Passoire Thermique: France's Energy-Inefficient Homes — What Owners Must Know
A passoire thermique (literally "thermal sieve" in French) is a building with very poor insulation, rated F or G on France's Energy Performance Diagnosis (DPE). France has more than 5.2 million such homes — nearly 17% of the residential housing stock — and the government has enacted strict legislation to phase them out of the rental market entirely.
If you own a property rated F or G in France, understanding the new rules, available grants, and renovation priorities is essential. This guide covers everything you need to know.
The French DPE Energy Rating Scale
The DPE (Diagnostic de Performance Énergétique) rates homes from A (excellent) to G (very poor) based on energy consumption (kWh/m²/year) and CO₂ emissions. F and G homes are classified as passoires thermiques.
| DPE Class | Energy use (kWh/m²/yr) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| A | ≤ 70 | Excellent |
| B | 71–110 | Very good |
| C | 111–180 | Good |
| D | 181–250 | Average |
| E | 251–330 | Below average |
| F | 331–420 | ⚠️ Passoire thermique |
| G | > 420 | 🔴 Extreme energy sieve |
Rental Ban Timeline
Key Renovation Subsidies in France (2026)
| Scheme | Max amount | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| MaPrimeRénov' (whole-home) | Up to €25,000 | Owner-occupiers, income-capped |
| Éco-PTZ (interest-free loan) | Up to €50,000 | All homeowners |
| CEE energy certificates | Varies | Via energy suppliers |
| Reduced VAT 5.5% | −14.5% VAT | All renovation work |
Combined subsidies can cover 50–90% of renovation costs for lower-income households. All contractors must hold RGE certification for subsidy eligibility.
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