Even though France is one of the European countries least reliant on Russia and Ukraine in terms of energy, food an inddustry, the shock of the war was immediately seen across all economic indicators, in the wake of soaring inflation. The concerns are weighing on the spending power of both business leaders and householders. Despite the shock-absorbing effect of savings rates, the shock has immediately been seen in household consumption, that sharply dropped in the spring, strongly impacting downwards the growth forecasts. For private actors, the tightening of access to loans is the first impact of this new monetary context with the increase in the ECB’s key rates. However, thanks to an unexpected rebound in the services sector and in demand during the summer, the economic consensus is now less pessimistic for 2022: INSEE and the Banque de France now expect the French growth to be +2.6% this year. This improvement is likely to be short-lived: the recessionary risk for 2023 now appears real if government protection measures for households and businesses prove insufficient to limit negative impacts of gas supply difficulties.
Despite the comfortable re-election of Emmanuel Macron, the President has only a relative majority and a low government budgetary flexibility in the context of increasing policy rates, that will constrain his ability to govern in a complex environment. The next few months will therefore be turbulent on the political and social front, as evidenced by the virulent debates about measures needed to support purchasing power and to fight against climate change.
Against this backdrop of great uncertainty, the various markets are more than resilient, driven by the profound need to adapt real estate, both on the part of users and investors (new ways of working, consuming, living, ESG imperatives, etc.), but also by the good performance of the job market. However, in the face of a permanently disrupted environment, a return to safe values remains the majority reflex, leading to a growing dualisation of markets: office users focusing on traditional business districts, flight to quality for investors, etc.
31 May
The optimism seen at the end of 2021 proved to be short-lived, brought to a halt by the outbreak of the war in the Ukraine. This shock was immediately seen across all economic indicators in March, reflecting the concerns that are weighing on the spending power of both business leaders (-6.1 points in the business climate index in March) and householders (-6 points in the householder confidence index).
Even though France is one of the European countries least reliant on Russia and the Ukraine in terms of energy, food and industry, increases in inflation were immediately seen (+4.5% in March). Despite the shock-absorbing effect of savings rates (that remained high at 15.9% over Q1), the impact has already been seen in household consumption which posted a -0.5% decrease over Q1 due to reduced purchasing power.
French growth, which relies heavily on household consumption, was initially forecast to stand at around +4%. Since the outbreak of the Ukrainian conflict, this has been lowered by around 1 point: INSEE and the Banque de France now expect the best-case scenario for French growth in 2022 to be +3.4%. This could reduce further (to around +2.8%) depending on the duration of the conflict and its impact on inflation. In addition, there is also the impact of the ongoing pandemic in China - these 2 factors are likely to weigh on the prices and supply of both energy and raw materials.
Despite his comfortable re-election, the new President may not enjoy a state of grace: his ability to govern in a complex environment remains dependent on the results of the next legislative elections. The next few months could therefore be turbulent on the political and social front, due to low government budgetary flexibility in the context of increasing policy rates. For private actors, the tightening of access to loans is the first impact of this new monetary context.
Against this backdrop of great uncertainty, the various markets are more than resilient, driven by the profound need to adapt real estate, both on the part of users and investors (new ways of working, consuming, living, ESG imperatives, etc.). However, in the face of a permanently disrupted environment, a return to safe values remains the majority reflex, leading to a growing dualisation of markets: office users focusing on traditional business districts, flight to quality for investors, etc.
05 May
The optimism seen at the end of 2021 proved to be short-lived, brought to a halt by the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. This shock was immediately seen across all economic indicators in March, reflecting the concerns that are weighing on the spending power of both business leaders (-6.1 points in the business climate index in March) and householders (-6 points in the householder confidence index).
Even though France is one of the European countries least reliant on Russia and Ukraine in terms of energy, food and industry, increases in inflation were immediately seen (+4.5% in March). Despite the shock-absorbing effect of savings rates (that remained high at 15.9% over Q1), the impact has already been seen in household consumption which posted a -0.5% decrease over Q1 due to reduced purchasing power.
French growth, which relies heavily on household consumption, was initially forecast to stand at around +4%. Since the outbreak of the Ukrainian conflict, this has been lowered by around 1 point: INSEE and the Banque de France now expect the best-case scenario for French growth in 2022 to be +3.4%. This could reduce further (to around +2.8%) depending on the duration of the conflict and its impact on inflation. In addition, there is also the impact of the ongoing pandemic in China - these 2 factors are likely to weigh on the prices and supply of both energy and raw materials.
Despite his comfortable re-election, the new President may not enjoy a state of grace: his ability to govern in a complex environment remains dependent on the results of the next legislative elections. The next few months could therefore be turbulent on the political and social front.
Against this backdrop of great uncertainty, the various real estate markets are more than resilient, driven by the profound need to adapt real estate, both on the part of users and investors (new ways of working, consuming, living, ESG imperatives, etc.). However, in the face of a permanently disrupted environment, a return to safe values remains the majority reflex, leading to a growing dualisation of markets: office users focusing on traditional business districts, flight to quality for investors, etc.
07 April
With one week to go before the presidential election, there are still many uncertainties in France. On the Covid pandemic front, the lifting of sanitary restrictions is accompanied by a resumption of contamination, which doesn’t impact hospitalisations now. The Ukrainian conflict is continuing, accentuating the disruption of supply chains and, above all, the inflationary pressures linked to the increased constraints on energy supply. The resulting fears have lowered household morale, which could have a negative impact on consumption in the coming weeks.
The risk of an episode of stagflation is increasing, as the massive subsidies for both households and companies cannot be extended indefinitely and the upward spiral between prices and wages seems to be confirmed. The expected reduction in liquidity issuance and the rise in interest rates will inevitably have consequences for companies and countries, such as France, that are highly indebted. Nevertheless, annual growth forecasts for the French economy have been revised downwards for the time being in moderate proportions: in its baseline scenario, the Banque de France anticipates a decline in the 2022 projection from 3.6% to 3.4%. But the impact could reach 0.8 bps in the adverse scenario.
For the time being, we are not seeing any signs of a slowdown in activity in the commercial real estate markets, either on the user or investor side. They remain driven by the post-Covid catch-up and, above all, by the inevitable phase of transformation that the sector has entered, to take into account the new expectations of users as well as new climatic and environmental considerations.
10 March
The improvement on the pandemic front, with the scheduled end of health restrictions, has been overshadowed by the outbreak of war in the Ukraine. We haven’t fully assessed the impact of it yet. The extent of further disruptions to supply chains and inflationary pressures linked to increased constraints on energy supply, as well as the impact on consumption and investment resulting from fears among consumers and economic agents, will depend on the duration of the conflict and the ability of the European Union to present a united stance against Russia.
