Changing homes is supposed to mark a new life stage. But in 2026, for more and more French people, this project runs up against a financial wall. According to the latest Moving in France barometer, conducted by Nextories in partnership with Ipsos, 44% of French people who had considered moving had to postpone it or give it up completely this year.
One in two households forced to revise their plans
Of that total 44%, the survey distinguishes two situations: 28% simply postponed their project to a later date, while 16% gave it up entirely. A figure that reflects a profound shift in the way the French view residential mobility: moving is no longer planned as a chosen step in one’s life trajectory; people now react to current constraints.
Inflation, the main obstacle cited
Asked about the reasons for this halt, respondents ranked the top causes as:
- Inflation, cited by 58% of respondents — an increase of 7 points compared with 2025
- The price of real estate, for 42% of them
- The shortage of available rental housing, for 27%
- The cost of the move itself (movers, vehicle rental, security deposit), for 21%
- The rise in borrowing rates, for 19%
This triple constraint — inflation, property prices and housing shortage — weighs directly on an already weakened professional sector: according to the recorded data, France had approximately 1,219 moving establishments and 10,241 employees in 2025, a decline compared with the previous year.
The end of the post-Covid urban exodus
The barometer also confirms a notable geographic reversal: the wave of departures from large cities that followed the pandemic has run out of steam. Departures from Paris fell by 41% between 2022 and 2025. Conversely, some departments in the South see their attractiveness waver under the effect of climate pressures: Bouches-du-Rhône recorded a 60% increase in departures since 2022.
Climate, a new selection criterion
Another striking finding of the barometer: climate is now imposed as a fully fledged selection criterion when moving. 68% of respondents say they take flood risk into account when choosing their future destination, and 57% consider the risk of fire. A complementary survey carried out among 69 professional movers in March 2026 confirms this field trend, with clients increasingly asking teams about the climate exposure of targeted areas.
What this means in practice
For households that maintain their project despite everything, several levers can help absorb the cost: compare several quotes from movers, anticipate procedures several months in advance to avoid last-minute rates, favor periods outside the high season (June to September being the busiest and most expensive months), and check eligibility for housing or mobility assistance depending on one’s professional situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What share of moving projects is postponed or abandoned in France in 2026?
According to the Nextories/Ipsos barometer, 44% of French people with a moving project postponed it (28%) or completely abandoned it (16%).
What is the main cause of these postponements?
Inflation tops the list, cited by 58% of respondents, followed by property prices (42%) and the shortage of rental housing (27%).
Does the climate influence the choice of a new city to move to?
Yes: 68% of those surveyed say they take flood risk into account and 57% consider fire risk when choosing their future destination.
To explore the topic further, consult our sections Banking, Finance & Credit and Real Estate, Buying, Selling & Renting, or find more everyday advice in Practical Life & Society.
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