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4,000 municipalities will now be able to increase housing tax on second homes. In cities where the measure is already in place, the inhabitants are divided as to this measure, which should make it possible to invest in social housing.
The village of Mouans-Sartoux (Alpes-Maritimes) is very popular. 10% of the accommodations are second homes. For four years, their owners have been paying a 60% surcharge. The measure divides the inhabitants. “When you can have a second home, you can afford it“, thinks a woman. “I think of the people who have it, I think it’s still a lot“, deplores another. Today, 1,140 cities can apply this surcharge. From next year, up to 5,000 municipalities would be affected.
To be part of it, there are several criteria: the percentage of second homes in the municipality, the lack of available accommodation and their price. Objective: to reinvest this money in social or new housing intended for the inhabitants. In Mouans-Sartoux, the measure makes it possible to recover 500,000 euros to preserve, in particular, public services. In the town of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin (Alpes-Maritimes), the tax will increase from 40% to 60%, which is difficult for some owners of second homes.