Cost of Living in the New Saint-Malo District: Insights and Analysis

Saint-Malo‘s Lorette Eco-District: A Look at Housing Sales and Development

The Lorette eco-neighborhood in Saint-Malo, France, is gradually coming to life, with residents begining to move in as July 2025. The district officially opened on August 30, 2025, following the redevelopment of a former barracks site. But how is the large-scale residential project progressing,and what is the current status of apartment sales and pricing?

Revised Pricing Strategies

Groupe Launay,a key developer in the project,has commenced the delivery of its apartments,a process that will continue through September. François Cormier, the group’s Marketing and Commercial Director, expressed overall satisfaction with the progress, acknowledging that marketing began in 2022, just prior to significant turbulence in the real estate sector and a rise in interest rates. This situation necessitated a modest reduction in sale prices and optimization of construction methods, all while maintaining project specifications.

Average Property Values in Lorette

Currently, properties in the Lorette district are selling for an average of €5,000 per square meter. while sales haven’t been as rapid as anticipated, 25 out of 30 apartments have been sold to date. Sales of houses,however,are slower,with only one of the five available houses finding a buyer. Developers attribute this to the fact that larger homes generally take longer to sell.

Approximately 40% of buyers intend to use the properties as primary residences,while the remaining 60% are purchasing as investments.

The central square of the Lorette eco-neighborhood in Saint-Malo. © Juliette Leclercq/The Malouin country

Developer Breakdown and Sales Figures

Bati Armor is completing construction on 58 apartments, ranging from one- to four-bedroom units, with delivery expected by the end of the year. These units are also priced around €5,000 per square meter, and several remain available on their website. Plans call for an additional 100 units to be added in the future. The Lamotte group has constructed around forty apartments, listed for sale at prices exceeding €5,000 per square meter.

Keredes, a real estate cooperative, is building 17 apartments offered under a “real estate solidarity lease”, a system that separates ownership of the building from ownership of the land. Only two three-bedroom apartments remain for sale. Marketing efforts were initially slow, but prices were reduced thanks to a housing action subsidy.

SECIB IMMOBILIER began construction of apartments and houses in September. The company focuses exclusively on properties under a real estate solidarity lease,and has already sold 25 of the 37 dwellings,priced between €2,800 and €3,500 per square meter. The average buyer age is 35, and 90% are current residents of Saint-Malo.

La rance, another social landlord, plans to construct fifteen apartments under a united lease agreement, along with 32 rental units.Work is scheduled to commence in early 2026,with completion expected by the end of 2028. Currently, the project is undergoing consultation and marketing details are pending.

Social Housing Initiatives

Emerald Home is contributing 65 social housing units, scheduled to be operational in October. Applications are being accepted through a one-stop shop. The company also plans to build 24 intermediate rental accommodations, with earthworks underway and projected completion in 2027.

Uncertainty surrounds Realities Project

The future of the Realities project, which initially proposed 38 dwellings, remains uncertain. The company entered receivership in February 2025 due to financial challenges. Following an initial observation period,the Commercial Court of Nantes authorized a six-month extension of this period on August 6,2025,with another review scheduled for October.

Developer	Units Planned	Units Sold (as of Sept.2025)	Average Price/m²
Groupe Launay	30 Apartments	25	€5,000
Bati Armor	58 Apartments	N/A	€5,000
lamotte Group	40 Apartments	N/A	€5,000+
Keredes	17 Apartments	15	€3,000
SECIB IMMOBILIER	37 Dwellings	25	€2,800 – €3,500

Did You Know? Real estate solidarity leases (“bail réel solidaire”) are becoming increasingly popular in France, offering a way to reduce the cost of homeownership by separating the building from the land.

Pro Tip: For prospective buyers looking at investment properties, consider the growing demand for rental accommodations in Saint-Malo, a popular tourist destination.

What factors are most important to you when considering a new home in Saint-Malo? do you see the potential in the Lorette eco-district’s long-term development?

