In brief
In 2026, G-rated properties are banned from rental (F-rated in 2028, E-rated in 2034) and sell at a 15 to 25% discount compared to a comparable C or D-rated property in Paris. Energy renovation costs between 200 and 800 euros/m², with MaPrimeRenov' covering 30 to 90% of the works depending on income (cap of 70,000 euros excl. VAT). Home Select, a Paris buying agent since 2011 with 16 buying agents, systematically costs the works budget before the purchase offer and secures 6% average negotiation on the seller's price.
Key takeaways
- G-rated properties have been banned from rental in France since January 2025, with F-rated properties following in 2028 and E-rated in 2034
- Thermal sieves (EPC G) sell at a 15 to 25% discount compared to C or D-rated properties in Paris
- MaPrimeRenov 2026 covers 30 to 90% of energy renovation costs depending on household income
- Energy renovation in Paris costs between 200 and 800 euros per sqm depending on the scope of works
- A gain of two EPC classes can increase a Parisian property value by 10 to 15%
Energy renovation has become a central issue for the Parisian property market in 2026. The ban on letting G-rated properties since January 2025, the extension timeline to F-rated (2028) and E-rated (2034) properties, and the 10 to 25% discount on thermal sieves are profoundly transforming how the housing stock is valued. Public grants, led by MaPrimeRenov’, cover 30 to 90% of costs depending on income, but Parisian co-ownerships face specific constraints.
Introduction
The Parisian housing stock is old. Over 60% of buildings were constructed before 1948, and nearly 20% of homes are rated E, F or G on the energy performance certificate (EPC). For these properties, energy renovation is no longer optional: it is a regulatory obligation for landlords and an economic imperative for owner-occupiers who want to preserve the value of their assets.
In 2026, the convergence of regulatory constraints and financial incentives creates a window of action for owners. This guide analyses the impact of energy renovation on the Parisian property market and the strategies for both buyers and sellers.
Table of contents
- The regulatory calendar: bans and obligations
- The EPC’s impact on prices in Paris
- Energy renovation works in co-ownerships
- MaPrimeRenov’ 2026: conditions and amounts
- Renovate to add value: the return calculation
- The buying opportunity of thermal sieves
The regulatory calendar
The 2021 Climate and Resilience Act set a progressive timeline for banning the letting of the most energy-hungry homes. Since 1 January 2025, G-rated properties (consumption above 420 kWh/m²/year) can no longer be subject to a new lease or lease renewal.
In 2028, the ban will extend to F-rated properties (consumption between 330 and 420 kWh/m²/year). In 2034, E-rated properties (between 250 and 330 kWh/m²/year) will also be affected.
For owner-occupiers, there is no legal obligation to renovate. But the resale discount on poorly rated properties constitutes a powerful economic incentive. A G-rated apartment in the 9th arrondissement sells for 15 to 25% less than a comparable C or D-rated property.
An energy audit is now mandatory for the sale of a single-ownership property rated F or G. In co-ownerships, it is the collective EPC that is required, but the individual EPC remains the reference document for the transaction.
The impact on prices
The EPC has become the third valuation criterion for a Parisian property, after location and floor area. Transaction data from 2025-2026 confirms a price structuring by energy class.
Properties rated A or B (rare in Paris, less than 5% of the stock) sell with a 5 to 10% premium over the average price for their arrondissement. Properties rated C or D, which form the market’s core, sell at the reference price. E-rated properties suffer a slight discount of 3 to 7%. F-rated properties see their price reduced by 10 to 18%. G-rated properties show a discount of 15 to 25%.
For a 70 m² apartment in the 17th arrondissement, valued at 700,000 euros if rated D, the same floor area rated G would sell for between 525,000 and 595,000 euros, a gap of 105,000 to 175,000 euros.
This discount reflects the cost of renovation works but also the loss of rental use (for investors) and uncertainty over future regulations. It creates an opportunity for buyers willing to renovate, provided they accurately calibrate the works budget.
Works in co-ownerships
In Paris, the vast majority of homes are in co-ownerships. Energy renovation is more complex there than in a detached house, as it involves collective decisions.
External thermal insulation (ETI) is the most effective solution for walls (gaining 1 to 2 EPC classes), but it faces two Parisian obstacles: listed facades or heritage zones (ABF) and the high cost (150 to 250 euros/m² of facade). Internal thermal insulation (ITI) is an alternative, but it reduces habitable floor area by 3 to 5%, a significant loss in already compact Parisian apartments.
Window replacement is the most accessible item in a co-ownership (subject to compliance with co-ownership rules on window uniformity). The cost is 800 to 1,500 euros per window, meaning 4,000 to 9,000 euros for a standard three-room flat.
Changing the heating system is the lever with the greatest impact on the EPC rating. Switching from a collective gas system to a collective heat pump can gain 2 classes, but the general meeting vote and the investment (50,000 to 150,000 euros for the building) make this a complex undertaking.
The co-ownership managing agent plays a central role in programming and monitoring energy works. The obligation to produce a multi-year works plan (PPT) incorporating the energy dimension facilitates planning.
MaPrimeRenov’ 2026
MaPrimeRenov’ is the main state grant for funding residential energy renovation. In 2026, the scheme operates under two streams.
