NEWS FINANCES: ELECTRICITY BILLS TO FALL A
s of February, regulated electricity tariff s in France have decreased
by 15%, providing relief to consumers amid rising energy costs. This reduction was more signifi cant than initially anticipated, benefi ting approximately 21 million residential customers and 1.5 million small businesses. There could be more changes coming. The popular tool to manage
consumption known as ‘heures creuses’ (off -peak hours) off ers reduced electricity rates during specifi c times, typically at night and on weekends. According to La Depêche, the system is currently adopted by around 40% of households, encouraging consumers to shift their energy-intensive activities to these periods, helping to balance the electrical grid and reduce overall costs. At present, heures creuses
often occur between 10pm and 6am, with exact times varying by region and provider. Looking ahead, the heures creuses system is expected to evolve to better align with renewable energy production and grid demands. With the evolution of the
power mix over the last few years, photovoltaic energy in
particular is abundant in the afternoon during the summer season (from April to October) and therefore less expensive. Public electricity distributor
Enedis is considering moving part of the off -peak hours (two to three hours) to the early afternoon. A minimum of fi ve off -peak hours will remain at night. Any changes, however, are subject to regulatory approval. Future iterations may include
more dynamic pricing models, with rates adjusted in real-time based on overall electricity demand and renewable energy
NEWS IN BRIEF
It’s well known that Brits love old French houses but what is the dream home for French buyers? A detached property with a garden in a peaceful residental area, according to a survey from OpinionWay and developer Altaréa. It should also be close to a doctor. Half of those surveyed would prefer to live in the city, half in the countryside. Opinion is equally divided when it comes to the type of property, with half preferring an older property and half a new home. More than 70% of renters aspired to become homeowners.
From July, large cruise ships (more than 900 passengers or over 190m long) will be
Cannes is also reportedly considering implementing similar restrictions.
Bye bye to giant cruise ships in Nice
banned from the Riviera capital Nice. The decision is part of a broader initiative aimed at combating overtourism and enhancing sustainability. Cruise travellers contribute little to local commerce while generating subsantial waste.
France remains the most- visited country in the world, according to the latest fi gures, with 98 million tourists in 2023. In second place, Spain has 94 million visitors – and they spend more money than in France. Tourists in Spain spent a whopping €125bn compared to €68.6bn in France, according to the World Tourism Organisation.
François Bayrou, the French Prime Minister, has presented a set of measures aimed at revitalising the real estate sector. This included
the expansion of the zero- interest loan (PTZ), aimed at helping fi rst-time buyers, particularly in neglected rural areas; the creation of 15,000 student housing units per year over three years; exemption from inheritance tax on new housing; and a possible increase in notary fees.
The cost of vehicle registrations, known as the carte grise, is set to rise in Brittany, Normandy, Nouvelle- Aquitaine, Provence-Alpes- Côte d’Azur, Centre-Val de Loire and Grand-Est. The biggest hike will be in Normandy, from €46 to €60, a 30% yearly increase (which follows an increase last year from €35 to €46).
FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: March/April 2025 13
availability. This could lead to the introduction of multiple price tiers throughout the day, rather than just two tranches. Additionally, smart meter
technology is likely to play a larger role, allowing for more precise tracking of consumption patterns and enabling consumers to optimise their usage more eff ectively. This evolution aims to create a more fl exible energy distribution, encouraging responsible consumption while supporting the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid.
NO LET As of 1 January, rental of G-rated energy- ineffi cient homes, known as ‘passoires thermiques’ (thermal sieves), is no longer allowed. The measure – part of the Climate and Resilience Law of 2021 – aims to improve energy effi ciency in housing and is designed to protect tenants from high energy bills and ultimately help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The ban applies to new rental contracts and renewals aff ecting approximately 646,000 G-rated homes. Landlords face two options: invest in energy renovation or sell the property at a discounted price.
© SHUTTERSTOCK
© JOERI VAN VEEN / FLICKR ©WIKICOMMONS
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