Financial changes set for January 2025 include a 2.2% pension increase, raising the maximum Aspa allowance for seniors. New residency requirements for family benefits will extend to 9 months. Housing savings plan rates will drop to 1.75%, while instant transfers will be free from January 9. Energy renovation assistance will see reduced funding, and G-classified homes will no longer be rentable. Additionally, gas prices and postal rates are expected to rise.
Financial Changes to Expect in January 2025
Key Pension Increase of 2.2%
The anticipation is finally over! Starting January 1, 2025, pensions will experience a notable increase of 2.2%, calculated using the standard formula. For instance, if your net basic pension is currently 1,470 euros monthly, it will rise to 1,502 euros net. However, do note that the basic pension payment scheduled for Thursday, January 9, will correspond to December’s amount, meaning the first increase will be reflected in payments made on February 9, or February 10, which falls on a Sunday.
Stay informed with the official payment schedule for basic pensions in 2025.
Aspa Increase Announced
The solidarity allowance for seniors, known as Aspa, will also see a 2.2% increase. This adjustment will raise the maximum amount from 1,011.06 euros gross for individuals to 1,034.28 euros monthly. Aspa serves as a supplementary resource to help individuals reach the established threshold. For example, a person receiving a total pension of 800 euros will qualify for an additional 234.28 euros gross through Aspa in 2025.
New Residency Requirements for Family Benefits
In 2025, to qualify for family benefits or the minimum old-age pension, it is essential to have resided in France for 9 months instead of the previous 6 months. This change will apply to various family benefits, including family allowances, birth bonuses, back-to-school allowances, family supplements, and daily parental presence allowances (AJPP).
Changes to PEL Rates
Instant Transfers Become Free
Starting January 9, 2025, banks will be prohibited from charging extra fees for instant transfers, which will now be as affordable as traditional transfers. Given that no French bank currently charges for instant transfers made through their online or mobile banking services, this change will make instant transfers completely free.
Get ready for the new free instant transfer policy!
Updates to MaPrimeRenov’
Significant changes are coming to the energy renovation assistance program, MaPrimeRenov’. The relaxed criteria established in May 2024 will continue into 2025. Homes rated F or G will still qualify for assistance through the gesture pathway, not just for major renovations.
However, some funding amounts will see reductions. For households classified as “very modest,” the maximum advance available will decrease from 70% to 50% under MaPrimeRenov’ by gesture. Additionally, flat rates for the installation of biomass-related equipment will be reduced by approximately 30%.
Moreover, for higher-income households participating in the accompanied pathway, the aid rate will decline significantly, dropping from 30% to 10% for projects achieving a 2-class improvement in DPE, and from 35% to 15% for 3-class improvements.
Renting Restrictions for G-Classified Homes
Effective January 1, 2025, homes classified as G on the energy performance diagnosis (DPE) scale will be prohibited from being rented out. This rule will affect new rental agreements and renewals. Discussions regarding adaptations for condominiums are currently stalled following recent government changes, and it remains uncertain if these will be retroactively enforced.
Explore strategies to navigate the rental restrictions that will take effect after January 1, 2025.
DPE and Energy Audits for Tourist Rentals and Condominiums
New obligations will be imposed on various properties regarding DPE and energy audits, particularly for tourist rentals. Starting in January, properties located in tight zones that are newly listed for rental or undergoing change of use must achieve at least an F rating on their DPE.
Additionally, any DPE conducted between January 1, 2018, and June 30, 2021, will no longer be valid in 2025, necessitating a new assessment for those wishing to sell or rent. New condominiums will also be required to have a collective DPE for buildings with 50 to 200 units. If your property is rated E, whether it’s a standalone house or a privately owned apartment, an energy audit will be mandatory before selling.
Stay updated on the five key changes for landlords in 2025 concerning DPE regulations.
Increase in Reference Gas Prices
Many gas consumers should prepare for another price hike. In January, the reference price set by the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) will rise, with the average cooking rate increasing from 0.141 euros per KWh in December to 0.146 euros. For heating, the average price will rise from 0.112 euros to 0.118 euros per KWh.
Postal Rates Set to Rise
In 2025, expect an average increase of 6.8% in parcel and mail rates. This adjustment is aimed at addressing losses stemming from decreased mail volumes and inflation, as explained by La Poste. For example, the price of the green letter will increase from 1.29 euros to 1.39 euros, while a registered letter (20g) will now cost 5 euros.