In the fight to preserve our planet, the energy transition in the building sector plays a central role. In fact, government authorities in France are actively committed to this cause by offering financial incentives to encourage renovations. These initiatives are designed to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Among the best-known solutions are MaPrimeRénov’ or the Energy Efficiency Certificates (CEE) program. Regional assistance programs can supplement national solutions. Get the latest information from L’Agencerie, which operates in the Basque Country through, among other things, a real estate agency in Anglet and a real estate agency in Bayonne.
Numerous local grants for home renovations in the Basque Country
The French Basque Country is part of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, which is located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Learn about the available financial assistance.
The Home Improvement Program
To begin with, the Basque Country Urban Community is offering the Housing Improvement Program. Since 2018, this program has already helped renovate more than 1,500 occupied homes and return more than 60 vacant homes to the housing market. In addition to financial assistance, it provides free technical and administrative support to simplify the renovation process. A comprehensive solution to improve your home’s energy efficiency and lower your energy bills. This assistance applies to energy-efficiency renovations, not all types of work that may be performed in your home—for example, if you need to have gas service installed.
Did you know? The goal of this program is to combat energy poverty and substandard housing and to renovate homes in the Basque Country. It also provides assistance for adapting homes to accommodate aging and disabilities, or for renting out a home, such as those with poor energy efficiency. Please note: This program cannot be combined with MaPrimeRénov’.
“Better Living in Condominiums”
The “Habiter Mieux Copropriété” program supports the most vulnerable condominium associations in their energy-efficiency renovation projects. Thanks to support from the Basque Country Community, Soliha Basque Country offers free assistance to condominium boards and property managers: assessing eligibility, conducting energy audits, defining the scope of work, securing ANAH grants, and monitoring payments after the work is completed. A comprehensive approach to sustainably improving the energy performance of condominiums.
Good to know: For any other assistance with energy-efficient renovations, contact the FAIRE advisors—the public service dedicated to energy-efficient renovations—at 05 59 46 31 60 or by email at .
Specific Assistance Programs in Bayonne
In Bayonne, there are many local assistance programs that can significantly reduce the cost of your energy-efficiency renovation projects, whether you’re insulating your roof, improving ventilation, or replacing your heating system. Among the available programs are:
- Housing Assistance on the Basque Coast of the Adour : a €500 grant for homeowners living in a home that is more than 15 years old. The work must be performed by an RGE-certified professional and improve energy efficiency by at least 25%. Contact: SOLIHA Basque Country (05 59 46 31 50). Also available to homeowners living in Anglet.
- Grants for Bayonne’s Historic Center : Up to 40% funding to renovate older homes located in designated preservation zones. Available to owner-occupants or landlords, with work performed by an RGE-certified professional. Contact: Bayonne City Hall (05 59 46 60 60).
- Housing Assistance from the City of Bayonne : Grants of 2.5% (capped at €500) for owner-occupiers and up to €1,500 for landlords. Contact: Heritage and Housing Office (05 59 46 63 64).
If you’re planning an energy-efficiency renovation project, feel free to check with your local municipality or regional government. Local financial assistance varies from one area to another and may change over the years.
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Other financial assistance options to help fund your energy efficiency improvements
The Pyrénées-Atlantiques department offers financial assistance for energy efficiency improvements, such as the housing improvement grant under the “Bien chez soi” PIG program or the supplemental grant from ANAH for housing adaptation, the elimination of substandard housing, or energy-efficiency renovations.
This additional assistance from Anah is available to the intermunicipal communities of Les Luys en Béarn, Nord-Est Béarn, Pays de Nay, Vallée d’Ossau, Adour Madiran, Lacq-Orthez, and Haut Béarn.
The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region also offers a support for energy-efficient renovations—feel free to ask for more information!
Finally, government financial assistance is available if you meet the eligibility criteria for MaPrimeRénov’ or the CEE program (energy bonus). You can also apply for a zero-interest eco-loan from the relevant financial institutions.
Why is it important to renovate your home?
Today, building retrofits are a major focus of France’s energy transition program. In fact, the building sector (commercial and residential buildings) accounts for the third-largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) in France, behind transportation (1st) and agriculture (2nd).
Did you know? In 2020, the construction sector accounted for 43% of annual energy consumption in France and generated 23% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In light of these figures, France has implemented regulations and incentives to reduce the environmental impact of this key sector, while raising awareness among its stakeholders.
By offering financial assistance for energy-efficient renovations, the government aims to encourage homeowners to renovate their homes in order to reduce GHG emissions and modernize France’s housing stock. There are several good reasons why you might want to undertake energy-efficiency renovations in your home:
- improve the energy efficiency of your house or apartment;
- reduce heat loss and, as a result, the amount of your energy bills (heating and electricity);
- Take part in the energy transition and do your part for the environment;
- Renovate your property before putting it up for sale or rent, in order to increase its value and give yourself the best possible chance of success.
Good to know: If you’re looking to save energy, you can also adopt eco-friendly habits or use an platform that compares electricity rates to lower your bills.
Before selling or renting an apartment or house, it may be a good idea to carry out renovations to increase the value of your property, restore it, and/or improve its energy efficiency.
National and regional grants are available to help you finance your project in the Basque Country and anywhere in France!
L’Agencerie –
