Lyon Municipal Elections 2026: Property Tax Dominates the Debate
Lyon, March 3 – With less than a month until the 2026 municipal elections, property tax has emerged as a critical issue in Lyon. After a notable 9% increase in 2023, property owners and landlords are meticulously examining the proposals of each candidate. The debate centers on whether to freeze, annul, or completely abolish the property tax, reflecting diverse visions for local finances in France’s third-largest city.
In Lyon, where housing costs significantly impact household budgets, fiscal policy extends beyond mere accounting. Amid promises of stability, calls to reverse the 9% hike, and demands for the outright abolition of property tax, the issue has crystallized public expectations.
A 9% Increase in Lyon’s Property Tax in 2023
Under the current mandate of Grégory Doucet, who is seeking re-election, the property tax rate in Lyon increased by 9% in 2023. Coupled with the national revaluation of tax bases, the actual increase for Lyon homeowners reached approximately 16%. This substantial rise has placed a heavy burden on households, particularly given that housing is widely considered the number one concern for French citizens, encompassing difficulties in finding housing, unpaid rents, renovation aid, and rising energy costs.
The UNPI (National Union of Real Estate Owners) has voiced strong opposition. Through its president for France and Lyon-Métropole, Sylvain Grataloup, the organization issued an open letter urging authorities to “grant more confidence to landlord-owners who play a crucial role in housing households” and demanding “more justice.” The UNPI goes further, advocating for the abolition of property tax altogether. “It is an unfair tax that has increased by an average of 40% over ten years, while rents have only risen by 7.4%,” stated Sylvain Grataloup to Mes Infos. He proposes replacing it with “a local contribution from users of local authorities paid by all beneficiaries of local public services.”
Rent Control Also Under Scrutiny
Grataloup also criticized rent control, asserting that “the calculation mechanism for the reference rent is flawed. By excluding regulated rents and basing it solely on free rents, the reference rent is 20% above the current reference rent.” He added that “the increase in the housing budget is not due to rent, but to the price of electricity and gas,” and highlighted “the accumulation of rental prohibitions and work obligations” which he believes has removed many properties from the market.
Candidates’ Stances on Local Taxation for 2026 Municipal Elections
In response to these demands, candidates have put forth varied proposals:
- Alexandre Humbert Dupalais (UDR, supported by RN): Promises a tax freeze and the annulment of the 9% property tax increase. His program aims for zero tax increases, alongside efforts to attract businesses and startups, create free zones, and support local commerce. He also proposes three hours of free parking to “revitalize trade.”
- Jean-Michel Aulas (supported by LR and the central bloc): Emphasizes the absence of local tax increases and focuses on controlling expenditures, though he has not committed to a specific reduction in property tax.
- Grégory Doucet (incumbent mayor, ‘Pour Vivre Lyon’ list): Does not promise new targeted increases in local taxes. His campaign also supports a symbolic measure on parking, stating: “Coming to see loved ones in Lyon should not be a headache or an additional expense.”
- Anaïs Belouassa-Cherifi (LFI): Remains cautious, with no specific commitments on tax increases or freezes at this stage. Her party advocates for municipalities to “modulate property tax to promote local businesses and disadvantage large businesses that destroy jobs and quality of life,” according to Le Figaro.
- Georges Képénékian (independent) and Nathalie Perrin-Gilbert (diverse left): Their programs detail economic proposals but do not include precise commitments on reducing or abolishing property tax.
The upcoming elections will undoubtedly shape the future of local taxation in Lyon, with significant implications for residents and the city’s economic landscape.
Source: https://www.maison-travaux.fr/actualites/taxe-fonciere-a-lyon-ce-que-proposent-concretement-les-candidats-aux-municipales-2026-617813.html
