Housing demand in Nice is soaring while supply remains critically low, with only one in sixteen social housing requests being met. A new local housing plan aims to create 2,800 units annually, including social and affordable housing, yet it still falls short of legal targets. To address unsanitary conditions, a rental permit may be introduced, though the city resists rent regulations, fearing it could worsen vacancy rates in a tourist-heavy area.
The demand for housing in Nice (Alpes-Maritimes) and other metropolitan areas is overwhelming, yet the supply remains critically low. Despite the implementation of previous local housing plans—estimated to have addressed 75% of the needs—only one in sixteen requests has been fulfilled. Last year alone, nearly 30,000 applications for social housing were recorded, highlighting a significant gap in available accommodations.
This situation has been described as a “delayed social bomb” by Anthony Borré, the elected official responsible for housing issues and president of Côte d’Azur Habitat, the region’s primary landlord. In response to the ongoing housing crisis, a new fourth local housing plan was drafted and approved in November. This plan aims to be adopted across 51 metropolitan municipalities, with the goal of “doing even better” in addressing housing shortages, as Borré disclosed during a recent press conference. He acknowledged the extensive delays in housing allocation, stating, “Yes, the allocation delay is too long”.
Strategic Housing Development
The metropolis of Nice has outlined “25 flagship actions” in this five-year plan, which includes a target of creating an additional 2,800 housing units annually. Of these, 1,300 will be designated as “social” housing, with 742 of those located specifically in Nice. However, these figures still fall short of the SRU law’s criteria, which many mayors in the Nice basin have criticized. Borré noted, “With this PLH4, we reach 45% of the SRU law objectives, but it has still been validated by the State… which will then reproach us for it. This shows the Kafkaesque situation we are in.”
In an effort to diversify housing types, 40% of the new properties will be classified as “free” housing, while 20% will be considered “affordable.” These units are intended for civil servants and caregivers who often do not meet social housing criteria yet struggle to find suitable accommodation near their workplaces. Borré expressed confidence in the plan’s figures, stating, “We have debated a lot, these are significant but realistic figures.” He also presented a comprehensive report that has faced criticism from opposition members.
Addressing Unsanitary Housing Conditions
The Nice city hall is contemplating the introduction of a “rental permit,” similar to systems implemented in cities like Toulouse and Marseille. This initiative aims to combat unsanitary housing by ensuring properties are verified for condition before being rented. Borré mentioned, “I want to study it with professionals in at-risk areas,” while clarifying that widespread unsanitary housing is not a belief he holds. He emphasized the need for increased attention to this matter, particularly in the presence of industry professionals who have expressed concerns over potential administrative burdens and the rise of a “gray market.”
Conversely, the city remains resistant to implementing rent regulations, a move that has been adopted by other major cities such as Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Lille. Last year, Mayor Christian Estrosi indicated his initial support for this measure but later retracted his stance. His deputy echoed this sentiment, cautioning against “vertical decisions” and citing “mixed results.” According to him, imposing rent regulations could lead to an increase in vacant housing, as property owners might opt for seasonal rentals instead—an issue the city is already grappling with in its popular tourist region.