Housing law: easing of rental restrictions for energy-inefficient properties and a boost to construction, focusing on the third phase of the National Urban Renewal Program (ANRU 3)

The government is preparing a housing bill expected this summer, with the aim of boosting new construction and adapting regulations for energy-inefficient buildings. This represents a major shift for the construction sector and the rental market, given that 453.000 homes rated G are already prohibited from being rented.

During a visit to Marseille on April 23, 2026, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced these guidelines as part of the preparation of a bill designed to address the housing crisis and support the construction sector. This bill, which will be examined this summer, aims to simplify regulations, expedite procedures, and promote housing production.

The government has set a target of building 2 million homes by 2030, which is "100.000 more per year than is being built today." This ambition is deemed necessary in a context of high housing pressure, where the housing situation "cannot wait."

Energy-inefficient housing: towards a relaxation of regulations to avoid a drop in rental supply

The issue of energy-inefficient housing is a central point of the reform. According to official statistics, 453.000 homes in the private rental sector are rated G on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Since January 1, 2025, these homes can no longer be rented.

This gradual ban, stemming from the Climate and Resilience Act, is to be extended to F-rated homes in 2028 and then to E-rated homes in 2034. In total, between 650.000 and 700.000 homes could eventually be affected by these restrictions.

In this context, the government wishes to introduce some relaxation measures. The objective is to allow, in certain situations, the re-letting of energy-inefficient housing, particularly when energy renovation work is underway or impossible to carry out for technical, administrative or financial reasons.

This development aims to avoid too sharp a contraction in the rental market and to maintain a sufficient supply in a sector already under pressure.

New construction: a major challenge for the construction industry

Beyond energy-efficient renovations, the bill aims to support the entire building sector. It includes measures to boost new construction, simplify planning regulations, and accelerate real estate projects.

This direction is a signal that was expected by construction professionals, as construction starts are declining and housing needs remain high across the country.

ANRU 3: a new phase of urban renewal for 2030-2040

Alongside the housing bill, the government confirmed the launch of a "third generation" of urban renewal, called Anru 3, which will cover "the period 2030-2040".

This program aims to extend the transformation of priority neighborhoods, integrating the challenges of energy transition, social diversity, and improving living conditions. It also seeks to support the construction sector through new renovation and construction projects nationwide.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.