France's life sciences real estate sector is underpinned by robust fundamentals including resilient healthcare spending, cutting-edge research and development, and the dynamic Paris ecosystem. Thanks to the French property fund structure known as Société Civile de Placement Immobilier (SCPI), individual investors can gain exposure to the sector with a small initial investment. SCPIs are unlisted (private) vehicles and have been authorised since 1970. They now represent a significant conduit for channelling retail savers' funds into healthcare infrastructure and other types of real estate.
This combination of robust fundamentals and a specific savings vehicle is distinctive and each element is examined separately, starting with the healthcare market.
France’s ambitious plan for life sciences
France aspires to be a global leader in healthcare and life sciences innovation by 2030. The Health Innovation Plan has a budget of €7.5 (£6.4 billion) and is part of a wider initiative to relaunch the French economy, called France 2030. In addition, on 7 December 2023 President Macron also unveiled a sweeping plan to dramatically remake the nation’s research establishment, though the blueprint is vague in places.
