3. Home Energy Efficiency in France

1. Ma Prime Renov
2. Certificats d’économie s d’énergie (CEE)
3. Interest Free 'Eco' Loan
4. Prêt Avance Rénovation (PAR)
5. 'Eco' Mortgages/Loans
6. Rate Relief/Local Council Assistance
7. Home Improvement Grants

3.1. MaPrimeRenov

i. What is 'MaPrimeRénov’?

Until the end of 2019, the main form of financial assistance for home energy conservation was a tax credit called the Crédit d’Impôt de la Transition Énergétique - CITE.

Since 2019, this tax credit was phased out, and replaced by a grants system called MaPrimeRénov. It is also known as prime à la transition énergétique.

One of the major changes is that the grant is paid at the end of the works, and not later following submission of your income tax return. It is also possible to obtain an advance payment of up to 50% of the grant.

The rules and the process are, however, complicated by two parallel systems of home improvement/energy efficiency grants that run alongside MaPrimeRénov.

The first of these is called Ma Prime Rénov’ Décente which you can read about at Improvement Grants.

In addition, there are also supplementary grants available through the energy suppliers (principally EDF), through a scheme called Certificats d’économies d’énergie (CEE). These grants are available to most households, and they can run into thousands of euros. The grants can be obtained in conjunction with MaPrimeRénov single element works, although there are maximum percentage limits, depending on income. We consider the CEE in a separate section of this guide.

As we report in our article Energy Efficiency Grant Steeplechase, the grants system is being neutralised by a reduction in other grants, a complicated process and the spiralling costs of the work.

ii. Eligible Persons

The MaPrimeRénov grant is available to homeowners, landlords and to co-ownership properties.

• Homeowners - provided the property is their principal residence and the property was constructed at least 15 years ago, although this condition is reduced to 2 years in the case of a project for the removal of a fuel oil tank with its replacement by heating equipment eligible for the grant. Second homes are not eligible. Neither are properties held via an SCI.

• Landlords - who are required to let the property as a principal residence for at least 6 years no later than 1 year from receipt of the grant. Any rent increase as a result of the works must take account of the grant received and be justified to the tenant, who must be informed of the amount of the grant. The same rules concerning the age of the property apply to landlords. Landlords may need to consider, as an alternative, grants available under the Habitat Mieux grant scheme although the scheme is not a generous one.

• Co-ownership Properties - Also eligible are owners living in co-ownership properties (co-propriétaires), where the grant is awarded throug the managing agents, the syndicat,. Assistance is available regardless of the individual financial circumstances of the co-owners, both occupants and landlords. To be eligible the co-owners will have to carry out works that create an energy saving of at least 35% and they must be essentially composed of main residences (75% minimum).

Nevertheless, for individual households and landlords, although the grant is a universal one, the level of the grant and the eligible works are a function of household income and the improvements in energy efficiency that are obtained. Inevitably, priority is being given to those on a low income living in properties with low energy efficiency performance and not all households are eligible for all types of work.

Four categories of household and income ceilings have been created, with each one given a colour coding, as follows:

• MaPrimeRénov - ménages aux ressources très modestes - Blue
• MaPrimeRénov - ménages aux ressources modestes - Yellow
• MaPrimeRénov - ménages aux ressources intermédiaire - Violet
• MaPrimeRénov - ménages aux ressources supérieures - Pink

There are different income ceilings for the Ile-de-France and the rest of the country. The income test is your Revenu fiscal de référence (RFR), as stated on your income tax notice.

The income thresholds and the package available is the same for both owner-occupiers and landlords.

Table: Maximum Income Ceilings 2025 – Ile-de-France

Table: Maximum Income Ceilings 2025 – Regions

Source: ANIL (government housing agency)

iv. Eligible Works

Broadly speaking, the MaPrimeRénov grant provides assistance towards works of insulation, heating and ventilation. There is also financial support for an energy audit, which is compulsory where more than a single element of works are being proposed.

The list of eligible works and grant levels for individual works are shown in the tables below.

