Overview of the Article
The piece, authored by journalist Margaux Bégards for Rue 89 Bordeaux, examines the contrasting housing proposals of Bordeaux’s mayoral candidates Pierre Hurmic and Thomas Cazenave ahead of the March 2026 municipal election. It highlights their differing strategies to increase affordable housing, focusing on rent control, conversion of office space, and new construction projects.
Current Housing Situation in Bordeaux
Recent data show that the average rent for a flat in the Bordeaux metropolitan area rose from €600 in 2020 to about €662 in 2024‑25, while the median price per square metre increased from €12.1 to €12.9. Average flat size grew marginally from 51 m² to 52 m². For individual houses, rents fell from €995 in 2024 to €907 in 2020, indicating a volatile market. The city faces a shortage of affordable units, particularly for low‑income households and students.
Cazenave’s Office‑to‑Housing Conversion Plan
Cazenave proposes converting roughly 50 000 m² of vacant office space into residential units, estimating the creation of about 1 000 new homes in the city centre. This plan targets young families and students but lacks detail on the legal mechanisms required, as zoning changes depend on private owners unless the municipality purchases or requisitions the properties.
Hurmic’s Rent‑Control and “City‑on‑City” Approach
Incumbent mayor Hurmic supports the continuation of Bordeaux’s rent‑control experiment, arguing it curbs excessive rent hikes without lowering rents outright. He also promotes “building the city on the city,” encouraging the renovation of existing buildings, sur‑ceilings, and co‑housing schemes to boost supply without extensive new land development.
Future Development at La Jallère
Both candidates reference the La Jallère district, slated for a low‑carbon neighbourhood delivering 2 500 affordable units from 2027 onward. While Hurmic emphasizes preserving green spaces, Cazenave advocates further construction, though specifics on density and design remain unclear.
Policy Context and Legislative Background
The article notes that Bordeaux’s rent‑control scheme, introduced nationally, is due to end in November 2026 unless extended. Parliamentary reports from September 2025 claim municipalities employing the measure are “satisfied” and observe tangible effects. However, critics argue the policy does not address the underlying supply deficit.
Funding and Economic Considerations
A dedicated budget of €5 million is earmarked for renovating intermediate‑income housing in the Grand Parc area, part of broader efforts to meet the national SRU (Solidarity and Urban Renewal) target of 25 % social housing. Current compliance stands at 20.5 % for 2026, short of the 25 % requirement, prompting calls for accelerated construction.
Sustainable Housing Implications
The discussion underscores the tension between market‑driven liberal solutions and regulated approaches aimed at social equity and environmental sustainability. Converting existing office stock aligns with circular‑economy principles, while new low‑carbon districts aim to reduce construction emissions. Both strategies contribute to the broader European agenda of increasing affordable, sustainable urban housing.