Logement : Nantes Métropole ouvre le bail réel solidaire aux classes moyennes

Nantes Métropole, the joint authority of the city of Nantes and its metropolitan area, has launched an expanded version of the “bail réel solidaire” (BRS)—named BRS+—to address housing affordability for middle‑income households. The programme builds on the original BRS introduced in 2019, which targeted low‑income families, by raising income thresholds and offering substantial price reductions on new dwellings.

The BRS+ model separates land ownership from the building, allowing buyers to purchase the property while paying a modest monthly ground‑rent of €1.20 per square metre of habitable space. This structure reduces purchase prices by roughly 25 % compared to market rates. Prices are set at €2 600 /m² for larger units (e.g., T5) and €3 200 /m² for smaller units (T1/T2), translating to €3 000 /m² for T5 and €3 600 /m² for T1/T2 inclusive of taxes. The scheme also grants eligibility for a zero‑interest loan (PTZ) and a 30 % reduction in property tax.

BRS+ raises the income limits substantially: up to €3 566 per month for a single person, €5 329 for a couple, €6 406 for a three‑person household, and €7 673 for a family of four. These thresholds are higher than those of the original BRS, targeting households that earn too much for standard affordable housing but still face difficulties in the private market.

The programme is managed by the Organisme de Foncier Solidaire (OFS) Atlantique Accession solidaire. To date, 920 BRS+ units have been approved across the Nantes métropole, with 460 slated for completion in 2024. The experimental phase runs from early 2026 to the end of 2027, with further expansion planned under the upcoming local housing plan. New developments are being considered in several zones d’aménagement concerté (ZAC), including Bas‑Chantenay, Doulon‑Gohards, Mellinet (Nantes), and La Baule (Saint‑Herblain).

The BRS+ includes strict resale conditions: a property can only be sold to another household that meets the same income criteria, and successors must also satisfy these limits. If the buyer’s income exceeds the thresholds, a compulsory resale is triggered. Additionally, the selling price is capped by an index linked to the reference rent index plus any authorised renovation costs (up to €6 000), ensuring long‑term price stability.

By decoupling land cost from building cost, BRS+ reduces the financial barrier to home ownership and promotes efficient land use, aligning with broader European goals for sustainable, inclusive housing. The model encourages the development of affordable, energy‑efficient dwellings while limiting speculative price hikes, offering a replicable approach for other cities confronting similar housing pressures.