Since Oct 2023 the government has sought to encourage households to undertake a package of works in their property to secure a step-change in the level of energy efficiency. Priority is therefore being given to those undertaking several elements of work.

Nevertheless, as a result of the introduction of this restriction as a firm measure on 1st Jan 2024 applications for the grant collapsed. The government were therefore obliged to backtrack, so that single elements of work would continue to be permitted until at least the end of 2025.

Since 1st Jan 2023, high performance gas boiler has no longer been eligible for assistance. Similarly, there is no longer a grant for floor insulation. We consider the issue in more detail in our article Home Energy Efficiency Grants 2023.

v. Eligible Properties

The property must have been constructed at least 15 years ago, although this condition is reduced to 2 years in the case of a project for the removal of a fuel oil tank with its replacement by heating equipment eligible for the grant.

vi. Grant Levels

The maximum total grant depends on your income and the gain in energy efficiency.

Most grant levels have been reduced significantly since 2023.

There are three main types of grants:

• Rénovation par geste – a single element of works for which a lump sum is available, according to the income of the household. Indeed, it can be more than one element of works. Those households on the highest incomes (ménages aux ressources supérieures) are not eligible. Landlords are eligible but subject to the resources test. It is possible to apply for successive single element grants. There is no need for an energy audit to be carried out.

• Rénovation d’ampleu – a more ambitious package of works for which a percentage grant is available, based on the income of the applicant and the improvement in energy efficiency. There must be at least two elements of work and at least a gain in two classes of energy efficiency. In the process, you must be a professional intermediary - Accompagnateur Rénov’

• Rénovation en copropriété – for apartment blocks with the process handled by the managing agent. We do not consider these grants in this guide.

There is also a grant for disabled persons – PrimeAdapt- which is dealt with elsewhere in these guides.

i. Rénovation par geste

The table below shows the amounts available by type of household and works for the MaPrimeRénov grant for single elements of work. That is to say, for those proposing Rénovation par geste rather than a package of works under Rénovation d’ampleu.

Only those on the lowest income are entitled to the highest grants and those on the highest incomes are not eligible for single element grants.

The figures below are for individual homes only; separate rules apply for co-ownership properties. Owners should contact their syndicat to discuss.

The table also shows the cost ceiling for each element of work.

NB: Solar panels that create and store electricity for resale are not eligible. Only eligible are those for space and water heating.

External wall insulation is limited to a maximum of 100m2.

Separately from these arrangements, households on modest incomes whose home needs major renovation can access the home improvement grants system, details of which you can find at Home Improvement Grants.

It is also possible to use a Certificat d’économies d’énergie (CEE) grant in connection with the works.

ii. Rénovation d’ampleu

The table below shows the maximum grant percentages available by household income, together with the maximum eligible expenditure. The amounts depends on the level of the increase n energy efficiency.

Thus, a household with very modest income achieving a gain of two energy ratings would be entitled to 80% grant on a maximum of €40,000 expenditure. There is also an increase of 10% in the grant (Bonification Sortie de passoire thermique) if the energy rating achieves at least a D category.

All households, irrespective of income, are eligible for these grants, but for those on the highest incomes, since 2025 there has been a substantial reduction in the grant, making the system of questionable value, particularly given the level of administration that is required to apply for a grant.

Those properties with an energy rating of F or G can benefit from an additional 10% in eligible expenditure, provided the energy rating after works reaches at least D.

All those undertaking a package of works must be accompanied by a professional Accompagnateur Rénov approved by the grant agency, for which grant support is available up to €2,000. Those on the lowest incomes obtain a grant of 100% up to this amount, reducing to 80%, 40% and 20% by income category.

The application for an advance of the grant must be made before the works begin and be accompanied by an estimate from the builder doing the work, requesting an advance before commencement of works.

Where a package of works is undertaken, there is no eligibility to a Certificat d’économies d’énergie (CEE) grant.

vi. Registered Builder

The project must be undertaken in its entirety by a registered builder.

