Grant to renovate french homes is extended with a bigger budget

THOSE APPLYING FOR LARGE SUMS, HOWEVER, WILL SOON HAVE TO USE (AND PAY FOR) A PROFESSIONAL ADVISER The MaPrimeRénov grant to improve the energy efficiency of homes will continue next year

with an enlarged budget, even though critics say it is too complex and slow. The scheme, launched in 2020 to combine all the help to renovate houses to reduce energy consumption in one

place, will see its budget rise from €2billion to €2.5billion. READ MORE: EXPLAINED: HOW TO APPLY FOR A RENOVATION GRANT FOR YOUR FRENCH HOME Another change is that, from September 2023,

anyone applying for grants of more than €10,000 will have to sign up with a Mon Accompagnateur Rénov professional. Quentin Bordeaux, in charge of the project for Direction générale de

l’énergie et du climat, said: “The idea is that the person applying for the grant is given help, both in deciding what work will be most beneficial but also on comparing estimates and on the

full range of state help which they are entitled to.” COSTS HAVE YET TO BE CONFIRMED Further details, including how much the _accompagnateur_ will cost, are still being worked out. “It will

probably be more than €600 [the base level for an energy diagnostic needed for house sales], but will be accompanied by specific aid,” said Mr Bordeaux. _Accompagnateurs_ will have to be

approved by the Agence nationale de l’habitat by demonstrating relevant experience. “It could be someone who is an architect, or an energy consultant with the necessary diplomas,” said Mr

Bordeaux. “They must also be knowledgeable about the insulation and energy-efficiency solutions available.” TRADESPEOPLE ‘PUT OFF BY PAPERWORK’ Anecdotal evidence is that many tradespeople,

who have been swept off their feet with work since the end of lockdown, are reluctant to do MaPrimeRénov work because of the paperwork involved. The cost and complexity of obtaining the RGE

(Reconnu Garant de l’Environnement) certificate they are required to hold also puts some off. Meanwhile, French radio has interviewed carpenters claiming clients who wanted work done through

MaPrime Rénov were giving up because of the paperwork and length of time involved. BUDGET SPENT FOR 2022 Mr Bordeaux said statistics show the scheme has been a great success and the

€2billion budget for 2022 will all be spent. “We are well on the way to handling 650,000 applications for aid this year. “The scheme has enabled many people to make their houses more

energy-efficient,” he said. Figures published after the first three months of 2022 showed 32,107 people owning homes and 6,322 landlords applied for government aid, and the average amount

received was €3,719. RELATED ARTICLES EXTRA BOILER AID, DROUGHT DAMAGE CLAIMS: FIVE FRENCH PROPERTY UPDATES CEE: FRANCE’S HOME RENOVATION GRANT FOR MAIN AND SECOND HOMES EXTRA €1,000

AVAILABLE IN GRANTS TO REPLACE A GAS BOILER IN FRANCE