Actualité - Malraux Law: What is the VIR?

Article updated on 06/10/2026

The Sale of Property to be Renovated under the Malraux Law allows you to benefit from up to 30% tax reduction on the cost of restoring a property.

The VIR (Vente d’Immeuble à Rénover) tax relief scheme, governed by the Malraux Law, applies to the complete restoration of a building, which must be supervised by an Architect of the Buildings of France.

By investing under the Malraux Law, here are the tax reductions you may be eligible for:

30% for buildings located within a Safeguarding and Development Plan (PSMV), in Degraded Historic Districts (QAD), and in neighborhoods of the New National Urban Renewal Program (NPNRU).
22% for buildings located within an Architectural and Heritage Enhancement Plan (PVAP) or a program designated as of public utility.

However, to benefit from these tax advantages, you must rent out your property for at least 9 years.

Summary

The Sale of Property to be Renovated (VIR) under the Malraux Law gives a tax reduction of 30% or 22% of the cost of works, depending on the zone in which the building is located.
The restoration must be complete and supervised by an Architect of the Buildings of France, with an obligation to let the property for at least 9 years.
Inspired by the off-plan sale (VEFA), the VIR contract commits the seller to the works, their schedule and a financial completion guarantee; the buyer pays as the works progress.
The acquisition price includes the land and the works, and acquisition fees are calculated on this total amount.

Update of Tuesday 6 October:
The Malraux tax reduction remains 30% or 22% of the cost of works depending on the zone, up to €400,000 over four years, outside the overall cap on tax breaks, with a nine-year unfurnished letting requirement. The 2026 Finance Act also created the private landlord status, which allows owners to depreciate a renovated older home (works of at least 20% of its value). Source: MeilleureSCPI; Banque Populaire, 2026.

The Sale of Property to be Renovated (VIR) at a Glance

This is a specific contract that resembles a traditional sale agreement. It is directly inspired by the off-plan property sale (VEFA).

The VIR law was created to protect future buyers, as the seller commits to completing all the renovation work (with a detailed description of the property and the renovations to be carried out) according to a work schedule set out in the sales contract, coupled with a financial completion guarantee. As the buyer, you will need to make payments as the renovation work progresses.

Upon signing the contract, the buyer immediately acquires ownership rights to the land and any existing structures.

The Contract for the Sale of Property to be Renovated (VIR)

This is a specific contract that resembles a traditional sale agreement. It is directly inspired by the off-plan property sale (VEFA).

Upon signing the contract, the buyer immediately acquires ownership rights to the land and any existing structures.

Terms of the Contract for the Sale of Property to be Renovated (VIR)

The Sale of Property to be Renovated contract imposes several requirements at the time of signing.

The following points must be included:

Detailed description and specific characteristics of the building or part of the building being sold
Description of the planned renovation work (both communal and private areas)
Price of the property
Date and timeframe for the completion of the work
Proof provided by the seller of the financial guarantee for the completion of the work
Proof of liability and damage insurance for the renovation work provided by the seller

Can You Generate a Capital Gain Through VIR?

Indeed, renovating a property increases its value. In a VIR under the Malraux Law, the acquisition price includes both the land cost and the renovation work. Acquisition fees, calculated on the total amount (land and renovation work), are added to the purchase price of the property.

If you're considering acquiring a property under the Malraux Law, get in touch with our Prestige Advisors who can offer you their expertise.

To find out more, watch our video “Parlons peu, Parlons biens” #5: Real estate investment.

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Author

Frédéric Rémy – Director of Sales Performance

A real estate professional with several years of experience within the Capifrance network, I would like to share essential advice with you to help you successfully complete your property project with our advisors.