The risk of an unexpected episode of stagflation is looming, as the massive subsidies for both households and companies cannot be extended indefinitely and the upward spiral between prices and wages seems to be confirmed. The expected reduction in liquidity issuance and the rise in interest rates will inevitably have consequences for companies and countries, such as France, that are highly indebted. The upcoming presidential election reinforces the uncertainties, even if the incumbent President could take advantage of the difficult international context to strengthen his leadership. The hope of a consolidation of the rebound of the French economy recorded in 2021 is therefore receding, and with the prospect of an annual growth at 4%.
Against this backdrop, we note that commercial real estate ended 2021 on a note of recovery for both the user and investment markets. For the time being, we don’t observe any signs of a slowdown in activity. Furthermore, the markets will continue to be driven by the inevitable phase of transformation that the sector has entered, to consider the new expectations of users as well as new climatic and environmental considerations.
22 February
After the concerns caused by the Omicron variant, the peak of the wave seems to be receding and the end of the strictest sanitary measures is in sight. The disruptions for the most affected sectors (tourism, catering, culture, events), and more generally for the organisation of work, will therefore gradually fade away. This is good news, as supply chains are still disturbed by shortages of certain raw materials and components.
The rebound of the French economy will fade, with a growth forecast of 4% for 2022. At the same time, inflation is accelerating because of the spiral between prices, wages, and supply constraints in energy. Massive support for both households and businesses cannot be extended indefinitely. The gradual reduction of liquidity issues and the rise in interest rates are therefore indispensable and will be faster and stronger than expected, with consequences for companies and countries, such as France, that are highly indebted.
This year will be decisive for the future of France, but the upcoming presidential election could also be disturbed by this new wave of Covid, which risks amputating the debate, biasing the result, and weakening the legitimacy of the next president.
In this context, it should be noted that the commercial property market ended 2021 on a note of recovery for both the occupier market and investment side. Overall, the market rebound observed at the end of the year should continue. It will be supported by a new phase of changes, particularly in office property, taking into account the new expectations of users but also new climatic and environmental considerations.
09 February
After the concerns caused by the Omicron variant, the peak of the wave seems to be receding and the end of the strictest sanitary measures is in sight. The disruptions for the most affected sectors (tourism, catering, culture, events), and more generally for the organisation of work, will therefore gradually fade away. This is good news, as supply chains are still disturbed by shortages of certain raw materials and components.
The rebound of the French economy will fade, with a growth forecast of 4% for 2022. At the same time, inflation is accelerating because of the spiral between prices, wages, and supply constraints in energy. Massive support for both households and businesses cannot be extended indefinitely. The gradual reduction of liquidity issues and the rise in interest rates are therefore indispensable and will be faster and stronger than expected, with consequences for companies and countries, such as France, that are highly indebted.
This year will be decisive for the future of France, but the upcoming presidential election could also be disturbed by this new wave of Covid, which risks amputating the debate, biasing the result, and weakening the legitimacy of the next president.
In this context, it should be noted that the commercial property market ended 2021 on a note of recovery for both the occupier market and investment side. Overall, the market rebound observed at the end of the year should continue. It will be supported by a new phase of changes, particularly in office property, taking into account the new expectations of users but also new climatic and environmental considerations.
11 January
The year 2022 begins with another wave of Covid, the Omicron variant with its fearsome contagiousness disrupts economic life, forcing a return to stricter sanitary rules. In France, although the Government wished to avoid implementing new containment measures, the tourism, catering, culture, and events sectors are once again directly impacted. In addition, the growing number of Covid cases, and the resulting isolation measures are disrupting work in all sectors, and supply chains already disrupted by shortages of certain raw materials and components.
The rebound of the French economy will fade, with a growth forecast of 4% for 2022. At the same time, inflation is accelerating as a result of the spiral between prices, wages, and supply constraints in energy. Massive support for both households and businesses cannot be extended indefinitely. The gradual reduction of liquidity issues and the rise in interest rates are therefore indispensable and will be faster and stronger than expected, with consequences for companies and countries, such as France, that are highly indebted.
This year will be decisive for the future of France, but the upcoming presidential election could also be disrupted by this new wave of Covid, which risks amputating the debate, biasing the result, and weakening the legitimacy of the next president.
In this context, it should be noted that the commercial property market ended 2021 on a note of recovery for both the occupier market and investment side. Overall, the market rebound observed at the end of the year should continue and accompany a new phase of transformation, particularly in office property, to take into account the new expectations of users but also new climatic and environmental considerations.
14 Dec
The surge in infections and the increase in hospitalisations have once again put pressure on hospital services. In this deteriorated health context, the Banque de France nevertheless expects growth to increase in December, subject to the evolution of the pandemic. Gross domestic product is expected to be up 0.75 points compared to its pre-crisis level. Faced with the threat of the Omicron variant, the Government has announced a salvo of new sanitary rules for the approach of the end of year celebrations: closing of nightclubs, reinforcement of teleworking, acceleration of vaccination for young people. These measures should have a relatively limited impact on the French economy, given the weight of the sectors subject to closure in the French gross domestic product. Thus, French growth should be spared in the coming weeks unless a new tightening is announced. Against this backdrop, companies are expecting an increase in activity in December. However, uncertainty remains in sectors already heavily affected by the pandemic, such as the hotel and restaurant industry, aeronautics, and leisure activities. Meanwhile, services are driving growth, and industry is regaining some color, although the pandemic continues to disrupt supply chains. In France, the proportion of companies in industry expressing difficulties continued to rise between October and November, from 56% to 57%. In the building sector, the increase in tensions is also sharp. Finally, on a positive note, the lights are green on the labor market. Private sector employment rose again, by 0.5%, in the third quarter, representing 95,200 net new jobs according to INSEE. Public sector employment also increased: +0.2% (+13,000 jobs).The office real estate market, strengthened by the economic recovery, is evolving favorably but with caution. Companies are still having difficulty assessing their real estate needs at a time when the Government, faced with the 5th wave, is once again encouraging them to favor remote working. As for the investment market, it is regaining momentum at the end of the year and we can expect to match or even exceed the volumes invested in 2020.
16 Nov
The IMF and the Banque de France are now expecting growth of 6.75% this year in France, a level higher than the 6.25% announced by Bercy. On the other hand, the outlook for 2022 is less promising. GDP is expected to grow by 3.7% next year according to its forecasts, against 3.9% previously. This figure remains lower than what Bercy hopes for 2022, namely 4%.
