The European Investment Bank (EIB) and CDC Habitat group have signed a second financing tranche of €250 million to support the construction of intermediate rental housing in France, according to a press release issued by the EIB. The new operation complements a first tranche of the same amount, forming part of a total €500 million envelope approved in 2025. The funding will support the construction of approximately 3,470 energy-efficient, means-tested rental housing units. These homes will be located mainly in urban areas with strong rental demand. The initiative falls under the EIB’s action plan for affordable and sustainable housing.
The project targets middle-income households, young workers, and essential workers who face difficulties finding housing near employment centers. The homes will be concentrated in urban areas marked by high rental tensions. Intermediate rental housing offers rents below market levels for households whose incomes exceed social housing thresholds. This segment aims to bridge the gap between social housing and the open market. It seeks to make homes more accessible in high-demand zones.
France is the leading beneficiary of EIB housing financing in Europe over the past five years, with €3.4 billion committed. The operation strengthens a long-standing partnership between the EIB and CDC Habitat, which has spanned since 2015. Previous joint operations have addressed intermediate housing construction, energy renovation of existing stock, and housing needs for specific groups, including public agents and essential workers. The new tranche reinforces the EIB’s engagement alongside major public housing actors in France. It also promotes energy efficiency in buildings.
“Affordable housing is at the heart of the EIB’s priorities, as it directly affects quality of life, territorial attractiveness, and social cohesion. With this second tranche of €250 million, we are strengthening our partnership with CDC Habitat to accelerate the construction of intermediate housing in areas where needs are most pressing and promote energy efficiency of buildings,” said Ambroise Fayolle, Vice-President of the EIB.
Clément Lecuivre, Chairman of the Management Board of CDC Habitat, said the partnership helps produce accessible housing adapted to local realities. He noted it confirms a shared commitment to projects combining social utility and environmental quality. Both leaders emphasized long-term territorial engagement.
The EIB’s action plan aims to expand financing for construction, energy renovation, and innovation in the building sector across Europe. In 2025, the EIB Group signed €100 billion in new financing and advisory mandates, including €13 billion in France, supporting more than 870 high-impact projects. CDC Habitat, a subsidiary of Caisse des Dépôts affiliated with Banque des Territoires, manages 573,400 housing units across mainland France and overseas territories. The signing confirms the EIB’s continued mobilization for affordable housing initiatives. It reinforces both institutions’ shared commitment to sustainable urban growth.