How does the BRS lower the price?
You buy the home
You become the owner of the building (apartment/house) through real property rights.
The OFS keeps the land
The land belongs to the OFS (a state-approved body). You pay a monthly ground fee for the land.
Regulated price & resale
On resale, the price is capped (indexation + works according to the lease rules), in order to keep the home affordable.
BRS duration: 18 to 99 years. On resale (or transfer), a new BRS is concluded for a duration of at least 18 years.
Eligibility conditions in 2026
A. Primary residence
The home purchased under a BRS must be occupied as your primary residence.
B. Income ceilings
Your reference tax income must not exceed certain ceilings, which vary by zone (Abis/A/B1/B2/C) and household composition.
C. Conditions on existing property assets
Since 1 January 2025, access to the BRS requires, in particular, that you do not own a suitable home (or a home generating sufficient income to buy on the private market) at the time you can actually occupy the BRS home.
D. Approval by the OFS + financing structure
The OFS verifies eligibility, oversees resale and sets the rules (ground fee, indexation, works, etc.). The bank assesses solvency just as it would for a standard purchase.
In practice, every BRS operation has its own specifics: read the lease carefully (ground fee, resale, works, possible partial letting…).
BRS income ceilings — in force since January 2026
Table of 2026 ceilings by household category and zone. (Source: BoRiS — official platform of the ministry in charge of housing.)
| Category | Household composition | Zones A & Abis | Zone B1 | Zones B2 & C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 single person | €38,844 | €38,844 | €33,771 |
| 2 | 2 people (no dependants, excluding young couples) or 1 person with a disability | €58,057 | €58,057 | €45,100 |
| 3 | 3 people / 1 adult + 1 dependant / young couple / 2 people incl. 1 with a disability | €76,105 | €69,786 | €54,235 |
| 4 | 4 people / 1 adult + 2 dependants / 3 people incl. 1 with a disability | €90,863 | €83,594 | €65,476 |
| 5 | 5 people / 1 adult + 3 dependants / 4 people incl. 1 with a disability | €108,107 | €98,956 | €77,023 |
| 6 | 6 people / 1 adult + 4 dependants / 5 people incl. 1 with a disability | €121,650 | €111,359 | €86,805 |
| + 1 person | Per additional person | + €13,557 | + €12,408 | + €9,683 |
For a quick check: BoRiS offers an eligibility simulator (see the links in "Official sources").
Purchase price, ground fee and resale: what is regulated
A. Purchase price
The goal is a below-market price, since the buyer does not purchase the land. The details depend on the development and the OFS.
B. Monthly ground fee
It pays for the use of the land (and sometimes management). It varies by area and operation.
C. Regulated resale
Before selling, you notify the OFS. The maximum price is calculated according to the lease rules (indexation + possible valuation of works under the contract).
"Price cap" reference (regulatory framework)
The Construction and Housing Code refers to an order setting price caps (notably via the PSLA references). The consolidated version available on Légifrance as of 20/01/2026 shows the caps below (to be read as a regulatory reference; the BRS operation remains managed by the OFS).
| Zone | Cap (€/m² of usable floor area) | Source (Légifrance) |
|---|---|---|
| A bis | 6,170 | Order of 26 March 2004 (annex II), as amended |
| A | 4,675 | Order of 26 March 2004 (annex II), as amended |
| B1 | 3,744 | Order of 26 March 2004 (annex II), as amended |
| B2 | 3,269 | Order of 26 March 2004 (annex II), as amended |
| C | 2,857 | Order of 26 March 2004 (annex II), as amended |
Note: "usable floor area" and pricing rules (VAT included at the time of transfer, rules for valuing works, etc.) are governed by the Construction and Housing Code and the BRS lease. For a real project, ask the OFS and the notary for the exact calculation.
Financing: PTZ, bank loan, local aid
PTZ (if eligible)
A BRS purchase can be financed with a zero-interest loan (PTZ) if you meet the PTZ conditions.
Main loan + insurance
As with any property purchase: amortising loan, borrower's insurance, guarantees (guarantee company/mortgage depending on the structure).
Good reflex: ask the OFS whether there is any local aid (local authorities) or specific banking partnerships.
Practical steps + application checklist
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1) Find a BRS offer
Find a development via the official BoRiS platform or local OFS bodies.
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2) Check eligibility
Income, zone, household composition, conditions on existing property assets.
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3) Arrange the financing
Bank simulation, PTZ if applicable, financing plan, insurance.
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4) Signing (notary)
Signing of the deed + BRS lease. Read the clauses carefully (resale, works, possible letting, ground fee).
"Income" documents
- Tax notice (reference tax income)
- Proof of personal situation
- Household composition
"Project" documents
- Address + zone (Abis/A/B1/B2/C)
- Price, floor plan, specifications
- Ground fee & OFS rules
"Bank" documents
- Payslips / financial statements
- Bank statements / savings / down payment
- Borrower's insurance
FAQ
Am I "really" an owner under a BRS?
You own the home (real property rights) for the duration of the lease. The land remains the property of the OFS. It is this separation that reduces the price.
Can I resell whenever I want?
Yes, resale is possible. But the price is regulated and the buyer must be eligible. You must notify the OFS, which tells you the maximum authorised price under the lease rules.
Is the BRS compatible with the PTZ?
Yes, a BRS purchase can be financed with a PTZ if you meet the PTZ criteria (in addition to the BRS ones).
Other home-ownership schemes
Alongside or as an alternative to the BRS, other schemes can help you become a homeowner.
Primary residence guide
A complete overview of buying a new home as a primary residence: benefits, steps, guarantees.
PTZ (zero-interest loan)
An interest-free loan of up to 50% of the price for first-time buyers, compatible with the BRS.
5.5% VAT
For homes in QPV/ANRU areas, with income ceilings and capped prices. A significant VAT reduction.
Controlled-price housing
A local scheme: price capped by the local authority, with income conditions and anti-speculation clauses.
Disclaimer
The information in this article comes from the official sources listed in the "Official sources" section at the bottom of the page. Handee cannot be held liable for any errors, omissions or interpretations of the information presented.
If in doubt, or for any question specific to your situation, please consult the official sources mentioned directly (Service-Public.fr, Légifrance, ANIL, etc.) or contact a qualified professional (notary, tax adviser, banker).
Eligibility conditions, scales and rules may change. Only official sources are authoritative.