Ceetrus France acquires stake in Vilogia to boost affordable housing development in France

25 September 2024

In a move aimed at addressing the housing crisis and creating more socially inclusive neighborhoods, Ceetrus France has entered a strategic partnership with Vilogia, a leading player in the social housing sector. On September 20 in Villeneuve d’Ascq, Gérard Meauxsoone, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, along with other senior executives from Vilogia and Ceetrus, formalized this collaboration to increase the availability of affordable housing and revitalize local areas.

The partnership will focus on transforming single-purpose neighborhoods into vibrant, mixed-use living spaces that cater to the needs of local communities. Ceetrus, a key player in mixed-use real estate, has acquired a 5% stake in Vilogia as part of this effort. This acquisition aligns with Ceetrus’ long-term vision of developing high-value real estate projects that integrate housing, services, and social infrastructure. Nhood, a real estate services company, facilitated the transaction and will play a central role in executing new projects.

The partnership between Ceetrus and Vilogia marks a significant step toward reshaping regional development. By pooling their expertise, the two companies aim to create sustainable, inclusive neighborhoods that provide more affordable housing options. Ceetrus’ investment also strengthens its position in the real estate market, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable urban development.

“This strategic partnership with Vilogia and Nhood represents our commitment to innovation and the creation of real estate projects that positively impact communities,” said Antoine Grolin, CEO of New Immo Holding. “Our goal is to transform areas into residential spaces where access to housing is possible for as many people as possible.”

The collaboration also highlights Vilogia’s ongoing mission to tackle the challenges facing the social housing sector. With 2.7 million people on waiting lists for social housing, the need for affordable housing solutions has never been more urgent. Through this partnership, Vilogia aims to diversify its financial resources and continue building sustainable, affordable housing while fostering social solidarity.

Key Objectives of the Partnership

As part of the agreement, Ceetrus will appoint Antoine Grolin to the Vilogia Supervisory Board, further solidifying the partnership. The collaboration will focus on several core initiatives:

• Creating High-Quality Living Spaces: By leveraging their combined expertise, Ceetrus and Vilogia will develop housing that caters to the needs of local communities, offering comfortable and accessible living environments.
• Revitalizing Underutilized Land: The partnership will transform unused or neglected land into dynamic, functional spaces that maximize social and economic potential.
• Promoting Mixed-Use Development: Moving away from single-purpose facilities, the new projects will integrate housing, services, and community initiatives to foster social inclusion and diversity.
• Improving Housing Accessibility: A key focus will be on increasing the availability of affordable housing, particularly for disadvantaged groups, by addressing economic and social barriers.
• Developing Synergies: Both companies will collaborate on property management, service development, and training initiatives, enhancing their ability to deliver impactful housing solutions.

This partnership is rooted in the principles of the ‘1% Logement’ program, which was established in 1943 to strengthen ties between businesses, employees, and local authorities. The collaboration between Ceetrus and Vilogia aims to develop future-ready cities by sustainably regenerating brownfield sites and supporting the growth of diverse housing options.

Vilogia’s CEO, Philippe Remignon, emphasized the importance of the partnership in addressing the social housing crisis. “Our DNA is rooted in finding innovative solutions to the housing challenges we face today. The access to capital and special partnership with Ceetrus and Nhood will open new opportunities for Vilogia to continue building affordable housing and supporting social solidarity,” Remignon said.

With this new partnership, Ceetrus and Vilogia are setting the stage for a transformative approach to affordable housing, focusing on sustainable growth and community development. Together, they aim to create neighborhoods that not only meet the housing needs of today but also contribute to a brighter, more inclusive future.

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