Comprehensive review and benchmark study of the public real Estate management

The European Commission provided support to the French “Direction Generale des Finances Publiques” more specifically the “Direction de l’Immobilier de l’Etat” (DIE) and its local branches to enhance their public real estate management. The technical assistance focused on achieving the following objectives: 
► Improving cost-effectiveness of French public real estate management; 
► Identifying ways to actively contribute and promote the ecological and digital transition; 
► Exploring the legal arrangements and governance conditions to offer property management services; 
► Supporting the overall improvement of public finance management.

Context

The primary aim of this support was to assist the French DIE in enhancing their capacity to design, develop, and implement reforms. This study is central to the structural reforms promoted by the European Union, particularly the Green Pact for Europe, which seeks inclusive growth and aims to eliminate CO2 emissions by 2050. It is also a key component of the NextGenerationEU Recovery Plan, which directs funding towards projects contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation

Support delivered

The project provided the French institution with a complete overview of the different organizational methods of the various State real estate departments in European countries. In addition, an analysis was made of the difficulties and strengths of the organizations in several European countries. A challenge of controlling the real estate stock and in particular its decarbonization was highlighted. Based on this comparison, different reform orientations were decided by the French government, in particular the establishment of a State land management agency and the implementation of a policy to reduce workspaces while taking into account new ways of working in the office.

Results achieved

The project enhanced the knowledge and comparability of data between European practices in public real estate management. This facilitated the convergence and sharing of best practices among Member States and improved internal practices in France. The project also advanced the conduct and organization of the State’s property policy, not only in terms of efficiency 2 (cost/quality) but also in complementary areas such as energy and digital transitions (e.g., expanding internet connectivity and mobile network access). Additionally, the project contributed to the successful implementation of real estate management reforms through actionable recommendations and a robust action plan.

More about the project

You can read the documents related to the project here: