Ipsos survey on the French people’s relationship with their homes

For the French, the home is much more than just a place to live. Far more than an address or a shelter, it is a private sanctuary, an extension of the self and a true foundation for personal well-being. Respondents describe it above all as ‘an intimate/personal space’ (50%), ‘a place of rest and relaxation’ (44%) and ‘a place of safety’ (33%).

The functional aspect of the home thus takes a back seat to an emotional connection. The home is seen as a protective space, conducive to calm, re-centring and self-expression: 88% of French people feel they can be completely themselves there, 86% feel safe there and 87% believe it is essential to their personal well-being. It also stands out as the ultimate place for well-being: 80% say it is the place where they feel better than anywhere else. When they close the door behind them, the dominant feelings are calm (48%), well-being (45%) and relaxation (44%).

However, the study highlights differing perceptions depending on individual profiles. Tenants are more likely than homeowners to emphasise the vital importance of the home, whilst those on the lowest incomes more often mention a feeling of isolation and a lower level of well-being. 

A home is also seen as a personal and evolving construct. When asked, “For you, having a home is above all…”, 34% of French people consider it to be a fundamental or vital need, whilst 27% see it as a place that one builds and that evolves alongside oneself. This view takes precedence over more functional perceptions, such as the idea of a marker of stability (16%) or a simple practical necessity (9%). 

Because the home is seen as a private and reassuring space, leaving it causes significant concern. During prolonged absences, 42% of French people fear burglary or break-ins above all else, far ahead of fire (12%) or water damage (8%).

Perceptions vary depending on individual circumstances, particularly age or type of home, but one common expectation stands out: to preserve this personal sanctuary and not be left to deal with an incident on their own. Indeed, 43% believe that protecting their home means, above all, being able to leave it with peace of mind, whilst 84% say that knowing their home is protected gives them greater peace of mind in their daily lives.

In this quest for reassurance, human interaction plays a central role: 79% of those surveyed believe it is important that there are real people behind the service, with 41% considering this essential and 38% finding it reassuring. In the event of an emergency, the French want, above all, to be able to rely on a contact person who is available, capable of understanding the situation and able to act quickly.

With this in mind, IMA Protect champions a vision of home protection based on local support, availability and peace of mind: a service designed to provide reassurance both in everyday life and during difficult times

The full report is available on request.