At the start of 2026, the real estate legislative landscape is shifting once again. Between the DPE reform, the technical freeze on renovation subsidies, and the evolution of rental fees, property owners and investors in Montpellier must adjust their strategy.
At Alpaca Immobilier, we have deciphered these changes to help you navigate serenely through the market of the Hérault metropolis.
DPE 2026: A Breath of Fresh Air for Small Apartments
This is the big news of January 1st: the calculation method for the Energy Performance Diagnosis (DPE) has been revised. The conversion coefficient for electricity is changing from 2.3 to 1.9.
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The immediate local impact: in Montpellier, a student city par excellence, many studios and two-bedroom apartments heated by electricity are seeing their rating improve mechanically (from G to F or F to E notably). This is good news for landlords, less so for tenants. However, this should be nuanced: the DPE is an indicator that gives a trend; it evolves constantly to become increasingly strict. A correction on small spaces was otherwise necessary, if not at least welcome!
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The key figure: approximately 850,000 homes in France lose their "energy-inefficient building" status without any work.
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If your property was banned from rental or threatened by the "Climate and Resilience" schedule, check your new rating now on the ADEME website. This could unlock your rental management project or increase your sale price in the Écusson or Port Marianne. Don't forget to look into subsidies; renovation is still always the best option!
Co-ownership: The Multi-Year Work Plan (PPT) is Becoming Standard
From now on, all condominiums, including the smallest ones (fewer than 50 units), are required to have a PPT project.
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Why this is crucial: during a transaction, the notary will require this document. It allows you to anticipate renovation work over the next 10 years.
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The Montpellier context: with a very dynamic resale market, particularly in sectors like Beaux-Arts or Boutonnet, transparency on future charges becomes a major sales argument.
Rental: Revaluation of Agency Fees and Tight Market
After eleven years of a freeze, rental fee caps are now indexed to the Rental Reference Index (IRL).
- The new rates: Montpellier being classified as a tight market zone, the ceiling for the rental placement service increases to €10.09/m² (to which €3.03/m² is added for the property condition report). A respective increase of 9 and 3 cents. If you see us arriving in a Ferrari, now you'll know why!
MaPrimeRénov': A Temporary Stop – Again?
Be careful, the MaPrimeRénov' counter is currently suspended due to the national budget schedule. New applications cannot be submitted at the moment, although requests validated before December 31, 2025 remain honored.
- Plan ahead: if you're planning a major renovation in a house in Lattes, Castelnau-le-Lez, or in the West districts of Montpellier, prepare your quotes now. The reopening of the program is expected for spring.
Taxation and Savings: The PEL is Looking Better
For those preparing a future purchase in Montpellier, the interest rate of the Housing Savings Plan (PEL) opened in 2026 is rising to 2% (compared to 1.75% last year). A small victory for the property purchasing power of first-time buyers in Montpellier.
The Montpellier market remains "irresistible" in 2026, with strong rental demand persisting. However, regulation is becoming more technical. Landlords: don't face these changes alone.
