However, a costly, complex and expensive energy renovation is essential to make a home comfortable in winter and summer and to save energy. If they are marked F, G or even E, several hundred euros are often needed every month for heating or to support the furnace in the summer. The rise in energy prices increases the pressure on households housed in these “energy grids”.
The latter are also suffering from a discount in the real estate market – another reason to act. According to an annual study on the ecological value of housing published by French notaries, an energy-intensive apartment or house in some regions sells for more than 20% less than an equivalent D-class house on average. “Energy label has become one of the first questions of buyers”confirms Vincent Briand, head of the Era real estate agency in Tours.
Energy-intensive housing will also gradually be withdrawn from the rental market. Given the current difficulties in finding accommodation, the planned timetable could be adjusted, but probably without major adjustments, as going back to these bans would leave tenants paying disproportionately high utility bills.
However, it seems ambitious to ensure that in ten years’ time all housing carries at least a D rating, as set out in the Climate and Resilience Act of 22 August 2021. The Energy Renovation Observatory estimates that around 5.2 million homes are still classified as F or G, or 17% of the main residential fund. Thus, 500,000 houses need to be renovated annually, but the obstacle is the lack of craftsmen, materials and household funds.
In good company
Despite everything, in order to move forward and do an effective job, it is important to get good advice in the first place. Since every house or building is different, there are different solutions and a household without specific knowledge in this area does not always know where to start.
A report on the energy renewal of private housing presented to the government in 2021 by senior civil servant Olivier Sichel highlighted the need for this support. It was established by the government under the name Mon accompany Rénov’ (MAR). These MARs, designed as trusted third parties whose independence must be guaranteed by state approval, are gradually being introduced. The directory is accessible on the France Rénov website. The use of these experts is mandatory from 1ahem January 2024 as part of the new so-called guided route for large-scale reconstruction.
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