Driven by the strong rebound in consumer spending, especially in restaurants, the French economy returned to its pre-crisis level in the third quarter. The strength of growth in the coming months will still depend on household behavior. To reassure people about the soaring fuel prices, but also about the price of consumer goods, Jean Castex announced on 21 October that an "inflation allowance" of €100 will be granted to 38 million French citizens earning less than €2,000 per month between December and February. A device much larger than expected, which does not target motorists, and which will not be reserved only for the active people.
Moreover, the Banque de France remains convinced that the rise in prices will be "temporary". However, it believes that it could last longer and be stronger than previously anticipated. It is difficult to predict when the peak will be reached. The horizon is no longer the end of the year, with a peak of 2.75% as expected last September. Not only could the rise last “several quarters” yet, but it could be “stronger” than expected. At the end of September, INSEE indicated that consumer prices had increased by 2.1% over one year in France, according to its provisional data. The rise in prices could resume by 2023, supported by a "gradual acceleration in the general level of prices and wages", linked to the good performance of the job market.
The economic landscape remains mixed, however. Services largely drove activity in October, particularly in food services, accommodation, business services and leisure activities. And prospects are good there in November, especially in catering and temporary work. In industry, activity has almost returned to its pre-crisis levels in a certain number of branches, while the automotive sector remains very weak, even if the Banque de France expects a recovery in November after two months of sharp decline due to supply difficulties. Problems of access to raw materials stabilised, albeit at a high level, across the industry sector in October. They even flowed back into the building. At this stage, companies are not fully passing on the raw material price increases associated with these tensions to supply chains.
In this period of presidential pre-election, during his last speech, Emmanuel Macron estimated that "the conditions are not met" to relaunch the work of the pension reform, however "the essential reform of unemployment insurance" is passing by force with the objective of full employment.
Against this backdrop, the corporate real estate market continues to recover. The recovery of the office market in the Greater Paris Region is consolidating even if a certain uncertainty persists concerning the resumption of large deals. In investment, the delay taken at the start of the year will not be absorbed, but there is still an influx of capital which, coupled with the return of foreign investors, should allow the market to end the year on a positive note.
20 October
Inflation has made a comeback in France, reaching 2.1% year over year in September, according to INSEE. It is mainly caused by the surge in energy prices (+14.4% y-o-y). The rebound in private consumption (+1% in France in August) with the recovery and the purchasing power support policies deployed during the crisis, have led to tensions on supply. Shortages, disruptions in supply chains and the cost of shipping have created a longer-than-expected price shock. The recovery is boosting activity but producer prices in the industry are up 10% year over year in September. Economists still think this is a temporary phenomenon. However, in this period of pre-presidential campaign, the Government has already announced measures to constrain the effects of the rise in energy (gas and electricity); in order to preserve the purchasing power of the French people at least until the elections. Meanwhile, unemployment continues to fall (7.6%) to its lowest level since 2008. And at the same time, nearly 53% of companies say they are facing recruitment difficulties. We note that business failures are still on the decline, -21% of bankruptcies compared to the same period in 2020.
The recovery in the Greater Paris Region office rental market, which began in the second quarter of 2021, is continuing. Coupled with a tightening of the approval policy, the good flow of supply could lead to a resurgence of pressure, particularly on the supply of quality offices in Paris, while on the other hand, some sectors of the Greater Paris Region such as the inner Northern suburbs would present an oversupply and a vacation rate far above 10%. In the regional market, we can observe a good resilience of the office rental market, thus confirming the interest of investors. On the logistics side, strong warehouse demand is putting the market under pressure, supply is running out and rents, which have remained stable for a long time in recent years, are increasing. Investors are increasingly interested in this asset class.
23 September
In the face of the pandemic in France, the regulatory measures and business support put in place have played their role as a shock absorber, and business failures have remained at a very low level. The implementation (at an estimated cost to date of €70 billion, excluding state guaranteed loans and the recovery plan) of the "whatever it takes" announced by President Macron in spring 2020 has thus largely preserved French companies. However, two sectors are experiencing an increase in bankruptcies, including that of real estate activities (+5%), while insolvencies in the accommodation and catering and retail sectors have fallen sharply (respectively - 42% and - 29%). Although the economic outlook is favourable for the end of 2021, according to most forecasting institutes, the gradual lifting of aid which began in June, could however cause damage in the months to come, and lead to a ‘cascade’ of bankruptcies. However, in this period of the pre-presidential election campaign, hardly a day goes by, without the announcement of new expenses, often by the President himself, to help this or that specific sector. These promises are not all intended to be fulfilled by the 2022 budget. But none seems, at this stage, to be financed other than by debt.
The figures for the real estate investment market in France, after having slowed down in the first half of 2021, confirm investor confidence in better days. The latter still loyal to their ‘favourite’ asset class, offices, have also an increasingly strong appetite for logistics and residential asset, while retail is regaining some momentum.
08 September
September marks the return for corporates and their employees to more standardised activities, with a quota of working from home reduced to 2 days and 3 days at the office. Meanwhile, many indicators confirm the resilience of the French economy. Thus the social catastrophe which had been announced, did not occur, the unemployment rate was established at 8% in the 2nd quarter of 2021 identical to that observed at the end of 2019 before the health crisis, although economic activity is still lower by 3% than its pre-Covid level.
The consumption figures, despite the establishment of the health pass, are dynamic, thus justifying the optimism displayed by the Minister of Finance, which expects GDP growth of around 6% for 2021. Finally, in terms of health, the hoped-for vaccination schedule is taking shape with 72.8% of French people having received at least a first dose of the vaccine, and the observation of a slight decline in hospitalisations in Metropolitan France. French society and the economy will nevertheless face many challenges in the coming months as no reform has been implemented for 18 months, and the presidential election campaign has already started. It may be a little too early to be optimistic?
The summer figures for the office property market in the Greater Paris Region are well oriented, with an increase in number of deals and volume of take-up compared to 2020. The take-up for office spaces thus passes the symbolic mark of 1,000,000 sq m, thanks in part to deals exceeding 5,000 sq m (8 recorded in July - August).
23 August
The French economy seems to be showing a resilience that surprises even economists. Massive job destruction (the figure of one million jobs to be destructed has been evoked), an unemployment rate at its peak, and unprecedented waves of redundancies: none of this has happened. On the contrary, the business climate indicator is at its highest level since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, and the employment outlook has been revised upwards. All hopes are therefore justified for an acceleration of GDP growth from the beginning of September, with the Government having raised its GDP growth expectations for 2021 to 6% (against 5% previously). Of course, this scenario will only be confirmed if the new wave of COVID-19 is properly managed, but the progress of vaccinations - at least in metropolitan France - seems to support this hypothesis.However, there are still a few more structural issues to deal with, such as the painful but necessary reform of pensions, which was postponed to September 2021, and above all the question of the productivity of French companies. If France manages to create so many jobs with weak growth, it is because it has probably lost productivity. It is a little early to measure the extent to which these months of short-time working have reduced the skills and efficiency of workers, but the threat is there and very real.
