Is there aid available for second-home owners to insulate a French property?
Several major schemes are limited to main homes
The MaPrimeRénov’ scheme does not offer state aid for second homes
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Reader Question: We have a detached house built in 1970, used as a second home. It is built of rendered concrete blocks and we are considering having exterior insulation fitted. Is there any state aid for second home energy renovation for UK resident owners?
There is no state aid for second homes under the government’s flagship MaPrimeRénov’ scheme — but you may be able to get a grant of up to €4,000 under the certificats d'économies d'énergie (CEE) initiative.
Read more: What are the rules for installing an electric fence on French property?
It has been going since 2005 and is based on the principle that energy companies must compensate for the CO2 they put into the air by helping to reduce CO2 consumption elsewhere, including in housing.
Unlike the MaPrimeRénov’ scheme, which has become increasingly boxed in with rules and regulations as to who can advise you and who can do the work, CEEs are relatively easy to apply for.
You must be over 18 and own the house where work to improve energy performance is carried out. It can be a second home, must be over two years old and situated in France.
You must apply for a CEE grant from the energy company before you start any work, and swear that you have not applied for another CEE grant for the same work from another energy firm.
The work carried out must be included in the list of eligible projects. This includes replacing windows with modern double glazed ones, insulation work (including walls), heating and heat regulation work, and the installation of renewable energy equipment.
It must also be carried out by an artisan with reconnu garant de l'environnement (RGE) accreditation – DIY projects are still exempt from grants in France.
Your UK residence will probably prevent you qualifying for a bonifée (enhanced) CEE grant, given to people judged to have a modest income, because the income figures are based on declared tax revenues in France.
It is likely that you already have an energy provider, such as EDF or Engie, supplying your home with electricity and gas – contact them to see if you qualify for CEE. Often they have dedicated teams, and sometimes lists of approved installers who can put you in touch with.
There are also many free online brokers who will be happy to help, but they make part of their money by gathering as much information about you as they can to re-sell, so be cautious.
