Architect fees in France in 2026: percentages and fixed fees
French architects' fees follow no official scale. Here is how they are calculated, the ranges published in 2026 and what you pay for at each stage.
Fees are free, but must be in writing
There is no regulated rate: the architect and the client agree the fee, and it must appear in the written contract that the architects' code of conduct requires before any work starts.
There are three ways to charge, and they can be combined:
- a percentage of the cost of the works excluding VAT, the usual method for a full mission;
- a fixed fee (forfait), common for a building permit application or a feasibility study;
- time spent, at an hourly rate, for one-off advice or work that is hard to price.
The Ordre des architectes' model contract for a house sets the fee as a percentage of the final cost of the works, with each stage paid when it is delivered. For an individual building below the 150 m² threshold, the architects' code of conduct requires a fixed fee for the part of the project up to the building permit; the rest of the mission can be a percentage.
Typical ranges in 2026
These figures are orders of magnitude published by the trade's pricing guides (October 2026), not official rates. The percentage falls as the works budget rises.
| Mission | Usual range (excl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Full mission, new house | usually 8–12% of the works (up to 13–15% below €100,000 of works, 8–10% above €250,000) |
| Full mission, renovation or extension | 10–15% of the works, sometimes 16% |
| Building permit application only | fixed fee of €1,500–4,000, up to €6,000 for a large project |
| Advice or study, time spent | €70–150 per hour |
| Interior architect, with site supervision | 7–15% of the works |
Three worked examples
- New house, €250,000 of works excl. VAT, full mission at 10%: €25,000 excl. VAT, or €30,000 including VAT.
- 35 m² extension, €70,000 of works, full mission at 13%: €9,100 excl. VAT, or €10,920 including VAT. If the house stays under 150 m², the part up to the permit is charged as a fixed fee.
- Permit application only for a 160 m² house: a fixed fee of roughly €2,500–4,000 excl. VAT; you then deal with the builders and the site yourself.
For your own project, the fee calculator gives a range in seconds.
What a full mission includes
A full mission follows the project from the first sketch to the handover of the works. It is split into stages, usually known by their French abbreviations:
- Design up to the permit: sketch (ESQ), outline design (APS), detailed design (APD) and the permit application.
- Technical design and tendering: detailed drawings and specifications (PRO), tender package (DCE), analysis of quotes and help signing the contracts (ACT).
- On site: checking the builders' drawings (VISA), running the works (DET) with site meetings and invoice checks, then the handover (AOR) and follow-up of defects.
Site supervision is a large part of the fee: a permit-only mission costs much less, but leaves you alone with the builders. The architect contract guide explains each stage.
VAT and costs on top
Fees carry VAT at the standard rate of 20%. A reduced rate can apply when the mission includes supervising eligible renovation works on a home completed more than two years ago; a study-only or permit-only mission stays at 20%. Have the rate stated in the contract.
Other costs often come on top, depending on the project: a surveyor (géomètre), a soil study, engineers (structure, energy), and above all dommages-ouvrage insurance, which is compulsory for anyone having a building built.
Comparing two proposals
- Compare like with like: a permit-only fixed fee and a full mission are not the same service.
- Ask for the breakdown by stage and the payment schedule.
- Check what is included: number of site meetings, design revisions, site visits.
- Ask for this year's insurance certificate, attached to the contract.
Expect roughly 8–12% of the works excl. VAT for a new house with site supervision, 10–15% for a renovation or extension, and a fixed €1,500–4,000 excl. VAT for a permit application alone. Everything is negotiable and must be in the contract.
Frequently asked questions
Are architect fees regulated in France?
No. They are agreed freely between the architect and the client and must appear in the written contract, which is compulsory before the mission starts.
How much does an architect cost for a new house in France?
For a full mission, from design to handover, pricing guides usually quote 8–12% of the cost of the works excluding VAT, more for small budgets.
How much does a building permit application by an architect cost?
A permit-only mission is usually charged as a fixed fee of about €1,500–4,000 excluding VAT, and up to €6,000 for a large project.
Is VAT charged on architect fees?
Yes, at the standard rate of 20%. A reduced rate can apply when the mission includes supervising renovation works on a home more than two years old; a study-only or permit-only mission stays at 20%.