France housing permits dip slightly while Swiss market shows early recovery

In France, the number of housing building permits issued in June fell 4.8% after a 17% surge in May, with collective and individual permits both declining. A total of 30,906 permits were granted in June, including 11,765 for single‑family homes (down 6.1%) and 19,141 for multi‑unit dwellings (down 3.9%). Year‑to‑date permits total 192,100, up 4.2% versus the first half of 2025. Construction starts remained stable, with 25,666 projects launched in June and a six‑month total of 157,191 starts, nearly 30% higher than the same period in 2025.

Meanwhile, Switzerland’s housing market is showing the first signs of a turnaround. A study by Wüest Partner noted that about 52,000 building permits were issued over the past twelve months – the highest level since late 2018 – driven almost entirely by rental housing, which rose 11% year‑on‑year. Permissions for single‑family homes and condominiums in co‑ownership continue to fall. Economist Corinne Dubois said the market has likely hit its bottom and “the first signals of a trend reversal are appearing.” Vacancy rates are stabilising and the rental supply appears to be leveling off.