Green Renovation Project: Benefits, Grants and Helpful Tools

Everything you need to know about undertaking an eco-friendly renovation project in France, including useful information about potential financial assistance and various sources of advice.

Why undertake a renovation project in France?

The allure of undertaking a renovation project in France goes beyond the aesthetics and the charm of French properties. It’s the chance to breathe new life into an older property, embrace eco-friendly home improvements, and create a haven of energy efficiency. Every year, people in France renovate up to 100,000 properties as they seek to optimise their home comfort, reduce energy bills, and make adaptations or improvements[1].

Renovation projects can though be daunting without the appropriate advice or support – as well as cost considerations.

France offers grants and incentives for eco-friendly renovations. Upgrading insulation, installing solar panels, or utilising water-saving fixtures can create a comfortable, energy-efficient home that reduces running costs.

What are the benefits of doing eco-friendly renovations?

There are three principal benefits:

1. Save Money on Your Energy Bills:
   Home owners can make significant savings on energy bills by installing a more efficient heating system (a condensing boiler or heat pump, for example), insulating the attic or walls, or replacing your windows.
2. Improve the Comfort of Your Home:
   Thermal comfort in the home is important for creating a healthy and energy-efficient environment. During the colder months, it’s recommended that the minimum indoor temperature should be 18°C. Good insulation throughout the home can help to reduce drafts, keep temperatures consistent and minimise energy loss. It should also increase the temperature felt in your home by around 2.5°C.
3. Help the Planet:
   Sustainable living starts at home! Improve your home’s value and environmental footprint. Property in France currently represents 28% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions, so by reducing our own energy use we can make a difference as the globe addresses the impact of climate change.

Grants and financial assistance: what help is available?

France introduced the MaPrimeRénov’ energy assistance grant programme in 2021 to help property owners carry out energy renovations to their homes.

The scheme consists of several elements: click here to find a detailed summary of the key parts and how you can potentially benefit. There is a website with links to advisors.

The types of energy improvements covered is comprehensive, for example:

• Replacing older boilers for more energy efficient systems; or switching to wood and biomass fuels.
• Roof and wall insulation.
• Ventilation systems to reduce humidity or condensation.
• Solar-powered hot water systems, dual systems and solar PV.
• Energy audits.

France offers a zero-interest loan called eco-PTZ to improve a property’s energy performance. You can also combine a loan with a MaPrimeRénov’ grant. If you need further assistance to undertake your project, CA Britline provides loans based on its normal lending criteria.

Note: MaPrimeRénov isn’t an option for second homes, but you may still qualify for reduced VAT on specific renovation work and receive ‘Prime Energie’ assistance.

Tools to help plan your energy improvement project

Knowing the best way to carry out eco-friendly renovations can be complex at times; however, fortunately there are tools available to help. Crédit Agricole has a free simulation tool which will enable you to:

• Estimate the energy rating of your property and cost of the renovation.
• Assess the grants and loans that you may be eligible for depending on your financial situation and where you live.
• Find a list of local trades with the appropriate accreditation.

We hope that this article helped you!

Image used is provided by Getty Images.
First published: 22nd May 2024