Understanding Eco-Districts and Enduring Development

Eco-districts, as exemplified by Lorette, represent a growing trend in urban planning focused on sustainability, community, and reduced environmental impact. These projects prioritize green spaces, energy efficiency, and mixed-use development to create more livable and resilient urban environments. According to a 2023 report by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), sustainable urban development is critical for achieving global climate goals and improving the quality of life for billions of people.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lorette

Share your thoughts on the Lorette eco-district in the comments below! We’d love to hear your perspective.

What are the primary factors influencing rental costs in the New Saint-Malo District?

Housing Costs in Saint-Malo: Rent vs. Buy

The New Saint-Malo District, a rapidly developing area known for its modern architecture and proximity to the historic city center, presents a unique cost of living profile. Housing is typically the largest expense, and understanding the nuances between renting and buying is crucial.

rental Market: Average rental costs in the New Saint-Malo district currently range from €800 for a studio apartment to €1,800+ for a three-bedroom family home. Thes figures are influenced by proximity to amenities, the size of the property, and the inclusion of features like parking or a balcony. Expect a security deposit equivalent to one to two months’ rent.

Property Purchase: The property market in Saint-Malo is competitive. As of late 2025, the average price per square meter in the New District is around €3,500 – €5,000. A typical 70 square meter apartment could thus cost between €245,000 and €350,000. Consider notary fees (around 7-8% of the purchase price) and potential renovation costs when budgeting.

Property taxes: Taxe foncière (property tax) and taxe d’habitation (occupancy tax – phasing out for primary residences,but still applicable for second homes) add to the overall cost of homeownership. Expect annual property taxes to range from €800 to €2,000+, depending on the property’s value and location.

Daily Expenses: Groceries, Transportation & utilities

Beyond housing, everyday living expenses contribute substantially to the overall cost of living.

Groceries: A single person can expect to spend approximately €300-€400 per month on groceries, depending on dietary habits and shopping preferences. Local markets offer fresh produce at competitive prices, while supermarkets like Carrefour and Intermarché provide a wider selection.

Transportation: Saint-Malo boasts a good public transportation system, with bus routes connecting the New District to the city center and surrounding areas.A monthly pass costs around €50. owning a car adds expenses like insurance (€400-€800 annually), fuel, and parking (which can be limited and expensive in the city center). Cycling is a popular and affordable option.

Utilities: Monthly utility bills (electricity, gas, water, internet) typically range from €150 to €300, depending on usage and the size of the property. energy efficiency is becoming increasingly significant, and newer buildings in the New District often have lower energy consumption.

Internet & mobile: expect to pay around €30-€60 per month for a reliable internet connection and mobile phone plan.

Healthcare & Insurance Costs

france has a renowned healthcare system, but understanding the costs is essential.

Healthcare: The French healthcare system is largely public, funded through social security contributions. However, many people opt for mutuelle (supplemental health insurance) to cover costs not fully reimbursed by the state.A basic mutuelle plan can cost around €30-€100 per month.

Health Insurance: Mandatory health insurance contributions are deducted directly from your salary if employed. If self-employed, you’ll need to register with the relevant social security organization and pay contributions accordingly.

Other Insurance: Home insurance (assurance habitation) is mandatory for renters and homeowners. Car insurance is required for vehicle owners. Life insurance and other types of coverage are optional but recommended.

Leisure & Entertainment: Saint-Malo’s Lifestyle costs

Saint-Malo offers a vibrant cultural scene and numerous leisure activities,but these come at a cost.

Dining Out: A meal at a casual restaurant costs around €15-€25 per person. Fine dining experiences can easily exceed €50 per person.

Entertainment: Cinema tickets cost around €10-€15. Museum entry fees range from €5 to €15.Concerts and theater performances vary in price.

Gym & Fitness: A monthly gym membership typically costs between €30 and €60.

Cultural Activities: Saint-Malo hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, some of which are free, while others require ticket purchases.

Cost of Living Comparison: Saint-Malo vs. Other French Cities

Compared to Paris or Lyon, Saint-Malo generally offers a more affordable cost of living. However, it’s slightly more expensive than some smaller towns in Brittany.

| Expense Category | Saint-Malo (Estimate) | paris (Estimate) |

|—|—|—|

| Rent (1-bedroom apartment) | €800 – €1,200 | €1,2