The “guided pathway” stream funds comprehensive renovations targeting a gain of at least 2 EPC classes. The grant covers 30 to 90% of the works amount (capped at 70,000 euros excluding VAT) depending on household income. For very low-income households, the grant can reach 63,000 euros. For intermediate incomes, it ranges from 21,000 to 42,000 euros.
The “individual measure” stream funds standalone works (insulation, heating, windows) with fixed amounts per type of work. The amounts are lower than the guided pathway, but the process is simpler.
Co-ownerships benefit from MaPrimeRenov’ Coproprietes, which funds works on common parts with a grant of 30 to 45% of the works amount, with a bonus for co-ownerships in difficulty.
The zero-interest eco-loan (eco-PTZ) complements MaPrimeRenov’ by financing the remainder at zero interest, up to 50,000 euros over 20 years. The combination of both schemes sometimes covers 80 to 95% of the works cost for low-income households.
Energy savings certificates (CEE) provide additional funding of 500 to 5,000 euros depending on the works, paid by energy suppliers.
The return calculation
The return on energy renovation is measured across three axes: the capital gain on resale, energy savings and maintaining the ability to let.
Take an example in the 10th arrondissement. A 55 m² apartment rated F is bought for 440,000 euros. Renovation works (internal insulation, windows, mechanical ventilation, efficient electric radiators) cost 35,000 euros. MaPrimeRenov’ covers 14,000 euros (intermediate income). The net cost is 21,000 euros.
After works, the property moves to class C. Its estimated resale value is 520,000 euros (standard per-m2 price for the area for a property in good condition). The net capital gain (deducting the works) is 59,000 euros. Energy savings amount to 800 to 1,200 euros per year. The return on investment for the works is 2 to 3 years when factoring in the property value uplift.
For an investor, renovating a G-rated property to D or C restores the ability to let and generates a higher rental yield thanks to the enhanced value of the renovated property.
The buying opportunity
Thermal sieves represent a buying opportunity provided three parameters are mastered: the true cost of works, the feasibility within the co-ownership and access to grants.
The true cost of works must be assessed by a professional (energy audit plus contractor quotes) before signing the preliminary contract. General ranges of 200 to 800 euros/m2 are too broad to base an investment decision on. Every Parisian building has its specific constraints (listed facade, collective heating, limited access).
Feasibility within the co-ownership is checked in the general meeting minutes: a multi-year works plan already voted, a funded works reserve and a proactive managing agent are positive signals. A co-ownership with no collective renovation project will complicate individual works.
Access to grants should be verified before purchase. MaPrimeRenov’ eligibility conditions relate to income, the type of works and the use of an RGE-certified contractor. A simulation can be run on the France Renov’ website even before signing the preliminary contract.
At Home Select, our property hunters integrate energy analysis into the evaluation of every property. For a buyer seeking a rental investment in the 18th or the 19th arrondissement, a well-located thermal sieve, bought with the EPC discount and renovated with grants, can deliver a net yield 1 to 2 points higher than a property already meeting standards.
FAQ
Which properties are banned from rental in 2026?
Since 1 January 2025, G-rated properties on the EPC can no longer be let. In 2028, this ban will extend to F-rated properties. Existing leases remain valid but cannot be renewed. Owners must undertake works to reach at least class F (then E by 2034).
What is the average cost of energy renovation in Paris?
Costs range from 200 to 800 euros per m² depending on the scope of works. Replacing windows and insulating internal walls costs around 300 to 500 euros/m². A comprehensive renovation including heating and ventilation reaches 500 to 800 euros/m². For a 60 m² flat in Paris, the budget sits between 18,000 and 48,000 euros.
Is MaPrimeRenov’ available to landlords?
Yes, MaPrimeRenov’ has been available to landlords since 2021. The grant amount depends on the owner’s income and the nature of the works. The owner commits to letting the property as a primary residence for at least 6 years at a capped rent.
Considering buying a property to renovate in Paris? Our property hunters assess the energy potential of every property and estimate the true renovation cost before your offer. Contact Home Select for a targeted search.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
01 Which properties are banned from rental in 2026?
Since 1 January 2025, properties rated G on the EPC can no longer be let. In 2028, this ban will extend to F-rated properties. Existing leases remain valid but cannot be renewed. Owners must undertake works to reach at least class F (then E by 2034).
02 What is the average cost of energy renovation in Paris?
Costs range from 200 to 800 euros per m² depending on the scope of works. Replacing windows and internal wall insulation costs around 300 to 500 euros/m². A comprehensive renovation including heating and ventilation reaches 500 to 800 euros/m². For a 60 m² flat in Paris, the budget sits between 18,000 and 48,000 euros.
03 Is MaPrimeRenov' available to landlords?
Yes, MaPrimeRenov' has been available to landlords since 2021. The grant amount depends on the owner's income and the nature of the works. The owner commits to letting the property as a primary residence for at least 6 years at a capped rent.
04 What discount does a G-rated thermal sieve face in Paris in 2026?
A property rated G on the EPC sells at a 15 to 25% discount compared to a comparable C or D-rated property in Paris, at equivalent size and location. This discount reflects both the cost of the works to anticipate (200 to 800 euros/m²) and the progressive rental ban. For a buyer, this gap is an opportunity if they plan the works and use MaPrimeRenov', which covers 30 to 90% of the cost depending on income. Our property hunters systematically cost this works budget before the purchase offer.