Glossary
Energy renovation grant (MaPrimeRenov'): what you can claim in France
Quick definition
MaPrimeRenov' is a French government grant for energy-efficiency renovations. The name comes from "Ma Prime Rénovation": my renovation premium. It is available to property owners regardless of nationality. The amount you receive depends on your household income and the type of work being done.
Who can apply
Any owner of a property in France can apply, provided the property is at least 15 years old. That includes primary residences and secondary residences. Being a non-French national makes no difference. Non-residents can apply for their secondary homes, though the amounts and conditions differ slightly from primary residence applications.
Landlords can also apply for rental properties, subject to income conditions and energy performance requirements.
What work qualifies
The scheme covers a specific list of work types:
- Heat pumps (air-source and ground-source)
- Insulation: roof, walls, floors
- Solar thermal water heating
- VMC double flux (heat-recovery ventilation)
- Heating controls and thermostats (in some cases)
Photovoltaic solar panels (the kind that generate electricity) do not qualify for MaPrimeRenov'. Solar water heaters do. This distinction catches a lot of people out.
Income bands and grant amounts
The scheme divides applicants into four income bands, each with a colour code:
- Bleu: lowest incomes, highest grant percentages
- Jaune: modest incomes
- Violet: intermediate incomes
- Rose: higher incomes, smaller grants
The income thresholds depend on the number of people in the household and whether the property is in Ile-de-France or the rest of France. Thresholds are revised periodically and the current figures are published on the official site. For your specific situation, use the simulator at maprimerenov.gouv.fr to see which band applies and what the current grant level would be.
The RGE contractor requirement
You must use a contractor holding the relevant RGE certification for the type of work. For a heat pump, that means QualiPAC. For insulation, it's a different qualification. Your contractor should handle the paperwork, but it's worth verifying their RGE status on qualirenovation.fr before signing a devis.
How to apply
Applications are made through the official portal at maprimerenov.gouv.fr. The critical point: you must submit the application and have it approved before work starts. You cannot claim retrospectively for work that's already been done.
The typical sequence is: get a devis from an RGE contractor, submit the application online, receive approval, have the work done, submit the invoice, and receive payment to your bank account. Many contractors are familiar with this process and will help you through it.
MaPrimeRenov' vs MaPrimeRenov' Parcours accompagne
Standard MaPrimeRenov' covers individual measures: one heat pump, one insulation project. MaPrimeRenov' Parcours accompagne is for more substantial whole-house renovation projects that combine several measures and aim for a significant improvement in the property's energy class. It requires a Mon Accompagnateur Renov' (an approved renovation advisor who coordinates the project). The grants available under Parcours accompagne can be considerably larger, but the process is more involved.
What this means on the Cote d'Azur
Heat pumps and reversible air-conditioning units are the most frequently claimed items in this region. The mild climate means the systems are relatively straightforward to size, and local contractors are generally familiar with the grant process. Second-home owners can apply, but the grant amounts for secondary residences are lower than for primary residences.
Related terms
- RGE certification: the contractor qualification required to access this grant
- CEE: a separate subsidy that can be stacked on top of MaPrimeRenov'
- Devis: the written quote you'll need before applying