2. Home Improvement Grants in France

1. French Housing Improvement Agency
2. Eligible Persons
3. Eligible Properties
4. Eligible Works
5. Level of Grant
6. Application Process

2.5. What is the Level of the Home Improvement Grant?

The main grant that is now available from 2021 is through a scheme called 'Ma Prime Renov', which you can read about in in our our Guide to Financial Assistance for Energy Efficiency.

The level of the other main grant MaPrimeRénov' Décent will vary according to the condition of the property, the type of works, and the circumstances of the applicant.

There are local variations in the rules, and although you may meet the basic eligibility criteria, a grant is not awarded as of right.

If the property is within a housing improvement area, (called Opération Programme d’Amélioration de l’Habitat (OPAH)), there is the prospect of additional assistance through the local or county council, although you may well find what you receive with one hand is taken away with the other!

i. Owner Occupiers

The grant levels depend on the condition of the property, the proposed works, and the income of the applicant.

The maximum level for those on lowest incomes is up to 90% of the cost of the works, excluding VAT. The maximum grants for those on a higher income is 70% of the cost of the works. In both cases, up to a maximum cost ceiling of €70,000.

It is possible to accumulate additional grants.

The level of support for adaptations for elderly or disabled persons is also up to 50%, depending on income.

One other complicating factor in the home improvements grants scheme is that there are separate schemes available for energy efficiency works.

You cannot obtain grant complementary support under the main grants scheme for energy conservation (Ma Prime Rénov).

You can read about the financial assistance for energy efficiency at Home Energy Efficiency in France.

It is also possible to make application for an interest free loan of up to €50,000 for energy conservation works. You can read more at Eco Prêt.

ii. Landlords

For landlords, grants are also available and there is no test of resources.

However, the property must be let to tenants with a maximum income level, and at a controlled rent. The income thresholds and the rental levels do vary substantially, depending on the location of the property and the nature of the contract with the housing agency. The lower the rental level agreed, the higher the level of the grant.

After completion of the works the property must also reach a minimum D level energy rating.

The actual amount of the grant for a landlord will also depend on the condition of the property, for which a standard square metre rate applies. It is quite a confusing set of rules and once all the conditions have been imposed, the level of the grant may disappoint.

The grant is 35% of cost of works, ex VAT, up to a maximum cost ceiling of €35,000.

Next: Application Process

Back: Eligible Works