Title: Challenges Faced by Homeowners in Accessing Renovation Aid and the Impact on Energy Performance Improvements
Published on Saturday, June 24, 2023 11:00 a.m. by the Meilleurtaux editorial team
Image Source: Meilleurtaux.com
There are many reasons why homeowners strive to improve the energy performance of their homes. However, accessing renovation aid and dealing with the remaining costs continue to pose challenges for many individuals.
The CNR Logement has implemented measures to facilitate housing access for all French citizens, with a target of achieving 200,000 high-performance renovations by 2024. However, the criteria for high-performance renovation and recent changes in aid allocation have had repercussions on individual projects.
One significant change is the gradual shift in subsidies towards comprehensive renovations, favoring multiple works over “monogestures.” As a result, since January 2023, MaPrimeRénov can no longer be obtained for the purchase of a gas boiler. Additionally, the premiums for Energy Saving Certificates have decreased for certain construction sites. These changes aim to redirect aid towards comprehensive renovations and prioritize low-income households, similar to the maintenance of the PTZ.
Unfortunately, these changes have led to a decrease in energy renovation projects. Although the EWC quotas have been increased, a significant portion of the four-year obligations has already been fulfilled, resulting in a decline in isolated work. Furthermore, while the CEE premiums for global renovations have increased, this has contributed to a significant drop in the number of renovation sites. Despite being less preferred in the short term, “mono-gestures” still offer immediate energy savings, especially for households with limited means. To address this, a progressive and phased approach could be considered to allow modest homeowners to carry out renovations over the long term.
The main obstacle to comprehensive renovations remains the high out-of-pocket costs, particularly for low-income households. Despite the increase in aid, owners are still required to self-finance or take out loans to cover the remaining expenses, which can be a considerable sum. Consequently, requests for aid predominantly come from well-to-do households, creating an imbalance. Data reveals that households with higher incomes benefit more from aid, while the poorest are under-represented.
To summarize:
– The CNR Housing measures aim to achieve 200,000 high-performance renovations, but changes in aid allocation criteria have consequences for individual projects.
– Isolated work is decreasing, while out-of-pocket costs remain high for low-income households.
– Affluent owners tend to benefit more from aid, leading to an imbalance.
As homeowners continue to face difficulties in accessing renovation aid and dealing with the remaining costs, it is crucial to address these challenges to ensure equal opportunities for all individuals seeking to improve the energy performance of their homes.
Source: Meilleurtaux.com
What are the challenges homeowners face in accessing renovation aid for energy performance improvements?
Ome households.
These changes in aid allocation have had an impact on homeowners looking to improve their energy performance. Many individuals may have had specific projects in mind, such as replacing a gas boiler, but can no longer receive the necessary funding. This shift towards comprehensive renovations may also deter some homeowners from pursuing energy improvements altogether if they cannot afford to undertake multiple works.
Furthermore, accessing renovation aid itself can prove to be a challenge. There are various programs and subsidies available, but navigating through the application process can be confusing and time-consuming. Homeowners must meet certain eligibility criteria, provide the necessary documentation, and compete with other applicants for limited funds. This can lead to frustration and delays in obtaining the financial assistance needed for energy improvements.
The impact of these challenges is twofold. Firstly, homeowners may miss out on the opportunity to make energy performance improvements, which can lead to higher energy bills and a less sustainable home. Secondly, the overall goal of achieving 200,000 high-performance renovations by 2024 may be hindered if homeowners are unable to access the necessary aid.
In conclusion, while there is a shared desire among homeowners to improve energy performance, challenges in accessing renovation aid and dealing with costs can pose significant obstacles. The recent changes in aid allocation towards comprehensive renovations may not align with individual projects, leading to a lack of funding for specific improvements. Additionally, the application process for renovation aid can be complex and competitive, further hindering homeowners from accessing the financial assistance they need. These challenges ultimately impact both individual homeowners and the overall goal of achieving energy performance improvements.
