The ceiling height is a very important criterion for the French when looking to buy or rent an apartment. But for the past 60 years, the trend in construction has been to reduce ceiling height. An average reduction of 27 cm in ceiling height has been observed in homes, while the French population continues to grow taller (source: IPSOS). How can you sell or rent your property despite the regulations regarding ceiling height? Discover the standard methods for calculating ceiling height and all the regulations in force!
What is the ceiling height of a property?
Standard Height
By definition, the ceiling height of a home is the distance between the floor and the finished ceiling. In France, the average ceiling height of a new decent dwelling is 2.50 meters. In older homes, the height varies from 2.20 meters to over 3 meters.
Measuring the distance between the floor and the finished ceiling plays an important role in estimating the habitable area of a property. Do you need a property valuation to know the area and price of your premises? To avoid calculation errors, it is recommended to have your property measured by a professional when renting or selling. The professional can use several calculation methods:
Calculation of ceiling height in a Carrez Law survey
The Carrez Law is a decree that governs the calculation of the surface area of a property. All areas of the property with a minimum ceiling height of 1.80 meters are included in the total surface area calculation.
For example, in a 30 m² converted attic, if 10 m² of the area is located under the roof slope with a ceiling height below 1.80 meters, only 20 m² of the Carrez Law area will be displayed in the survey.
The Carrez Law area certificate is a mandatory document if you wish to sell a property located in a co-ownership. It corresponds to the precise estimate of the size of a specific property. The seller is required to present it to the buyer before any transaction. The calculation remains the same regardless of the type of sale: traditional sale, group purchase, life annuity, etc.
Calculation of ceiling height and Boutin Law
The Boutin Law governs the rental of real estate. In this calculation, the minimum required ceiling height is 2.20 meters. Only rooms with this minimum height are included in the total area of the property.
According to this same law, a property is declared decent and habitable if and only if:
- its habitable area is at least 9 m²,
- its minimum ceiling height is 1.80 meters (since October 2023),
- its habitable volume is 20 cubic meters.
Ceiling height: how to calculate it?
Real estate professionals use a laser to easily measure the ceiling heights of different rooms. Whether you’re looking to buy a private house, an apartment, or a life annuity, the calculation method remains the same. As part of a Carrez Law survey, the expert takes the following data into account to successfully calculate the area:
- False ceiling: If the property is equipped with a false ceiling, it is not considered in the height calculation.
- Beams: When beams are located below 1.80 meters, the area under the beam is not included in the Carrez Law survey.
- Attic rooms: Only the area under a ceiling higher than 1.80 meters is added to the area calculation.
- Mezzanine: If it is a permanent construction, the area under the mezzanine where the height is less than 1.80 meters is not counted. If the mezzanine is removable, the area is counted.
- Closets: The area of closets is added to the total if the ceiling height is greater than or equal to 1.80 meters.
What is the minimum ceiling height for renting a property?
When you’re looking to buy real estate, several criteria are essential to ensure the quality and value of your investment. Among these criteria, ceiling height is a key indicator of the space and comfort the property offers. A minimum ceiling height of 1.80 meters for a 9 m² area is not only a regulatory requirement to ensure the decency of the property, but it also greatly influences the perception of space and the brightness of the rooms.
Investing in a property with adequate ceiling height ensures compliance with standards and increases the attractiveness of the property for future buyers or tenants, maximizing your resale or rental potential. A well-proportioned and bright space is more likely to catch the eye and hold the interest of visitors during viewings.
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