Ten-Year Warranty for New Homes: What It Covers in 2025
In France, the construction of a new home comes with several guarantees designed to protect the buyer. Among them, the ten-year structural warranty (“garantie décennale”) is a mandatory insurance policy that the builder must take out. It protects the buyer against major defects or construction faults for a period of ten years.
It works in complement to the construction defect insurance (“garantie dommage-ouvrage”), which allows for fast reimbursement of repairs without waiting for liability to be determined.
What is the ten-year structural warranty?
The ten-year warranty is an insurance policy required by the Spinetta Law. Its purpose is to cover any damage that may affect the structural integrity of the building or render it unfit for use (uninhabitable or unusable).
It applies in particular to major structural work such as:
- Load-bearing walls
- The roof frame
- The roof
- The foundations
However, it does not cover:
- Secondary elements such as doors, windows, or plumbing fixtures
- Cosmetic or finishing defects
How long is it valid and when does it begin?
The ten-year warranty takes effect from the acceptance of the work, that is, when the owner officially approves the completed construction. It is valid for 10 years from that date.
Who must take out the ten-year warranty?
The responsibility lies with the builder, developer, or contractor to purchase this insurance before the start of the work. It is usually included in the sale price of the new property.
The sales contract must mention the existence of the warranty as well as the insurer’s contact details. A certificate of insurance must be provided to the buyer before the construction begins.
How to make a claim under the ten-year warranty?
If you identify damage covered by the ten-year warranty:
- Notify the builder’s insurer in writing as soon as possible, preferably by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt.
- If you live in a co-owned property, inform the property manager. The homeowners’ association must acknowledge the issue and report it to the insurer.
An expert assessment may be carried out to evaluate the damage and, if eligible, trigger repairs to be covered by the insurer.
For more official details, visit the dedicated page on service-public.fr.
Summary: key takeaways for 2025
- Mandatory for all construction professionals
- Duration: 10 years from the completion of the work
- Protects the buyer against major construction defects
- Does not cover secondary works or aesthetic defects
Before signing a contract or starting any construction project, make sure this insurance is in place. It is an essential safeguard for any new real estate investment.
