Dreaming of adding a swimming pool to your French country house, or perhaps transforming a rustic barn into a stylish guest suite? Whether it’s a small refresh or a full-scale extension, making changes to your French property can be incredibly rewarding – but it requires a good grasp of the rules. France has strict regulations on building and renovation projects, and it’s easy to fall foul of them if you don’t plan carefully. That’s why you should learn to renovate your property in France.
In this article, we break down what you need to know before calling in the builders. From understanding the different types of planning permission to hiring trusted tradespeople, we’ll help you make informed decisions and avoid stress during your French property renovation.
Contents
- Understanding French planning permission
- Do interior renovations need permission?
- Making changes to the exterior
- The three types of planning permission
- Should you hire an architect?
- Keeping your build on the right side of the law
- Finding reliable builders and tradespeople
- Frequently asked questions
When you buy a home overseas that needs work, you need to know how to renovate your property in France
Understanding French planning permission
Before you start renovating or extending your home in France, getting to grips with the planning system is essential. Unlike in some other countries, French authorities take domestic building regulations seriously – and each commune (local council) has its own planning rules. These local policies are often outlined in the Plan Local d’Urbanisme (PLU), a document available from your mairie (town hall).
In general, almost all external changes require some form of approval. Whether you’re putting in new windows, building a carport or extending your living room, you’ll need to submit paperwork and receive confirmation before starting. While the process may seem bureaucratic, it serves an important purpose – preserving the architectural harmony and historic character of France’s towns and villages.
Don’t rely on what your neighbours have done, either. Regulations may have changed, or their property could be subject to different classification. And while national standards apply, the final say often rests with your local mayor, especially in smaller communes. It’s always best to make a friendly visit to your mairie with photos and drawings in hand – it could save you months of delays later.
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Do interior renovations need permission?
The good news is that most internal renovations in France do not require formal permission – unless they change how the space is used. Want to repaint the walls, redo the kitchen or lay down new flooring? Go right ahead. However, if you’re turning an attic into a bedroom or converting an outbuilding into part of the main house, then legal authorisation is likely required.
The key point is whether your renovation affects the building’s floor space, usage or overall structure. For example, knocking through walls or altering load-bearing beams may require sign-off from a structural engineer or local authority. Connecting previously unheated areas to central heating systems – thereby increasing the habitable surface area – can also influence your tax assessment and need to be declared.
If you’re updating water systems or rewiring, it’s smart to use certified professionals. Not only will this ensure the work complies with French safety codes, it also protects you if you ever decide to sell. Poor internal work, however hidden, can get flagged during the mandatory surveys buyers must carry out – potentially harming your property’s market value.
Making changes to the exterior
Even seemingly minor exterior work in France can trigger a paperwork trail. Replacing a door, painting shutters a new colour or building a shed might seem simple, but if it alters the building’s appearance, it’s likely to fall under planning permission requirements. Similarly, any demolition work – no matter how old or damaged a structure is – usually needs approval.
Being within close proximity to churches or buildings of historical interest adds another layer of regulation. These areas are typically under the protection of the Architecte des Bâtiments de France, who may impose rules around building height, materials or colour schemes. Expect stricter assessments and more detailed documentation if your property is in one of these zones.
So, when in doubt, always check. Don’t assume small extensions or cosmetic updates go unnoticed. The mairie may inspect your property during or after the works, and unauthorised builds can be heavily fined. At worst, you might be ordered to restore the building to its original appearance, at your own expense. Better to get things right from the beginning.
The three types of planning permission
France uses three main types of planning permissions, each with its own purpose. Submitting the correct one is critical for ensuring your application runs smoothly. If you’re unsure, your mairie or a local architect can advise which form best describes your proposed work.
- Déclaration préalable de travaux (prior declaration of work): Required for smaller projects, such as extensions up to 20m² (or 40m² in urban zones), reroofing, or installing new windows and doors. This is a simplified process but still needs full details including drawings and location maps.
- Permis de construire (building permit): Needed for significant developments – new construction, major extensions, changes to the structure’s volume, converting barns into habitable areas or adding floors. These applications are more complex and can take up to three months to process.
