French homeowners increasingly add verandas and balconies to expand living space

In Normandy’s city of Rouen, the demand for aluminium verandas is rising as owners seek bright, weather‑proof rooms without moving. After a Covid‑driven surge, the market steadied in 2023‑24, but lower European Central Bank rates in 2025 are reviving interest. Prices for aluminium structures range from €1,200 to €2,300 per square metre, with a 15 m² project costing roughly €11 000‑€40 000, while PVC options remain cheaper.

At the same time, French urban dwellers are re‑imagining small balconies, applying space‑saving furniture, vertical storage, reflective mirrors and shade fabrics to create comfortable summer extensions of their homes. Simple, low‑cost measures such as folding tables, plant trellises and solar lighting are highlighted as ways to turn a 4 m² balcony into a functional outdoor living area.