No renovation incentive for real estate investment companies

The government recently clarified that real estate investment companies (SCIs) are not eligible for the MaprimeRenov' program. 

He emphasized that renovation work undertaken on properties owned by family-owned real estate investment companies (SCIs) may, however, be eligible for other forms of public assistance.

MaprimeRénov', the successor to the Energy Transition Tax Credit (CITE) and the grants from the National Housing Agency—Habiter Mieux Agilité (Anah)—is a government initiative designed to provide financial support to homeowners for their insulation, heating, ventilation, or energy audit projects. Since July 2021, MaprimeRénov' has been available to all homeowners, regardless of their income level. However, it primarily targets homes owned by individuals, whether they are owner-occupied or rented out as a primary residence.

SCIs are not eligible for MaprimeRenov'

Regarding the question of whether real estate investment companies (SCIs) subject to income tax are eligible for MaPrimeRenov', the Ministry of Housing has clarified that SCIs may include second homes. The government has emphatically stressed that “the community of partners in an SCI is not equivalent to a household.” Consequently, they are not eligible for either MaPrimeRénov’ or MaPrimeRénov’ Sérénité, as the income criteria for these programs apply only to individuals.

To be eligible for the incentive, the work must be performed by a company with RGE (Reconnue Garante pour l'Environnement) certification on single-family homes or apartments in multi-family buildings.

Other forms of assistance are available for SCI companies

The Ministry of Housing notes that real estate investment companies (SCIs) are eligible for the main financial assistance programs available to property owners for energy-efficiency renovations, such as the property deficit deduction. This program allows a portion of the cost of home renovation work to be deducted from taxable income. Temporarily doubled for work carried out between 2023 and 2025, the cap on the “déficit foncier” that can be deducted from total income is now €21,400.

Another measure available to SCI entities is the Loc'Avantages program, which offers landlords a tax deduction based on gross rental income, provided they rent out their property at a rent below local market rates and subject to certain income requirements for the tenant. This program also entitles participants to grants from Anah for home renovation work. Renovations resulting in at least a 35% improvement in energy efficiency and achieving a minimum DPE rating of D qualify for a grant equal to 25% of the cost of the work, up to a limit of €15,000 per unit.

Finally, real estate investment companies (SCIs) that are not subject to corporate income tax may apply for a grant under the Energy Savings Certificates (CEE) program, with specific assistance that may be factored into the grant calculation if the project involves low-income households or those facing energy poverty.