Office to coliving conversion in France

The opportunity

With central office vacancy rising, conversion to residential and coliving can meet acute housing demand in Paris and other large cities.

Planning and change of use

A change of destination or use (changement de destination or changement d'usage) is required, and cities like Paris apply strict change-of-use rules that can include compensation requirements. National measures have aimed to make office-to-housing conversion easier.

Rules vary by city and change over time. Treat this as a starting point and confirm the current requirements with the relevant local authority before you underwrite a deal.

What to check

• •Paris change-of-use rules are among the strictest, so confirm the specific regime early.
• •Co-ownership (copropriete) rules can affect what you can do in mixed buildings.
• •Check eligibility for any national or local conversion incentives.

Other countries