- Permis de démolir (demolition permit): If you plan to destroy all or part of a building on your land, this permit is usually required. Sometimes it can be bundled with a construction request, but check with your mairie first.
Timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the request and the commune’s capacity. Always allow a buffer in your project timeline. It’s also worth noting that permission usually remains valid for up to three years, giving you flexibility if you need to plan in phases.
Should you hire an architect?
For simple jobs, hiring an architect may not be necessary. But if you’re planning a full renovation or extension, partnering with a registered architect can be a wise investment. In France, any project over 150m² of habitable space must legally involve one. Even for smaller builds, their local knowledge can be invaluable.
An architect will manage your drawings, help you navigate planning, and improve the overall design of your space – often coming up with ideas or layouts a builder might overlook. They can also liaise directly with the mairie, ensuring your plans align with local expectations and are more likely to be approved.
Architects in France also carry professional insurance, adding a layer of protection for you as the client. If a dispute arises later about miscalculated floor space, boundary issues or structural faults, you’ll be glad documentation has been correctly filed and reviewed. You’re not just paying for design – you’re paying for peace of mind.
Keeping your build on the right side of the law
Once your permit is granted, you’ll need to display a planning notice outside your property. This sign informs neighbours about the works and allows time for appeals. Failure to display it could void your approval. Keep the sign up for at least two months, even if building hasn’t started yet.
When your renovation is finished, you must file a Déclaration Attestant l’Achèvement et la Conformité des Travaux (DAACT), which confirms that the work matches what was approved. This needs to happen within 30 days of completion. The mairie has three to five months to raise any concerns, after which your build is deemed compliant.
Be aware that local officials have the legal right to visit your property and carry out inspections. Random checks are rare but not unheard of. If your work diverges from the approved plans, you may need to undo the changes or re-submit new documentation – which could come with more fees.
Ignoring the rules isn’t worth the risk. Penalties for unauthorised construction can reach €6,000 per square metre, and local councils do pursue non-compliant builds. Keeping your paperwork in order from the start can save headaches down the road – particularly if you decide to sell or rent your property later.
Finding reliable builders and tradespeople
Hiring reputable local tradespeople can make or break your renovation experience. While there’s a pool of excellent builders in France, not all will be used to working with international buyers. Finding someone who communicates clearly – ideally in English – ensures your vision doesn’t get lost in translation.
Start by asking your estate agent, property manager or notaire for recommendations. Many have strong local networks and know which builders are trustworthy. Online expat forums and Facebook groups can also be a source of honest feedback – though always double-check credentials before agreeing to any work. We’ve prepared a guide that looks deeper at how to hire a tradesperson in France.
Make sure your tradespeople are correctly registered. Ask for their SIRET number (French business ID) and review their insurance documents, particularly décennale (10-year liability cover). These aren’t just formalities – they provide protection if faults develop after work is completed.
Never rely on verbal quotes alone. Get detailed estimates in writing, including materials, labour and timelines. For larger projects, consider making staged payments linked to milestones. That way, you remain in control of the budget while giving your builders clear incentives to stick to schedule.
Your dream home renovation in France can absolutely become a reality – as long as you respect local laws, plan carefully and choose the right team.
Start your journey today. Book your free consultation with our French property experts for tailored advice on renovating overseas.
Frequently asked questions about renovating a property in France
Do I need planning permission to renovate my French property?
Yes. Most external changes and major internal alterations in France require planning permission. Always check with your mairie before beginning work. Projects over 150m² or structural changes typically need formal approval.
What types of planning permission are there in France?
There are three main types: the déclaration préalable (for small projects), permis de construire (for large extensions or structural work), and permis de démolir (for demolition). Your mairie or architect can advise which applies.
Do interior renovations need permission in France?
Not usually – unless they change the building’s use, surface area, or structure. Converting attics, knocking through walls or increasing habitable space may require sign-off or declaration to your local council.
Should I hire an architect for a French renovation?
It’s a legal requirement for any build over 150m² of habitable space. Even for smaller projects, an architect can streamline planning, improve design, and help navigate local regulations more smoothly.
How can I find a reliable builder or tradesperson in France?
Ask for recommendations, check SIRET registration and insurance documents, and always request a written quote. Make staged payments and work only with professionals who understand French legal requirements.
