Foundations for Continued Growth of French Social Housing and Recent Policy Dilemma

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the characteristics of the generalist social housing model in France, factors behind the continued growth of French social housing, and how current social housing issues are being addressed by the French government. The generalist social housing model is primarily characterized by three ways of supplying social housing, which differentiate target beneficiaries, the government support structure that does not limit the participants in social housing supply initiatives, and the supply ecosystem that provides various solutions to meet the diverse needs of each local community. The continued growth of social housing is attributed to funds raised through savings accounts based on social solidarity, which are then redistributed by CDC, the 1% employer's housing fund and the well-structured governance system. Above all, the French government’s continued expansion of social housing despite changes in time and administration is an achievement and power of the consensus reached by the people, businesses, and political leaders of France. In response to recent issues raised about the effectiveness, efficiency, and distributive equity of social housing sector, the French government came up with various solutions, such as strengthening the qualification standards for beneficiaries, streamlining processes and methods, strengthening the right to housing, increasing protection of vulnerable groups, and narrowing regional gaps. However, a growing number of low-income households, dwindling financial support, and increasing self-financing burdens imposed on suppliers may threaten the sustainability of the generalist model and hamper the expansion of social housing supply.