French government launches fund for homeowners at risk of drought damage

Overview

The French government has launched a fund to provide financial aid for homeowners whose properties are at risk of structural damage or cracking due to droughts. A pilot scheme has opened to allow homeowners to apply for funds to obtain a specialist assessment and preventative work at their homes if they are at risk.

Causes and affected areas

Droughts can cause serious damage to homes as the ground shrinks during dry periods and expands when rain returns, leading to structural damage and cracked walls. The problem is particularly severe in areas with clay-based soil, known in French as retrait-gonflement des argiles (RGA) — clay shrinking and swelling.

RGA Fund and eligibility

A special RGA fund has opened, with a pilot project now live in 11 départements: Allier, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Dordogne, Gers, Indre, Lot-et-Garonne, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Nord, Puy-de-Dôme, Tarn, and Tarn-et-Garonne.

The fund will cover between 50 and 90 percent of the cost of the works, depending on household income and the type of work. An online calculator is available to determine eligibility.

How to participate

Homeowners can apply through the pilot scheme to receive a professional assessment and preventative measures. Readers are encouraged to sign up or log in to continue reading and access the calculator to check eligibility.

Notes

For questions or journalist inquiries, readers can email [email protected].

Original title

French government launches fund for homeowners at risk of drought damage

Author’s summary

政府 в Франции запускает фонд поддержки домовладельцев на фоне риска повреждений от засухи, охватывая до 90% расходов на работы в 11 департаментах и предлагая онлайн-калькулятор для оценки права на помощь.

The Local — 2025-11-21