9 August
While the 4th wave of the Covid epidemic strikes France again, 9 August, 2021 marks the entry into force of the health pass required for any person over the age of 18 years to exert a certain number of activities in a public space and this will last until at least 15 November, 2021; failing this, a negative test of Covid screening can be provided.
For the Government, the aim is to accelerate a vaccination that is marking time (49.7% fully vaccinated on average nationwide) and even failing to take off in the youngest segment of the population. Travelling by public transport, visiting tourist and cultural places, bars and restaurants (indoor and outdoor) are all included. For shopping centres with a total surface area of more than 20,000 sq m, it has been decided that the final decision on whether or not to require a health pass for their entrance will be delegated to the prefects (the local representative of the State). These restrictions have already had an effect on amusement parks and other places of instant culture such as cinemas; the drop in attendance recorded is in the order of 10 - 50%. This figure will have to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
13 July
Cushman & Wakefield France held a webinar External Linkon 1 July and presented its analysis of the office market in France for the first half of 2021 and the outlook for the second half of 2021.
During the webinar, we presented two "weather reports": one on take-up and the other on current office space supply.
For the first half of 2021 transactional activity in the office market saw optimism amongst corporate occupiers return. This was in the context of a projected economic recovery over the 2021-2023 period and a return to the office facilitated by the end of widespread home-working and the progress of vaccinations.
Transactions have picked up in the first half of 2021 in all office markets. We expect to see greater transactional activity in the second half of 2021.
Markets such as the Ile-de-France and the Lyon area are most exposed to demand from major companies (which are gradually reinvesting in real estate). These markets, along with the public sector, should see a slower recovery.
Many markets across France have seen a return of workers and shoppers to the most central locations.
Source : Cushman & Wakefield France
01 July
France has just passed the third stage of its third un-lockdown, since Wednesday 9 June, with a curfew postponed to 23 hours and a wider reopening of bars, cafés and restaurants.
The last stage - set for 30 June - should complete the return to an ‘almost normal’ life, while more than 30 million French people are already vaccinated.
This return to normal economic activity also means the gradual and rapid end of the business support mechanisms that have played their role in cushioning the economic crisis.
In this respect, the Banque de France has just published a report of more than 205,000 companies on their level of debt and cash flow and therefore their ability to survive after the disappearance of State aid.
According to this study, 6% of the companies studied are in a challenging financial situation without their economic viability being called into question; this rate rises to 10% for companies in the hospitality, catering and arts and entertainment sectors.
Overall, the study concludes that the results are positive: 26% of the companies studied will have reduced their debt and improved their cash flow between June 2020 and January 2021.
02 June
At a time when France is gradually turning the page on the 3rd lockdown and the COVID-19 vaccination (25 million people vaccinated with a first dose) is now open to all adults, the challenge for companies is huge: it is a question of not missing the economic rebound promised for the 2nd or 3rd quarter of 2021 while solving the equation of a return to a more normalised work life.
In the 14 months of the pandemic, our relationship to life in the office has changed profoundly, reinforcing a need for more flexibility in the organisation of time and place. This is very good news for real estate professionals who will be supporting companies in their thinking and helping them to customise their real estate footprint.
The first figures on the office market in Ile-de-France seem to suggest that companies have reached maturity on this issue and want to act. As for investors, there is also a considerable amount of work to be done in adapting the real estate tool to this new situation: offices, retail, residential, logistics, etc. ...... No class of real estate asset will escape this introspection, influencing acquisition or sales and accelerating restructuring projects.
25 May
With two days to go before non-essential shops, bars, restaurants and cultural venues reopen under restrictive conditions, France is preparing to gradually return to near-normal life in a process that is expected to be completed by the end of June.
The progress of COVID-19 vaccinations has enabled more than 20 million French people to receive a first dose (8.8 million people or 13.1% of the total population have received 2 doses).
The easing of restrictions is universally well accepted by the French population with acceptance rates of the different measures above 80% - with the exception of the relaxation of homeworking from 9 June (77% of favourable opinions) - even if 39% of them think that the epidemic will rebound.
It remains to be seen how the economy will be able to return to confidence and growth, given that the Government is already talking about reducing or stopping several support mechanisms (partial activity, solidarity funds, etc.).
Forecasters are still predicting an increase in GDP of around +5% in one year...
5 May
The 3 May 2021 will mark the first stage of a 4 step process to bring the French people back to normal life, after a third lockdown. The programme presented on Thursday 29 April 2021 by President Macron started on 3 May and ends on 30 June. The brakes may be applied if the health situation, which is still rather fragile and worrying, so requires.
Without going into the details of the different measures, let's mention the most important ones: the reopening of schools and colleges on 3 May, the reopening of all shops and cultural places on 19 May.
As far as restaurants are concerned, activity will initially resume on dining terraces on 19 May and inside from 9 June. On the same date, foreign tourists with a health pass will be able to enter the country.
Teleworking stays in place until 9 June (the advice is to telework as often as possible depending on the activity, with a tolerance of one day in the office per week); how this rule will be relaxed remains undefined.
The curfew, which will gradually be extended from 19.00 on 3 May to 23.00 on 9 June, is expected to end on 30 June. In his speech, the President also indicated that financial support for companies (partial activity) would be maintained in May and June, and that consideration would be given to a ‘tailor-made’ programme for the disengagement of State support as and when economic conditions normalise. Act 3 of the COVID-19 crisis has therefore just begun.
9 April
It's back to another lockdown (the 3rd one) since the COVID-19 pandemic started just over a year ago. For the next 4 weeks schools, colleges, high schools and universities are closed. Homeworking has become systematic and non-essential retailers have closed. At this stage, it is impossible to know whether 4 weeks will be enough to ease the pressure on hospital intensive care units, while the pace of the COVID-19 vaccinations is struggling to pick up due to a lack of sufficient doses and growing public distrust of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
The Ministry of Finance has already revised its GDP growth forecast for this year downwards from 6% to 5%. The public deficit could still be flirting with last year's record level in 2021. According to the ‘Observatoire français des conjonctures économiques’ (OFCE), the cost of the new restrictive measures would cut growth by 0.6 points of GDP over the year. A rather large package of €11 billion in business aid has been earmarked to help businesses get through the semi-confined month of April.
