History of social housing in France
Open-knowledge reference entry
Social housing in France refers to publicly or privately initiated housing intended for people with modest incomes who face difficulties accessing the private market. The term covers the construction, occupation, and management of this housing stock. It originates from workers’ housing, which historically took collective, grouped, or individual forms. By the end of 2008, social rental housing represented 17% of main residences, with a total of 4.3 million units.
The history of social housing in France dates back to the late 18th century. In the 19th century, various initiatives emerged that eventually led to public financing of social housing in the 20th century and later to the DALO law. This history is generally divided into four main periods: the precursors (1775–1880s), the development of low-cost housing and the first laws (1880s–1920s), the era of large-scale construction (1920s–1970s), and legislative developments (1970s–2000s).
According to a study by the Banque des Territoires in 2025, building new or renovated social housing seems impossible given the budgetary equation in France.
The time of the precursors
Concern for housing low-income families has ancient origins. Two thousand years ago, Roman patricians built dwellings for their clients, the plebeians, who were lower-class citizens distinct from slaves.
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