Second homes in Metropolitan France
Second homes in Metropolitan France stood at 3,692 thousands in 2026, according to INSEE – Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques (BDM). It is one of the indicators in the Housing stock and social housing table (Value · Annual), with a complete series running from 1982 to 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Housing stock and social housing table
| Indicator | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of second homes and occasional dwellings - Metropolitan France | 3,692 | 3,670 | 3,657 | 3,625 | 3,592 | 3,567 | 3,534 | 3,494 | 3,466 | 3,420 | |
| Number of vacant dwellings - Metropolitan France | 2,817 | 2,827 | 2,849 | 2,848 | 2,845 | 2,853 | 2,847 | 2,834 | 2,793 | 2,775 | |
| Number of main residences - One-family dwelling - Metropolitan France | 17,167 | 17,095 | 16,992 | 16,898 | 16,797 | 16,675 | 16,588 | 16,490 | 16,353 | 16,240 |
Understanding second homes in Metropolitan France
This measure isolates residential units classified as secondary homes and occasional dwellings across Metropolitan France, capturing properties that are not utilized as primary living quarters. It includes vacation homes, chalets, and city pied-à-terre properties kept ready for periodic use, setting it apart from vacant units intended for rent or sale. Occasional dwellings, which may be occupied briefly for professional or personal reasons without constituting a main home, are also amalgamated into this specific count.
Seasonality plays a major role in regional distribution patterns, though the annual administrative count itself is fixed to a specific reference point to avoid erratic intra-year fluctuations. Analysts should exercise caution when linking this series directly to tourism metrics, as many secondary properties remain empty for substantial portions of the year without entering the short-term rental market. Comparing these figures against primary residence totals requires recognizing that growth in the secondary sector often reflects shifting regional leisure preferences rather than standard demographic expansion.
Frequently asked questions
- What distinguishes a secondary home from an occasional dwelling?
- Secondary homes are typically used for holidays and leisure, whereas occasional dwellings are kept for sporadic professional or personal use without being primary homes.
- Does this series track short-term rental availability?
- It tracks the physical stock of secondary homes but does not measure whether those properties are actively listed on commercial short-term rental platforms.
- Are foreign-owned properties included?
- Yes, any qualifying residential unit located within the territory owned by non-residents is captured if registered as a secondary dwelling.