Unsurprisingly, the closure of 150,000 shops instead of the 90,000 anticipated in mid-March will make the monthly solidarity fund bill even more expensive and increase it by €5 billion. A provision of €4 billion has been made for partial activity, anticipating that 1.5 million people could have recourse to it to look after their children. Finally, tax exemptions are expected to cost €1 billion in April, while new schemes recently introduced, such as fixed cost coverage and compensation for tied-up stocks in four sectors, are expected to cost €1 billion.
25 March
During a press conference held on Thursday 18 March, the Government announced new measures to contain the third wave of COVID-19. Among the main decisions, in 16 departments including those of Ile-de-France (Paris, Hauts-de-Seine, Seine Saint-Denis, Val de Marne, Val d'Oise, Yvelines and Essonne), Hauts de France (Nord, Pas de Calais and Somme), Aisne, Eure, Oise, Seine Maritime and Alpes-Maritimes, the scope of essential shops has been widened to include: bookshops, record shops, hairdressing salons, DIY shops, plant and flower shops, chocolate shops, cobblers, car dealerships (by appointment) and property inspections.
Elsewhere curfew measures, shifted from 18:00 to 19:00, continue to apply. Inter-regional travel is prohibited, except for compelling or professional reasons; in addition, the local administration (‘préfets’) may prohibit certain gatherings in public spaces. On the business side, teleworking must be the norm for all companies and organisations that can apply it, by applying the rule of 4 days out of 5 for teleworking. A reinforced protocol is envisaged for collective catering in companies.
9 March
The deteriorating health situation in France has forced the Government to tighten traffic conditions in 24 departments, in particular the Pas-de-Calais department, where partial lockdown is introduced at weekends from 6 March for a minimum of one month, and only shops under 5,000 sq m are allowed to open.
In the other 23 departments, now under reinforced surveillance, several measures have been announced:
- All non-food shopping centres over 10,000 sq m, and no longer only those over 20,000 sq m as hitherto, will be closed. Only food shops will be allowed to remain open.
- As far as possible, residents are invited not to leave their department or region, as far as the Ile-de-France departments are concerned.
- The requirement to wear a mask will be extended to all urban areas where it does not yet apply.
- Local administration (‘Préfets’) are also asked to prohibit or regulate access to certain highly frequented sites (such as quays or parks) during the weekend.
Elsewhere, curfew measures (between 6.00pm and 6.00am) continue to apply.
In concrete terms, more than 10 million sq m of retail space in shopping centres is now closed. The effective closure of the spaces on this list will also depend, as during the first wave of closures on 31 January, on the presence of food retailers in the centre, which may remain open. The open-air shopping areas will also be able to continue to operate. This is a new blow for the retail world, where the latest indicators show a year-on-year 21% drop in activity. All sectors have been affected with declines ranging from -24% (shoes) to -40% (Health & Beauty), with only household goods showing a 17% growth.
24 February
The time has come for the presentation of the annual results of the French economy’s flagship enterprises, and significant contrasted trends appear, according to those companies. The airline company AIR FRANCE has just announced a record loss of €7 billion for a turnover of €11.08 billion, down by 59.2%. The mass market retailer CARREFOUR has, in 2020, generated a gross operating surplus (Ebitda) up 16.4% to €2.17 billion and a net profit up 18% compared to 2019. C DISCOUNT, France's No. 2 e-commerce leader, has outperformed at the end of a year marked by the coronavirus and the change uses. The COVID-19 crisis has therefore boosted some companies and plummeted others, making it essential to renew the financial support mechanisms. The anticipations of a return of growth for 2021 have been reiterated, the question remains whether and how the most fragile companies will be able to survive until then.
On the purely real estate side, the week was marked by the publication of the final version of the environmental regulations (RE 2020) that will apply to all new housing from 2022. Some changes have been announced in response to the protests of industry professionals, including a six-month deadline for the regulation to be put into force.
10 February
The French authorities decided not to impose a strict lockdown while the English, South African and Brazilian variants of COVID-19 spread throughout the metropolitan territory. They are giving themselves a few weeks before taking this decision, which would put a strain on economic growth still hoped for at more than 6% if we consider Gross Domestic Product.
Companies are being advised to switch to homeworking as soon as possible, although a recent survey showed that 58% of employees were 100% at the office. The social partners (employee and management representatives) will convene to define how employees’ could be in the office one day a week and for that to be effectively respected.
Shops remain open, except for bars / restaurants and other entertainment venues. In short, the health situation remains uncertain, and the vaccination programme is struggling to meet its initial objectives. A new concern is now the rate of corporates debt and especially the adequacy of the State Guaranteed Loans - SGP - (€140 billion) to the profile of the beneficiary companies. In its latest committee, the SGP monitoring committee estimates that between 6% and 7% of the volume of loans granted between March and September 2020 will not be repaid... Its next milestone, expected at the end of March 2021, should be indicative on the merits of such a measure.
26 January
The health situation, marked by the evolution of the various more contagious variants of COVID-19, has significantly deteriorated over the last two weeks. This makes it very likely that a third lockdown is on its way. The measures likely to be taken (closure of non-essential shops, possibility of travel, curfews, imposed or flexible working from home) are not yet defined.
The aim is to contain the consequences of the spread of the epidemic while maintaining maximum productive capacity. The business climate in France is still struggling to recover (index of 92 points published in January 2021 compared to 105 on average in 2019), and the economy has already marked a significant slowdown in January 2021. Each new month of a third lockdown would cut annual growth by 1 point. The Ministry of Economy, Finance and Recovery now envisages a scenario without recovery between now and the end of the year, with a further deterioration in the health situation after the summer.
In this context, the scenario of economic recovery with growth of 6% in 2021 is ‘a challenge’ (in the words of the Minister himself). In this slump, the financial markets fortunately still have confidence in France, which has enabled the French State to continue to finance emergency measures with a 50-year fund-raising last week at an interest rate of only 0.59% per year.
14 January
The first consolidated figures about the commercial real estate market for 2020 are beginning to become available: they show a 45% drop in office take-up for the Paris Region - 1.3 million sq m (compared with a 10-year average of 2.3 million sq m) and an immediately available supply of around 3.6 million sq m, up 36% in 1 year. In terms of investment in commercial property (offices, retail spaces, light industrial and warehouses), the strong activity in the fourth quarter - €9.4 billion invested - enabled the market to achieve €26.8 billion, down 32% in one year.
The big question now is how investors are going to get through a year of transition in 2021. If the economic indicators were to turn green at mid-year, the health situation continues to darken the horizon. The reopening of bars, restaurants, concert halls and cinemas has been postponed until the end of February. A national curfew has been introduced between 20.00 and 6.00. Although 15 counties have been subject to this measure since 2 January 2021 from 18.00 and 8 other counties were also included from 10 January 2021. The COVID-19 contamination is starting up again and raises serious concerns over a third lockdown...
