Social rent-to-own scheme (PSLA)
A progressive homeownership scheme with a rental phase followed by a purchase phase. During the rental phase, the occupant pays a fee comprising a rental portion and a savings-toward-purchase portion. They may then exercise the purchase option and benefit from a 5.5% reduced VAT and a 15-year property tax exemption. It targets low-income households and requires a state-approved property.
Key points
- The fee paid during the rental phase includes a savings portion credited toward the purchase price.
- The purchase option can be exercised at the end of the rental period, usually after 1 to 2 years.
- The 5.5% VAT and 15-year property tax exemption significantly reduce the overall cost.
- The property must be state-approved and is subject to price and income ceilings.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if the occupant does not exercise the purchase option after the rental phase?
If the occupant waives the option, they leave the property without benefiting from the purchase tax advantages. The savings portion already paid within the fee may, depending on contractual terms, be fully or partially refunded. The developer or social housing body then regains full ownership.
How does the PSLA differ from the solidarity long-term lease (BRS)?
The PSLA leads to full ownership of the entire property (land and building) after the rental phase, whereas the BRS involves a permanent separation between the building (purchased) and the land (leased from an OFS). The PSLA is therefore deferred full ownership, while the BRS is permanent partial ownership of the building only.
What income conditions must be met to benefit from the PSLA?
PSLA income ceilings are set by ministerial order and vary by household size and the property's geographic zone (A, B, C). They are close to the PLS (social housing loan) ceilings and must be met at the time of signing the rent-to-own contract. A household slightly above the ceilings may sometimes be directed toward other social homeownership schemes.
In practice
A couple with one child moves into a new PSLA flat in Bordeaux. For 18 months they pay a fee of which €300 per month counts as savings toward the purchase price. They then exercise the option and buy at 5.5% VAT, achieving a substantial saving compared with the open market.
Official sources
- Social rental-accession loan (PSLA) · ANIL
- Obtaining a mortgage loan · Service-Public.gouv.fr
- Mortgage credit (official guide) · Service-Public.gouv.fr