France: New financial aid for energy renovations explained
All energy renovations in France are eligible for financial aid from October 1. We explain which work is covered and how to apply.
Until now, financial aid for energy renovations in France has only been given to low-income or very low-income households.
From October 1, this has changed. All households, including those who are “well off”, will now be eligible for financial support through government organisation MaPrimeRénov.
We explain the details.
What kind of work is eligible?
The MaPrimeRénov site specifies that funds “can finance a wide variety of work including insulation, ventilation, changes in heating methods, or an energy audit of your home”.
Approved work must be completed by a company that has Reconnues Garantes de l’Environnement (RGE) rating.
Eligible companies can be found on the government website: faire.gouv.fr
Who can apply?
Homeowners' and renters' properties that are more than two years old are eligible for financial aid through MaPrimeRénov.
Whereas before funds were only available to low-income homeowners and renters, now anyone (including landlords) can apply for financial support.
However, funds will be given according to a sliding scale.
Housing Minister Emmanuelle Wargon told news source Le Journal Du Dimanche: “Support will be calculated according to income, where the home is located and the type of work being done.”
How much financial aid could I get?
Ms Wargon said: “For the lowest-income homes, 90% of quoted costs could be covered, going down to 75%, 60% and 40% for those with greater financial means.”
In practice, working out exact figures is a little more complicated. Nicholas Moulin president of Primes Energie explains: “One you have your quote you have to deduct other financial aid, if there is any, such as energy bonuses [for example the Certificat Économie d'Énergie (CEE)] or, in Occitanie, the éco-cheque aid.
“Then, you have to apply a percentage from 40-90% according to your financial situation. The amount you are left with will then be subject to a price ceiling, depending on the kind of work you are doing.”
The price ceilings are due to be made public on October 5.
There are also limits on the number of times one household can request financial aid through the MaPrimeRénov system.
The site specifies: “The cumulative amount of aid given cannot exceed €20,000 in five consecutive years.”
Online simulator Simul'Aid€s can help individuals work out how much aid they could be eligible for.
The government have provided some case studies to help households. In one, the Martin family are a couple with one child who earn €25,000 a year and live in Pas-de-Calais. Replacing their fuel boiler with a pellet boiler will cost them less than €4,500. The average cost for this work is €18,500.
How can I apply?
From October 1 onwards all quotes are eligible for this increased financial support, although funds cannot be claimed until January 1, 2021.
Applications for funds can be made on the MaPrimeRénov site. Responses should be available within 15-30 days.
After a feasibility study has been done onsite, and the work has taken place, receipts can be sent to housing agency L'Agence nationale de l'habitat, who should transfer funds 2-3 weeks later.
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