Renovating Your Apartment: 2026 Trends, Value Enhancement, and Essential Rules to Follow

Renovating in Monaco: A Strategic Decision with High Asset Impact

Renovating an apartment in Monaco is much more than a simple aesthetic project. It is a strategic move that directly impacts a property’s asset value and its appeal in one of the world’s most demanding real estate markets. The beginning of the year traditionally marks the launch of new projects. In the Principality, January is often the ideal time to plan a renovation to ensure the apartment is perfectly finished before the summer season, major international events, or the Formula 1 Grand Prix.

However, renovating in Monaco cannot be improvised. A property renovated according to the highest standards can see its price per square meter increase by fifteen to twenty percent. Conversely, poorly managed works can become a real obstacle during a resale or a visit to the notary.

At PIRAS Real Estate, we regularly assist owners facing blockages linked to undeclared or non-compliant renovations. Building on this experience, we share here the major renovation trends for 2026, as well as the fundamental rules to follow to combine exceptional design, administrative compliance, and lasting value enhancement.

2026 Renovation Trends: What Buyers in Monaco Are Looking For

In 2026, buyers in Monaco are primarily looking for intelligently redesigned apartments where every square meter is optimized. The market now favors open volumes, fluid circulation, and modular spaces. Opening the kitchen onto the living room has become a given, both to gain natural light and to enhance conviviality. Bespoke fittings are establishing themselves as a standard of contemporary luxury, with invisible built-in storage, perfectly optimized dressing rooms, and libraries designed as true architectural elements.

High-end kitchens occupy a central place in renovation projects. Islands made of marble or natural stone are becoming true centerpieces, blending functionality with aesthetics. They contribute significantly to the perceived value of a property, particularly for an international clientele accustomed to the highest standards.

Home automation (Domotics) is also a decisive criterion, but it must remain invisible. Luxury in Monaco is defined by simplicity of use. Buyers wish to control lighting, air conditioning, blinds, or sound ambiance from their smartphone or via voice command, without multiplying screens or complex interfaces. Technology must fade away to make room for comfort, while reinforcing the modern and exclusive image of the property.

Aesthetically, we are observing a marked return to noble and natural materials. After several years dominated by very sleek, almost clinical interiors, trends are evolving toward warmer and timeless atmospheres. Wood is regaining a central place—particularly walnut and light oak—associated with natural stone and veined marbles. These materials create an elegant and reassuring atmosphere, sought after for both a primary residence and a prestigious pied-à-terre.

Renovation in Monaco: A Strict Regulatory Framework to Anticipate

But in Monaco, aesthetics are not enough. The success of a renovation project relies primarily on strict compliance with the regulatory framework. As soon as works affect the structure, room distribution, or technical installations, administrative authorization is generally mandatory from the Department of Forward Studies, Urban Planning and Mobility (DPUM). A simple declaration may suffice for light works, but any deeper modification must be validated upstream, under penalty of sanctions or future blockages.

Construction sites are also subject to very strict rules regarding noise pollution. Noisy work hours are regulated, and certain periods—notably summer or during major international events—are subject to specific restrictions. Failure to respect these rules can lead to the immediate shutdown of the site, generating significant delays and additional costs.

Finally, the most sensitive stage remains the "récolement" (final inspection). Once work is completed, State services conduct an inspection to verify that the realization strictly conforms to the authorized plans. In case of compliance, the certificate is issued. In case of any discrepancy, even minor, the reservations are not lifted, which can block any future sale at the notary's office. This step is still too often neglected, yet it directly conditions the liquidity of the property.

Renovating with Peace of Mind: Guidance Makes the Difference

Renovating an apartment in Monaco is an extremely powerful lever for value enhancement, provided one is perfectly guided. A professional approach allows not only for the optimization of design and comfort but, above all, for securing the operation legally and financially.

Do you have a renovation project, or do you wish to estimate the potential of your apartment before works?

The PIRAS Real Estate team assists its clients with a bespoke approach, in collaboration with the Principality’s best architects and companies, to guarantee the value and longevity of your real estate assets.