3. Home Energy Efficiency in France

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

3.1. MaPrimeRenov

i. What is 'MaPrimeRénov’?

Until the end of 2020 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 2020, 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. Nevertheless, it is also possible to obtain an advance payment of up to 50% of the grant, particularly for low-income households.

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.

In addition, the scheme itself is in a constant state of flux, in general towards a reduction in households and works eligible, as well as a reduction in grants. Those who may be interested need to check their eligibility with the local grants office (details below), before setting off on this adventure.

Most importantly the scheme is now focussed on low-income households - modeste and tres modeste - so those on higher income may find their application is not successful.

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. Properties owned through an SCI are generally not eligible, although limited exceptions exist in certain circumstances, particularly where the SCI consists solely of natural persons occupying the property.
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, a renovation available under the Improvement Grants 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.

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, as follows:

Ménages aux ressources très modestes
Ménages aux ressources modestes
Ménages aux ressources intermédiaire
Ménages aux ressources supérieures

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 2026 – Ile-de-France

Household Size	Très modestes	Modestes	Intermédiaire	Supérieures
1	€24,031	€29,253	€40,841	>€40,841
2	€35,270	€42,933	€60,051	>€60,051
3	€42,357	€51,564	€71,846	>€71,846
4	€49,455	€60,208	€84,562	>€84,562
5	€56,586	€68,877	€96,817	>€96,817

Table: Maximum Income Ceilings 2026 – Regions

Household Size	Très modestes	Modestes	Intermédiaire	Supérieures
1	€17,363	€22,259	€31,185	>€31,185
2	€25,393	€32,553	€45,842	>€45,842
3	€30,540	€39,148	€55,196	>€55,196
4	€35,676	€45,735	€64,550	>€64,550
5	€40,835	€52,348	€73,907	>€73,907

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 January 2023, gas-fired boilers, including high-efficiency condensing models, are no longer eligible for MaPrimeRénov'. Support has increasingly been redirected towards low-carbon heating systems, particularly heat pumps and biomass boilers, although these may not always be the most appropriate solution for older or poorly insulated properties.

Similarly, it is difficult to obtain a grant for wall and floor insulation unless part of a complete package!

However, the eligibility rules seem to be forever in a state of flux and verfication with local officials is always necessary.

v. Eligible Properties

The property must normally have been completed at least 15 years before the application is made. This minimum period is reduced to 2 years where the project involves the replacement of an existing oil-fired heating system with heating equipment eligible under the scheme.

Recent reforms have increasingly focused financial support on the renovation of the least energy-efficient homes, particularly those with an energy performance rating of E, F or G.

Nevertheless, the eligibility rules vary according to the type of works undertaken and the MaPrimeRénov' pathway used (Parcours accompagné or Parcours par geste), so owners of more efficient properties may still qualify for assistance in certain circumstances.

vi. Grant Levels

The amount of assistance available under MaPrimeRénov' depends on the applicant's household income, the type of renovation undertaken and, for major renovation projects, the improvement achieved in the property's energy performance.

The scheme is organised around two principal routes: Parcours par geste and Parcours accompagné.

i. Parcours par geste

The Parcours par geste route provides grants for individual energy-saving measures, such as installing a heat pump, biomass boiler, insulation, ventilation or solar water heating.

Grants are generally paid as fixed sums for each eligible item of work. The amount depends upon the applicant's income category, with households in the très modestes category receiving the highest levels of assistance. In most cases, households in the ressources supérieures category are no longer eligible for grants under this route.

More than one eligible measure may be included within the same application or undertaken through successive applications. An energy audit is not normally required, although all works must satisfy the technical conditions laid down by Anah.

The table below sets out the grant amounts currently available for the principal categories of work, together with the maximum eligible expenditure.

Eligible Work	Très Modestes	Modestes	Intermédiaires	Supérieures	Maximum Eligible Cost
Ground-source / Geothermal Heat Pump	€11,000	€9,000	€6,000	—	€18,000
Air-to-Water Heat Pump	€5,000	€4,000	€3,000	—	€12,000
Heat Pump Water Heater	€1,200	€800	€400	—	€3,500
Automatic Biomass Boiler	€5,000	€3,850	€2,100	—	€18,000
Manual Biomass Boiler	€3,750	€3,150	€1,400	—	€16,000
Pellet Stove	€1,250	€1,000	€750	—	€5,000
Log Stove / Cooker	€1,250	€1,000	€500	—	€4,000
Fireplace Insert	€1,250	€700	€500	—	€4,000
Solar Water Heating	€4,000	€3,000	€2,000	—	€7,000
Solar Combined Heating / Hot Water	€2,500	€2,000	€1,000	—	€4,000
Dual-flow Mechanical Ventilation (VMC)	€2,500	€2,000	€1,500	—	€6,000
Window Replacement	€100/window	€80/window	€40/window	—	€1,000/window
Roof / Loft Insulation	€25/m²	€20/m²	—	—	€75/m²
Flat Roof Insulation	€75/m²	€60/m²	€40/m²	—	€180/m²
Internal Wall Insulation	€25/m²	€20/m²	€15/m²	—	€70/m²
External Wall Insulation*	€75/m²	€60/m²	€40/m²	—	€150/m²
Removal of Oil Tank	€1,200	€800	€400	—	€4,000
Energy Audit	€500	€400	€300	—	€800

ii. Parcours accompagné

The Parcours accompagné route is intended for comprehensive energy renovations capable of substantially improving the performance of a dwelling.

The grant is calculated as a percentage of eligible expenditure, rather than as a fixed amount for each item of work.

For owner-occupiers and eligible landlords in the très modestes income category, the grant is 80% of eligible expenditure. For those in the modestes category, the rate is 60%. The maximum eligible expenditure is €30,000 where the works improve the property's energy performance by two EPC classes, rising to €40,000 where the improvement is three classes or more.

Projects undertaken under this route must normally include a package of complementary energy-efficiency measures and achieve the minimum improvement in energy performance required by the regulations. They must also be supported by an approved Mon Accompagnateur Rénov', whose fees are themselves eligible for financial assistance. For very modest households, the cost of this assistance is currently covered up to 100% of €2,000, reducing to 80% for modest-income households.

iii. Co-owned Buildings

Separate arrangements apply to apartment buildings (copropriétés), where applications are generally made by the managing agent (syndic) on behalf of the co-owners. We do not consider these grants further in this guide.

iv. MaPrimeAdapt'

Separate assistance is available through MaPrimeAdapt' for works designed to improve accessibility and enable elderly or disabled persons to continue living independently in their home. We consider this scheme elsewhere in these guides.

Grant rates, expenditure ceilings and the list of eligible works are amended regularly. Applicants should therefore verify the current rules with France Rénov' or ANIL before committing to any work.

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.

In June 2025 the government announced a temporary suspension of the scheme. You can read more in MaPrimeRénov Energy Grants Suspended However, in June 2025 the government rowed back on their decision, so that the suspension will now only apply to Sept and only for Rénovation d’ampleu

The indications are that the scheme will be re-opened again in Sept 25, but only to those households on the lowest incomes and that grant levels will be reduced.

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 contribution 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 2026

Household Size	Ile-de-France	Regions
1	€24,031	€17,363
2	€35,270	€25,393
3	€42,357	€30,540
4	€49,455	€35,676

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.

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)' was introduced by the government in Dec 2024.

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 for 2026 is €32,553 (€42,933 in the Ile de France). For a single person the threshold is €22,259 (€29,253 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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