The Monuments Historiques (Historic Monuments) scheme lets an investor deduct 100% of the restoration works on a listed or registered building from their overall income, with no cap on tax loopholes. It is the most powerful tax-relief scheme for those wishing to restore an exceptional heritage property.
What is the Monuments Historiques scheme?
Stemming from the 1913 law, this regime encourages the preservation of remarkable built heritage. In return for restoring a building classified as a Historic Monument (MH) or registered on the Supplementary Inventory (ISMH), the owner enjoys exceptional tax benefits in exchange for a long retention commitment.
What is the tax benefit for investors?
The scheme allows you to deduct 100% of restoration, maintenance and repair charges from overall income (50% if the property is occupied by the owner without being rented or opened to the public). This deduction is outside the cap on tax loopholes, with no upper limit. It therefore primarily targets heavily taxed taxpayers. Under an agreement with the State, transferring the property may also be exempt from inheritance tax.
Which properties are eligible?
The building must be classified as a Historic Monument or registered on the Supplementary Inventory of Historic Monuments (ISMH). All works must be authorised by the DRAC (Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs) and carried out under the supervision of an Architect of the Buildings of France.
The conditions to meet
- Hold the property in your own name or via a tax-transparent company (SCI taxed on income).
- Commit to keeping the property for at least 15 years.
- Have the works authorised by the DRAC and carried out under the supervision of the Architect of the Buildings of France.
- Renting to a family member (outside the tax household) is possible.
Genesius’s role in your project
Restoring a Historic Monument demands heritage expertise and strict compliance with the requirements of the Architect of the Buildings of France. Genesius provides full project management of your restoration site, in coordination with the DRAC and the ABF, with precise costing and compliant invoices. See the Renovation and construction page.
We support non-resident investors: remote management and regular reporting throughout the project.
Frequently asked questions about Historic Monuments
What tax benefit does the Monuments Historiques scheme offer?
A 100% deduction of restoration, maintenance and repair works from overall income (50% if occupied without renting or opening to the public), with no cap and outside the cap on tax loopholes.
Which properties are eligible?
Buildings classified as Historic Monuments or registered on the Supplementary Inventory (ISMH). Works must be authorised by the DRAC and supervised by an Architect of the Buildings of France.
Is there a retention commitment?
Yes, the owner commits to keeping the property for at least 15 years.
Is renting the property mandatory?
No. The deduction is 100% if the property is rented (or opened to the public) and 50% if kept for personal use. Renting to a family member outside the tax household is possible.
Does Genesius handle the tax side?
No. Genesius carries out the restoration and project management in liaison with the DRAC and the ABF. The tax aspect is validated by your adviser and notary.
This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute tax advice. Conditions are subject to change; check your situation with a tax adviser or notary.