9 December
The reopening of non-essential businesses at the end of November and the easing of restrictions on people’s travel was the major event of the last 15 days in France. The next stage is set for 15 December, this brings total freedom of mobility, a welcome announcement for the end of the year holidays but which is conditional on improved results regarding the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The bar is set at 5,000 new cases per day, but the latest figures are 11,000 cases on 6 December. The other significant event was the announcement of the vaccination protocol which should start in early January 2021, with a first phase planned for those most at risk and healthcare workers.
The Government has not yet specified all the methods of vaccination for the total population over the entire first half of 2021, but it has confirmed that it is not compulsory. This timeline, although still imprecise, finally provides a reference point for companies trying to plan to return to ‘normalised’ activity. Depending on their size and their willingness to implement new working solutions (work from anywhere, remote working, working from home), they could refocus on their office real estate projects. Retail, for its part, remains a very challenged sector, especially for bars and restaurants that remain closed until the end of January 2021.
25 November
Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic announced a "trajectory" of relief from the lockdown introduced on 30 October designed to stem the second wave of the COVID-19 epidemic.
Lockdown will not be ended immediately, instead the government will adapt the existing measures, in particular the reopening of non-essential businesses and the limitation of individuals’ movements (1 hour per day within a radius of 1 km - with exceptions).
This easing is anticipated to be carried out in several stages with a first stage on 28 November, a second on 15 December and a third from 20 January, on the basis that the health situation continues to improve.
The reopening of “non-essential” businesses on 28 November is one of the most awaited events after the negotiation of a reinforced health protocol and the postponement of “Black Friday” promotional operations to 4 December.
Bars and restaurants are not expected to reopen before 20 January.
Furthermore, remote working will apply 100% wherever possible until the end of the year to limit the circulation of the virus. Discussions are due with partners to explore whether the pace of remote working should be adjusted from the start of January 2021.
11 November
Faced with a new wave of the COVID-19 epidemic, the French Government has decided on a second confinement as of 30 October 2020, in a lighter format which includes the opening of schools and therefore allows relative continuity of economic activity for most employees.
The so-called non-essential shops are closed again, which did not fail to rekindle the anger of small retailers caught in the crossfire while supermarkets and specialised stores may still operate and e-commerce continues to increase. In a gesture of support, several municipalities have also issued orders to allow these businesses to open while being aware of the illegality of their action.
On the business side, the Government encourages a return to full teleworking whenever possible. This second confinement, which began 4 months after the end of the first one, puts even more pressure on a weakened French economy and the end of 2020 may also be punctuated by the announcement of massive layoffs.
The imperatives of managing the health crisis with a scenario of severe and violent degradation have therefore led the Government to make difficult decisions while ensuring support mechanisms for the sectors of activity most affected (subsidy, deferral of social charges, state-guaranteed loans, etc.).
These decisions are generally well received by the population who seem to place the management of the health crisis above economic imperatives... but who are also already expressing fears about their financial situation in the short or medium term.
19 October
As the business climate continued to improve, recent news on the COVID-19 epidemic front forced the public authorities to adopt a number of new lockdown measures: total closure of bars and restaurants in Aix-Marseille and in Guadeloupe (maximum alert zone), bars close from 10pm in heightened alert zones such as in Paris.
Gyms and sports halls can only accommodate top athletes or children. Only gatherings of less than 10 people are authorised in public spaces (beaches, parks, etc.). The other measures are reducing gatherings to 1,000 people External Link, and a ban on major organised events. Now it is a question of avoiding a second wave of contamination as some hospitals record a growth in admissions due to COVID-19.
These decisions are softened by 6 economic support measures for impacted companies:
- coverage of losses for administratively closed companies with less than 20 employees according to turnover conditions,
- access to the solidarity fund for other companies benefiting from the tourism plan,
- payment of compensation for partial activity,
- exemption from social contributions during the period of closure or restriction for VSEs and SMEs,
- a reduction of contributions due during the closure period for other VSEs and SMEs not directly subject to an opening restriction but which have lost 50% of turnover.
3 September
As at 1 September, for France, it is generally back to school for schoolchildren / students and work for employees after a well-deserved summer break. The Government has significantly tightened the health obligations imposed on French people, including the emblematic wearing of the mask in workspaces and in a growing number of cities in France.
The economic aspect of dealing with the health crisis is crystallised around two decisions: the extension of partial activity measures until 1 November 2020 and beyond for 2 years for companies covered by long-term partial employment agreements, and the reduction in so-called production taxes.
In detail, the €10.1 billion of cut off for production taxes for companies which will take place from 1 January 2021 relate to the Contribution on the Added Value of Companies (CVAE), the Land Tax on Built Property (TFPB) and the Contribution Foncière des Entreprises (CFE). The reduction of these so-called production taxes because they are independent of the company’s profitability is intended to promote the re-industrialisation of the country. Jean Castex, the new Prime Minister sums up the purpose of his decision in this sentence: "We cannot want to remake France into an industrial nation and maintain an objectively and comparatively punitive tax system for our industrial companies".
22 July
The speech of the President of the French Republic during the National Day on 14 July supplemented by the general policy speech of the new Prime Minister Jean Castex the following day, has clarified the social and economic projects of the 600 days remaining until the next presidential election of 2022.
For the new government, it is a question of better responding to the ecological requirements of the population, of reconnecting with the territories and finally of curbing unemployment. According to INSEE (National Institute of Statistics and Economy), 800,000 to 1,000,000 unemployed are expected within a year. In detail, Jean Castex announced a plan for the employment of young people, a policy of exemption from charges for those under 25 years, an investment in training.
The pension reform is postponed in its application but the main orientations such as ‘the creation of a universal regime’ and ‘the long-term disappearance of the special plans’ have been confirmed.
For the economic revival plan, whose financing must be carried out on a European scale, he announced a budget of €40 billion devoted to the industry considered ‘weakened and too dependent on external partners’. €20 billion will also be allocated to ‘the thermal renovation of buildings’, to the production of more local food ‘as well as to’ support the green technologies of tomorrow. Time is running out in the face of the risk of a resurgence of the COVID-19 epidemic, the wearing of a mask is becoming compulsory in all enclosed places, including any kind of shops from Monday 20 July.
8 July
The second round of municipal elections, held on Sunday 28 June, brought elected officials from the environmental party to a few large cities in France. In the wake of this election, the Prime Minister resigned and a new Prime Minister - Jean Castex - was appointed on Friday 3 July. His Government is still in the constitution phase and should be known on Monday 6 July. At the top of the priorities, employment and especially that of health personnel with the ‘Ségur de la santé’, before resuming dialogue with the social partners on pensions, unemployment insurance, then dependency.
