Since June 2025, France has introduced measures to simplify the conversion of office space into housing. These include :
✅granting mayors the authority to override local urban planning regulations (PLU – Plan Local d’Urbanisme) when approving such transformations ;
✅the establishement of a “multi-purpose building permit,” allowing buildings to switch between uses (e.g.from office to housing and vice versa) more easily by aligning fire safety and acoustic standards ;
✅an specific section addressing student housing, and aiming to facilitate the conversion of offices into university residences.
Originally limited to vacant office buildings, the scope of the legislation has been broadened to include other structures such a hotels, carparks, and commercial premises. Several senators estimate that these changes could unlock the potential for creating up to one million new homes 🏢 . This law is seen as a tangible tool to address the housing crisis affecting France’s major cities.
The Circular Building Convertproject is fully aligned with this initiative. It offers replicable solutions for transforming office buildings into residential units across North-Western Europe. The project is particularly relevant in light of the environmental and social challenges currently facing our societies. 🌍
👉 The law :https://lnkd.in/gCa6u6Tc