The Housing Paradox

Rural areas face a housing paradox - empty buildings deteriorating while affordable housing remains scarce. Second homes sit vacant most of the year while young families can't find rentals. Renovation costs exceed new construction, but heritage regulations prevent demolition.

"Half our village houses are second homes, empty ten months annually," observes estate agent Pauline Mercier. "Owners won't rent, fearing damage or tenant rights. Young families wanting to settle find nothing available. Empty villages with housing shortages - it's absurd."

Renovation challenges compound problems. "This farmhouse needs new roof, plumbing, electricity, insulation," calculates young buyer Thomas Petit. "Renovation costs exceed buying new construction elsewhere. But planning permission for new builds faces heritage objections. We're trapped between unaffordable restoration and prohibited construction."

Urban refugees with capital inflate prices beyond local affordability. "Parisians selling small apartments buy our best houses with cash," notes longtime resident Claude Martin. "Local youth can't compete. Gentrification isn't just urban phenomenon - it's displacing rural populations too."