The Prime Minister therefore announces “a new social agenda” without forgetting ecology which “is not an option” based on his own words. The task will be difficult; the Ministry of Action and Public Accounts has published its first forecasts for the Year 2021 budget. They forecast an economic recovery of 8% next year, excluding the effects of the future stimulus plan. The deficit is expected at -5.5%, before future new measures expected in September, and the debt at 117.5% of GDP.
25 June
France is continuing its exit from lockdown, from Monday 22 June cinemas, holiday centres and casinos are reopening in compliance with strict sanitary rules. In addition, the constraints are also easing in the world of sport and the resumption of collective sports activities with, again, ‘appropriate prevention measures’. Conversely, combat sports are prohibited. The deconfinement will also continue, and from 11 July, we’ll see the end of the State of Health Emergency in mainland France, for stadiums, but also for racetracks, which will then be reopened to the public, with a ‘maximum’ of 5,000 people.
The Government therefore confirms the conditions for a return to economic activity as normal as possible while the OFCE (French Observatory of Economic Conditions) anticipates an 80% increase in business failures resulting in the loss of 250,000 jobs in 2020. The report also shows strong differences in impact depending on the sector: unsurprisingly, the hospitality and catering sector is extremely exposed to the risk of bankruptcy, while the industry in general is much less so. Another more surprising lesson: like very small companies, large companies, which are more indebted and have less liquidity, are more exposed to default, while SMEs and mid-size companies are less exposed.
18 June
In a televised address broadcast on the evening of Sunday, 14 June 2020, the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron announced a new series of measures to bring about a return to ‘normal’ life for French people. Except for some overseas departments (Guyana and Mayotte), the whole of the French territory will come back to the ‘green’ zone, thus bringing about the total opening of cafes and restaurants - those of Ile-de-France could not unless they had outdoor spaces.
The other flagship measure concerns the reopening of schools and colleges with the compulsory presence of all students from 22 June 2020 until the summer school holidays which begin on 4 July 2020. The President also clarified the procedures for reopening the borders of the Schengen area from 15 June.
The latest economic forecasts indicate a drop in GDP of -9.8% in 2020 and before a rebound of + 7.9% in 2021, it is urgent therefore, in the President's own words, to "revive the economy". In its last note, Oxford Economics does not expect a return to normal economic activity in France before 2022, with a sharp rise in unemployment and household consumption - the engine of the French economy - down is 10% in 2020.
8 June
Two elements came to close in the week of 1 - 5 June, the first week of the second phase of deconfinement in France with, on the one hand, the opening of negotiations on ‘remote working’ and, on the other hand, the submission of the report mediation on the payment of rents for retail spaces.
On ‘remote working’, employers and unions opened discussions on Friday 5 June 2020, these should be complete at the end of September. Based on the observation that the lockdown period represented a form of remote working ‘crash test’, all organisations - both employers and employees - agree on the need to supervise remote working. Many issues are to be addressed: organisational, human and family issues, social, territorial, mobility, human resources. The topics are not lacking even if the objectives of one or another already diverge.
As for the battle for retail space External Link rents, the mediation set up on 23 April 2020 by the Minister of the Economy and Finance has ended in semi-failure, with the drafting of a charter framing the deferrals and cancellations of rents for the lockdown period, and setting a recovery period to 30 September 2020. This is a provision exclusively reserved for retailers who need it, whatever their size. This charter received the support of the representatives of the landlords; fifteen retailer federations refused to ratify the document.
2 June
Today a new phase of lockdown in France, with the reopening of all bars and restaurants (complete reopening for ‘green departments’ and only the terrace for those in ‘orange departments’) and the end of travel restrictions for journeys less than 100 kilometers.
The opening ban, which impacted the department stores of the boulevard Haussmann and shopping centres of over 40,000 sq m, was lifted on Saturday, 30 May by prefectural authorisation, except for the “Halles” in Paris and the “Quatre Temps” in La Defense.
There is indeed an urgent need to return to normality and to revive the French economy when we anticipate a 20% drop in GDP for the 2nd quarter of 2020. The Government is entering a phase of normalisation of support for businesses with less financial support for partial activity and aid of €1,500 for companies in difficulty in the catering / accommodation sector.
A recent study by the Banque de France has shown record corporate debt (€35.4 billion in March, €25 billion in April, when flows are on average 4.5 billion per month). This trend is accelerating in May - from 1 May 1 to 15 May, companies obtained another €32 billion in new loans. It’s a question of businesses restoring cash that has been shattered by 10 weeks of confinement to pay wages, or suppliers.
28 May
Portent is accumulating on the front of the French economy with the first announcements of savings plans or layoffs in some large companies such as Air France and Renault. The plan presented by the carmaker provides measures to achieve €2 billion in savings and the potential closure of 3 factories, including the legendary Flins factory which could halt car production in the near term.
France therefore opens the chapter on the economic consequences of the health crisis, and we think that this is only the beginning. Some major names in the retail sector also report serious difficulties: After André, Orchestra-Prémaman, 5àsec, Pacific Peche and Tie Rack. And now it is Alinea and NAF NAF's turn to go into receivership. This procedure is applicable in the event of payments cessation; it aims to enable the safeguarding of the company, the maintenance of activity and employment and the settlement of liabilities. Potential buyers have made themselves known but no decision has been made.
The first court ruling ordering an insurance company to compensate a restaurant manager for operating losses suffered since the start of the crisis has been announced. The decision opens a breach in the fight between restaurateurs and insurers. Some insurers have already announced exceptional lump sum compensation payments.
21 May
One week after the end of a ‘strict’ lockdown, a first and obviously incomplete assessment can be drawn. It highlights a clear desire on the part of companies to restart their activities, while emphasising the operational difficulties of this recovery, and the additional costs generated (purchases of protective equipment, lower productivity, division of team work etc.). For some business sectors, this additional cost could range from 10% to 30%, already for some, these additional costs have had to be passed on to the end user.
The new health security protocols also generate significant additional costs for retail activities. While all shops - except bars, restaurants and leisure facilities - have reopened since 11 May. According to initial estimates, this additional cost can represent up to €100,000 for a supermarket, if we include protective equipment, employee bonuses and the payment of additional hours necessary to replenish the shelves during store closing hours.
The equation is therefore not so simple. However, it is a better situation than for tourism, where activities are still on hold even though the Government has just validated the principle of holidays for all French people in July and August - everywhere in France, and overseas (DOM TOM). Full refund measures have been put in place if reservations must ultimately be cancelled. Online booking services and SNCF (National Train Services Company) have consequently recorded strong activity since this announcement.
