The acceleration in construction prices
First subject, and it bears directly on estimating. It concerns the movement of land prices.
After a period of stabilisation, residential construction prices recorded an acceleration over the first half of 2026, according to the statistical publication of July 2026.
The rise is uneven across trades, roofing and building envelope works rising more strongly than the average.
Practical consequence: a range per square metre based on 2025 data probably understates the current level, and an older estimate must be updated before any commitment.
Monitoring this indicator is covered in the article on index and price revision.
| Subject to follow | What it affects | Checking rhythm |
|---|---|---|
| Construction prices | The works budget | Quarterly |
| Tax measures | The acquisition cost | At each budget announcement |
| Availability of firms | Programme and prices | When tendering |
| Energy requirements | The technical brief | Annually |
A set of measures presented in July 2026
Second subject, and it calls for the greatest care in reading. It concerns the tax schemes and their calendar.
A set of measures intended to revive residential construction was presented by the government in July 2026.
It includes provisions relating to the tax credit on registration duties, to duties on off-plan purchases, to a reduced tax rate for certain rental dwellings, to depreciation, and to interest subsidies.
The status of each measure differs. Some are presented as immediately applicable, others conditional on the passing of legislation, others again announced for 2027.
The reading rule is absolute: announced does not mean enacted, and enacted does not mean applicable to a given transaction. The status of each provision must be checked with the competent administration or a notary at the time of commitment.
The content of these schemes belongs to the guide on tax and housing support.
The movement of ceilings
Third subject, and it explains a frequent difficulty. It concerns the availability of firms.
The ceilings of the main preferential schemes have been raised successively over the recent period, and further changes are under discussion.
This is the direct cause of divergence between sources, as the article on notary fees and duties notes. A source published at a given date remains accurate for that date and becomes wrong afterwards, with nothing signalling this to the reader.
Some changes are moreover conditional on external validation, notably European, which adds uncertainty as to their entry into force.
Consequence: no preferential tax amount should be taken from a secondary source, however current it appears.
The transition in energy support
Fourth subject, and it concerns refurbishment above all. It concerns the energy requirements.
The financial support scheme for energy refurbishment has recently undergone a transition, one instrument having ended and a new framework put in place with adjustments.
Certain grants have been withdrawn, notably those relating to installations using fossil fuels, in line with climate objectives.
Payment arrangements have changed, some grants now being deducted directly from the invoice rather than reimbursed afterwards.
This point changes the cash flow of a project, not only its final cost.
The monitoring method
Four points, suited to a live project.
Check at the time of commitment, not at the time of estimating, any scheme costed into the budget.
Follow the half-yearly statistical publications, in January and July.
Always distinguish the announced from the applicable, the press reporting the announcement rather than the entry into force.
Return to the primary source for any amount, the competent administration or the notary depending on the matter.
What this means for a professional
Four rules.
Date any mention of a scheme in a document issued, and state that it must be rechecked.
Never cost a tax advantage without a primary source, given the movement under way.
Update price ranges in the light of the acceleration observed.
Warn the client that the framework is moving, rather than presenting a fixed position.
This article reflects the state of the data at the date of checking and serves professional orientation. It does not constitute tax advice and does not replace consultation of the official sources.