WHAT IS CHANGING IN REAL ESTATE REGULATIONS AS OF JANUARY 1, 2026 ?

A new year means new resolutions—but also new rules! A new method for calculating the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), the suspension of MaPrimeRénov, an increase in rental fees… Despite the absence of a budget for 2026, here is an overview of the main changes that have come into force since January 1, 2026.

A revision of EPC criteria

Since January 1, 2026, the electricity conversion coefficient used in EPC calculations has been reduced from 2.3 to 1.9. The aim of this reform is to make energy performance assessments more favorable for electrically heated homes and to align France with European standards. This change is expected to allow nearly 850,000 homes to exit the “energy sieve” category (ratings F or G) without any additional renovation work.
It should be noted that EPCs issued before January 1 remain valid, but they can be updated free of charge online via the ADEME / DPE-Audit Observatory platform.

Expanded obligation for collective EPCs

Since the beginning of the year, a collective EPC has become mandatory for all condominiums, regardless of their size. Previously, this obligation applied only to buildings with more than 50 units. The collective EPC must be renewed or updated every ten years, unless the assessment—carried out after July 1, 2021—shows that the building falls into energy class A, B, or C.

Suspension of MaPrimeRénov

The Minister for Cities and Housing, Vincent Jeanbrun, had warned: “No budget, no service desk!” Promise kept. Due to the lack of agreement between the Senate and the National Assembly on the 2026 Finance Bill, the MaPrimeRénov energy renovation grant scheme has been suspended as of January 1.

As a result, it is no longer possible to submit an application to benefit from this financial support. This suspension is expected to be temporary and dependent on the adoption of a new budget for 2026. If the special budget law remains in place over the long term, the MaPrimeRénov scheme will remain closed. Applications submitted before the end of 2025 will, however, continue to be processed and paid.

It should also be noted that MaPrimeAdapt’, which is aimed at elderly people or individuals with disabilities to finance home adaptation works, has also been suspended until further notice.

Increase in rental fees

Good news (almost) for real estate professionals! After eleven years of being frozen, the caps on rental fees payable by tenants have finally been increased as of January 1, 2026, as stated in a ministerial decree dated November 13, 2025.

The new rental fee caps, applicable only to leases signed after January 1, 2026, are as follows:

• €12.10 per m² of living space in very tight housing markets;

• €10.09 per m² of living space in tight housing markets;

• €8.07 per m² of living space elsewhere;

• €3.03 per m² of living space for inventory inspections.

Increase in the PEL interest rate

In accordance with a notice published on Saturday, December 20, in the Official Journal, the interest rate for Housing Savings Plans (PEL) opened from January 1, 2026 has been raised to 2%, compared with 1.75% previously. This is good news for savers, after the PEL return had been reduced in 2025.