Real Estate in Brittany: Towards a Greener and More Attractive Market in 2025?
Context and Current Trends
The Breton real estate market is undergoing significant changes due to various socio-economic and environmental factors. Brittany is attracting a growing number of buyers, especially city dwellers looking for a quieter lifestyle, better air quality, and more affordable prices compared to major French metropolitan areas. Rennes, a dynamic and well-connected city thanks to the high-speed train (LGV), remains a major attraction, while coastal cities like Saint-Malo, Vannes, and Quimper are experiencing strong demand for secondary residences and family homes.
Since the COVID-19 crisis, remote work has reshaped buyers' expectations. Many now prioritize houses with gardens and outdoor spaces, driving up prices in rural and suburban areas. However, Brittany is not immune to market pressures: demand exceeds supply, prices are rising, and the scarcity of buildable land is becoming a major challenge.
Impact of New Regulations
RE2020 and the Green Transition
The implementation of the 2020 Environmental Regulation (RE2020) imposes new constraints on developers and builders. The goal is to promote low-carbon buildings and encourage the use of bio-based materials. In Brittany, where stone and wooden houses are common, this represents an opportunity to develop more eco-friendly housing.
Net Zero Land Artificialization (ZAN)
The ZAN law aims to limit urban sprawl and preserve natural spaces. This leads to new restrictions on new constructions, encouraging investors and individuals to focus on renovating older buildings. Cities like Brest and Lorient are investing in the rehabilitation of historic districts to align with these new requirements.
Impact on the Rental Market
New energy standards could affect the value of rental properties. Energy-inefficient buildings are becoming less attractive, and landlords must undertake renovations to comply with the new regulations. Government incentives such as MaPrimeRénov’ and eco-PTZ (zero-interest eco-loan) play a key role in this market transformation.
The Second-Home Market and the Remote Work Effect
Brittany is a popular destination for second homes. However, the rise in purchases by non-residents is creating local tensions, especially in coastal towns. Some municipalities are considering regulating short-term rentals to prevent housing shortages for permanent residents.
Remote work is amplifying this trend, increasing interest in rural towns with good rail connections and strong digital infrastructure. Cities like Dinan and Concarneau are benefiting from this new dynamic.
Investment and Future Outlook
Which sectors are the most promising in Brittany? Investors are turning to eco-friendly housing and neighborhoods undergoing redevelopment.
Urban transformation is becoming a priority, with investments in more sustainable and connected housing.
The development of soft mobility (bike lanes, enhanced public transport) also influences real estate choices.
Global Real Estate in 2025: Crisis or Opportunity?
Rising Interest Rates: A Hindrance or an Opportunity?
Since 2022, central banks have raised interest rates to combat inflation, making mortgages more expensive. By 2025, this trend may slow down, giving the market some breathing room. However, investors must rethink their strategies, favoring more thoughtful purchases and optimized financing.
Major metropolitan areas like New York, London, and Paris are experiencing price stagnation, while emerging markets in Asia and Latin America are seeing renewed interest. In Europe, secondary cities offer new opportunities at more affordable prices.
Sustainable Real Estate: A Green Revolution
Due to regulatory pressures and growing environmental awareness, the global real estate market is shifting towards more sustainable solutions:
- Development of positive-energy buildings (which generate more energy than they consume)
- Use of eco-friendly materials (low-carbon concrete, wood, bio-based insulation)
- Large-scale renovation of older buildings driven by strict regulations
Institutional investors are prioritizing projects that align with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria, influencing urban development strategies.
Metropolises vs. Medium-Sized Cities: Who Wins?
As some major cities lose appeal due to high property costs, medium-sized cities are experiencing a real estate boom.
- 🇪🇸 Spain: Valencia and Seville are attracting new residents thanks to their pleasant lifestyle and lower costs compared to Madrid or Barcelona.
- 🇺🇸 United States: Austin and Nashville are becoming tech and cultural hubs, drawing young professionals and investors.
- 🇫🇷 France: Montpellier and Annecy stand out for their balance between quality of life and professional opportunities.
The Rise of Digital in Real Estate
The real estate sector is evolving thanks to new technologies:
- Artificial Intelligence is refining price estimates and automating certain transactions.
- Blockchain facilitates secure transactions and reduces intermediary costs.
- The metaverse and virtual reality are offering new ways to explore and buy properties, although these trends are still developing.
A Market in Full Transformation
In 2025, both Breton and global real estate are undergoing profound transformations. Between environmental requirements, technological advancements, and changing buyer expectations, the market is adapting to contemporary challenges. For investors, these shifts offer numerous opportunities—provided they understand both local and global dynamics.
Brittany is positioning itself as a future-oriented region with growing attractiveness and sustainable initiatives, while the global real estate market fluctuates between economic uncertainties and disruptive innovations.