These companies must also have the qualification label RGE - Reconnu Garant de l’Environnement. This is most important. However, there is a shortage of such builders and scams around of builders who have obtained fake certificates. The advice of officials should always be obtained before engaging a builder.

In no case would you be eligible for the tax credit if you purchased the materials yourself, or you undertook the installation works.

vii. Application Procedure

You can make a start at France-Renov..

A guide (in French) on how to open an account and make an on-line application can be found at: Guide MaPrimeRénov.

You would be best advised to contact your local public, free renovation advisory service, FAIRE/France-Renov, before you set out on a project of this kind. Indeed, if you are planning major works you are required to obtain professional support. Such is the complexity of the process that assistance is essential.

3.2. Certificats d’économie s d’énergie (CEE)

Separately, on a means-tested basis it is possible to obtain financial assistance for the replacement of an oil or gas-fired boiler for a sustainable form of heating, such as heat pump or a condensing boiler, wood burner or solar heating. The assistance includes the labour cost.

The initiative is run in partnership with several private sector partners, eg, EDF, Engie, Energie Solidarité and Total, through the use of certificats d’économie s d’énergie. However, apart from EDF, the private sector partners are not participating actively in the programme.

The CEE scheme has been roundly condemned by the French National Auditor, which you can read about at Energy Saving Certificates Under Fire.

The grants are available under a programme called Coup de pouce économies d'énergie/chauffage, launched in 2017. The are cumulative with MaPrimeRénov Rénovation par geste so together they can make a significant grant contributions towards boiler replacement.

Although universal, the grant is means-tested, and the highest grants only available to those on the lowest incomes as follows:

Table: Maximum Income Ceilings 2025

And additional sums for each additional person, as appropriate
.
The level of the grant depends on the type of new system installed and income threshold but can be €5,000 at the top end for replacement of an oil fired boiler for households above, and €4,000 for other households.

As with all energy conservation works, be careful about approaches over the telephone or on-line from companies who appear to offer the works for a negligible sum, particularly through the use of certificats d’économies d’énergie.

You also need to be certain that your home is suitable for a renewal energy source, as many households have found that their heating costs increase with the replacement system.

The process is complicated and advice from France-Renov. is highly recommended.

3.3. Éco-prêt à taux zéro

An interest free loan (l’éco-prêt à taux zéro/Mon éco-PTZ Prime Réno) for the cost of works of home energy conservation and the installation of a septic tank is available.

There is no test of resources in determining eligibility for the loan.

Both owner-occupiers and landlords are eligible, although the property must be occupied as a principal residence. If the property has not been used as a principal residence, this condition must be fulfilled within six months of completion of the works.

The duration of the loan is normally 10 years, but can be up to 20 years where at least three elements of work are undertaken.

Eligible works include loft and wall insulation, double glazing, space heating, as well as renewal of a septic tank system.

In order to obtain the loan, one of three conditions must be fulfilled, depending on the type and age of property.

You must either:

• Achieve a minimum level of energy performance standard, called a performance énergétique globale ; or
• Undertake the installation of a septic tank system; or
• Realise the works in connection within an area based housing renovation programme.

The minimum level of energy performance must be either to achieve an annual energy consumption of less than 331 kWh/m2 or an improvement in energy performance of at least 35%.

Since 1st March 2019, it is no longer is it necessary to undertake at least two elements of work, which was called a bouquet de travaux.

The amount of the loan depends on the number of elements of work undertaken as follows:

Up to €15,000 for a single action from the list of eligible works, except for the replacement of windows, in which case the ceiling is €7,000;
Up to €25,000 for two of the seven eligible actions;
Up to €30,000 if you carry out three or more of the seven eligible actions and for work that achieves a minimum overall energy performance;
Up to €50,000 for work that achieves a minimum energy gain of 35% and enables a dwelling to be lifted from an energy rating of F or G;
Up to €10,000 for a septic tank alone.

These thresholds are for supply and installation.

