Energy renovation: 38% of French people want a return on investment in less than 5 years

The French spend an average of 274 euros per month on energy for their homes. Reducing this expenditure, which has seen a spectacular increase since 2021 (+99%), is the first reason put forward by the French to embark on work. Energy renovation is thus primarily addressed from the perspective of measurable gain and purchasing power.

Eco-renovation is a pragmatic response to budgetary pressure

While the energy budget has exploded since 2021 from 138 euros per month to 274 euros on average, 77% of the French cite the reduction of their bill as the first motivation to undertake energy renovation work, ahead of the improvement in thermal comfort (71%).

A requirement for rapid profitability

Carrying out energy renovation work is perceived as an investment and 81% of the French consider it important to know the time to profitability of this work before starting. In detail, 38% would like a return on investment in less than 5 years and 27% believe that 10 years is an acceptable time.
This expectation of rapid profitability reflects a rational approach by owners: in a context of persistent budgetary constraints, the financial effort must produce visible effects in the short or medium term.

However, the capacity for action remains limited

More than half of the French (53%) say they want to carry out work but do not have the financial means (+6 pts vs 2025). Although state aid is indicated as a source of funding for the work, only 32% of the French consider it sufficient (-2 pts).

The trigger for renovating one’s property is often the budgetary emergency with the exploding energy bill, which is reinforced in the economic context we are experiencing today. To support the French in their renovation journey, and not only to base it on public aid, it is important to simplify, accelerate and diversify financing solutions so that everyone can value their home and reduce their energy bill.

Franck ONIGA

Managing Director of Sofinco

Any total or partial publication must use the following statement: “Sofinscope – OpinionWay Barometer for Sofinco”.

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About Sofinscope
Sofinscope is the barometer of Sofinco, a trademark of Crédit Agricole Personal Finance & Mobility in France. Intended to survey the French on their consumption habits and to better understand them, this barometer which is part of the daily lives of the French is carried out by OpinionWay for Sofinco, with representative samples of the French population.
This study was conducted on a sample of 1,090 people, representative of the French population aged 18 and over. The sample was selected according to the quota method, taking into account the criteria of sex, age, socio-occupational category, agglomeration category and region of residence. The interviews were conducted from 11 to 12 February 2026 by self-administered online questionnaire on a CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interview) system.
All the results are available online on the Sofinscope website: the barometer that gives you a head start on consumption

About Sofinco
In France, Sofinco is the trademark of Crédit Agricole Personal Finance & Mobility, which distributes a wide range of personal financing to individuals and associated services across all distribution channels: direct sales, point-of-sale financing (home equipment) and partnerships. Sofinco offers flexible, responsible solutions tailored to the needs of its customers and partners (major retail, specialized and institutional retailers). For more information: www.sofinco.fr