14 May
D-day for the end of lockdown in France started with the reopening of public transport, schools, non-essential shops, except bars and restaurants and large shopping centres in the Greater Paris Region.
A new era therefore opens for a period of 3 weeks and in a country cut in two between red departments (North-East of France) and those green. At the end of May, if the indicators are positive, a new phase may begin, notably with the reopening of cafes and restaurants, which have been closed since 15 March. The next few weeks are therefore crucial.
On the commercial real estate market, a survey lead by the Capital Markets team at Cushman & Wakefield France shows that 66% of the investors questioned are still active in the market and ready to buy assets with a letter of interest. They have a volume of more than €47 billion for their future acquisitions but only €17 billion of assets would - according to respondents - be sold. About 2/3 of respondents have not changed their investment strategy. The strategy changes when it comes to asset allocation in portfolios (21% of respondents see an increase in logistics and residential assets and a decrease in retail assets) and / or the investment risk profile (16% of respondents). A return to normal is expected in 2021, with a decompression of prime yields anticipated for 77% of the respondents. Its size varies according to the asset types considered: the more resilient residential (around 25 basis points), and the more impacted shopping centres (more than 100 basis points).
For the full results >> watch the webinar.
7 May
While the first figures of the economic recession (-5.8% in the 1st quarter 2020) for the French economy were published last week, everyone's eyes are looking at the end of lockdown announced for 11 May. This date has yet to be confirmed and the next few days will therefore be crucial to prepare for the return to a ‘new normal’ which raises many questions.
For corporates, a return to work protocol sets the main principles for the organisation of spaces and employees (4 sq m per employee, direction of movement in spaces, disinfection and wearing of masks etc.), but the Government invites companies to continue to work from home. A recent survey indicates that 74% of companies also plan to develop home working in a sustainable way after the crisis (mostly with the updating or implementation of a charter or agreement).
There are also many questions about the conditions and use of public transport and even more about the re-opening of schools, colleges and high schools, and in the first place for kindergartens and primary schools. On the retail side, the opening of shopping centres with a surface area of more than 40,000 m² is subject to a prefectural decision, while the ban remains for bars and restaurants.
30 April
The soap opera of discussions on the payment of rents during the confinement period has just experienced a new rebound last week: the second amended finance law for 2020, adopted on 23 April allows landlords to deduct tax debt forgiveness from rents agreed between 15 April and 31 December 2020 under certain conditions:
- The tenant must be a company
- When the landlord is also a company, the landlord and the tenant must not belong to the same group
- When the landlord is an individual and the tenant business is operated by a person belonging to his family circle, he must be able to justify the tenant's cash flow difficulties
Being able to deduct charges relating to abandoned rents has also been confirmed.
Finally, tenant companies will be able to deduct from the profit they have to declare, which corresponds to the forgiveness of rents, their tax loss carry-forwards, without applying a limitation over €1 million.
This measure should finally clarify the situation at a time when companies are preparing to reopen from 11 May. The end of lockdown poses a myriad of practical questions and will generate additional costs linked to the necessities of social distancing, which are still in force.
23 April
As France begins its 5th week of lockdown and the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis mutated into a severe economic crisis (-8% announced for the GPD in 2020), the tone mounts between the landlords and the retailers.
A few owners announced very early on the cancellation of the rents, placing themselves in the middle of an ethical question. Retailers are asking for rents and charges to be cancelled, at least until the end of the confinement. On 11 May so-called non-essential shops will be able to reopen (essential shops have remained open). In mid-July bars and restaurants will be able to reopen.
All retailers have left the CNCC (National Centre of Shopping Centres) and 12 professional associations are now speaking with one voice. In a press release dated 17 April 2020, the CNCC, as well as other associations representing landlords (AFG, ASPIM, FSIF, FFA, CAISSE DES DEPOTS Group) asked its members to spread rents over 2 years for small children’s shops, normal payment for large brands and a case-by-case approach for medium-sized businesses. Next week will see a clarification of the situation as the Government is now clearly putting more and more pressure on landlords…
16 April
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday 13 April a possible exit from confinement on 11 May, subject to strict compliance with gradual social distancing measures.
The French economy must remain at a low activity level for another 4 weeks. This has already put more than 8 million workers in partial activity and plunged the gross domestic product to -6% in Q1 2020. Each fortnight of confinement leads to a loss of annual GDP close to -1.5%. Businesses financial situation is therefore worrying, and leasing or investment in the commercial property market already reflects this.
In this context, during Q1 2020, the office market in Ile-de-France experienced its worst performance of the decade with barely 340,000 sq m of take-up (-37% year-on-year).
At the same time, activity was particularly dynamic on the investment market with €7.3 billion invested. Obviously Q2 will be strongly impacted by the near impossibility of signing any deal; transaction volumes will therefore proportionally decrease considerably. All eyes are therefore on Q3 hoping for a recovery.
9 April
At the dawn of the fourth week of lockdown in France, the impacts of the COVID-19 health crisis are beginning to take shape economically.
415,000 companies and almost 4 million people - figures as of 1 April 2020 - now benefit from a ‘partial activity measure’, which means the State pays a part of company wages. These are mainly companies with fewer than 20 employees (42% of employees) working in the retail sector (21.4% of requests), accommodation and catering (15.7%) and construction (14.3%) sectors.
The dialogue between the professional federations and the State - which commenced at the start of the crisis - continues to ensure the right conditions for resuming economic activity:
- A recommendation to allow building activity to resume partially, while ensuring the safety of employees was validated by the Government and was made public on 2 April 2020.
- The time limits for appealing administrative acts (building authorisation, building controls, declaration of intention to dispose of, etc.) could be shortened.
- The digitalisation of transactions (notarial deed online, electronic signatures of the parties) could facilitate the completion of real estate transactions with purchase and lease contracts.
2 April
As part of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the French Government ordered the confinement of people from 17 March, in parallel with the closure of ‘non-essential’ businesses, announced on 14 March.
During this health emergency, Government action in respect of businesses has been strong and rapid:
- The postponement of tax deadlines and social security for the month of March.
- The public assumption of partial activity costs.
- The State guarantee of up to €300 billion in loans on bank loans to companies enabling them to consolidate their cash.
- An emergency aid of €1,500 will be paid at the beginning of April to the smallest businesses - a solidarity fund is created for this purpose, which will be matched with €1 billion, including €250 million from the county institutions.
Few measures directly affect the commercial real estate market in France. However, there are no penalties nor interest on arrears in the event of rent non-payment. This measure is applicable during the duration of the health emergency and the following 2 months for companies eligible for the solidarity fund.
It is too early to measure the impact of these measures on the real estate market. The National Statistics Institute has already estimated the economic loss of -35% compared to a ‘normal’ situation.