If you have already received a loan, but you wish to do additional work it is possible to do so, up to the maximum thresholds above, provided the advance is made within 5 years of the initial advance.

If the property was constructed after 1948 you will be required to have a energy performance study of your property undertaken.

You should approach France-Renov, or alternatively direct to your bank, who administer the loans.

You will be required to use a registered builder, so DIY projects are not eligible. The builder must also have the qualification label RGE - Reconnu Garant de l’Environnement.

You have three years to complete the works, following consent to the loan.

Separately, since Sept 2024 it is possible to take out a life-time loan. You can read more at Interest Free Loans for Energy Conservation.

3.4'Prêt Avance Rénovation (PAR)/ Prêt Avance Mutation (PAM)

Despite the more generous loans now available the repayments may remain too high for many low-income households.

In order to assist such households a mortgage called 'Prêt Avance Rénovation (PAR)/Prêt Avance Mutation (PAM)' has been introduced by the government.

Unlike the Eco-PTZ it is equivalent to a lifetime mortgage, repaid on the sale of the property or through inheritance.

There are no set-up fees and the borrower need not take out mortgage protection insurance.

However, the loan is subject to a test of resources. For a couple, the maximum eligible annual income is €31,889 (€42,058 in the Ile de France). For a single person the threshold is €21,805 (€28,657 Ile-de-France). The thresholds are increased for children.

The loan is guaranteed by a mortgage taken on the property, combined with a public guarantee provided by the State for 75% of the amount of the loan granted, in the event that the sale of the property does not cover it.

You can read more at Interest Free Loans for Energy Conservation.

3.5. 'Eco' Mortgages/Loans

There are mortgages or unsecured loans available through the high street banks for works of home energy conservation.

The generic term used for the loans is l'éco prêt, although the banks also have their own particular terms.

This finance is not subject to any test of resources, although the bank will wish to be satisfied that you are creditworthy.

You will also normally required to hold a particular form of savings account, called a Livret Développement Durable - LDD, which should then enable you to borrow at a reasonably attractive rate of interest.

You would need to make enquiries to your French bank but you can read more generally about the mortgages in our Guide to French Mortgages.

3.6. Rate Relief/Local Council Assistance

i. New Homes

There is between 50% and 100% exemption from the taxe foncière for 5 years, for those new homes constructed to an energy efficiency standard that is higher than the regulations currently in force.

This exemption is at the discretion of the local authorities, although it is widely adopted.

The exemption is also cumulative with the general exemption from the taxe foncière for two years granted to owners of all new homes, provided completion is notified to the tax authority within 90 days of completion. This would mean you would be exempt from the tax for seven years!

You would need need to produce bills and details of the works, as well as a report indicating the level of energy performance achieved by the property.

You need to discuss with France-Renov., ideally before you commence the works as the rules are complicated.

ii. Older Homes

Local authorities are also permitted to exempt from the taxe foncière those older homes that have had important energy conservation works carried out to them.

This exemption applies to those dwellings built before 1989, whether your main home or any property you may let out.

It is also on condition that the expenditure in the previous year on such works exceeds €10,000, or 15,000 over the previous three years.

The exemption is at the rate of 50% to 100% for a period of up to 5 years.

Once again you would need to discuss with official advisors at France-Renov..

iii. Loans and Grants

There are also a surprising number of local, departmental, or regional councils who offer grants or loans towards energy saving equipment, notably towards the installation of solar panels.

Check with your local mairie in the first instance, or the web site of your Conseil Régional.

Be aware that some other assistance you may receive, such as a national grant, may be offset against the assistance you receive from the local council, although not in all cases, notably with rate relief.

3.7. Home Improvement Grants

Finally, if you may be eligible for a home improvement grant, works of energy conservation can be undertaken as part of those works. Indeed, in most cases such work will be a condition of the grant, although these grants cannot be used in conjunction with MaPrimeRenov.

You can read more in our Guide to Home Improvement Grants.

Next: Elderly/Disabled Adaptations

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