Renovating an apartment in Monaco, step by step

Renovating an apartment in Monaco takes a survey, a detailed quote itemised trade by trade with a dated schedule, the co-owners’ approval if the works affect the common parts, and administrative authorisation as soon as the interior layout is altered. The works then take place Monday to Friday, within the hours set by ministerial order.

Where do you start when renovating an apartment in Monaco?

With a visit. An apartment in Monaco is renovated within an occupied building, with its own services, regulations and managing agent: these set the framework.

1. The visit and survey. Measurements, services, access, lift, space for deliveries.
2. The design study and quote. Layout plan, choice of materials, a detailed quote itemised trade by trade and a dated schedule.
3. The formalities. The co-ownership regulations, a vote of the general meeting if needed, administrative authorisation if the project requires it.
4. The works. Strip-out, services, floors, walls and ceilings, joinery, finishes, within the permitted hours.
5. Handover. A joint inspection, a signed handover report, snags put right, keys handed over.

The first three stages can move forward during the purchase formalities. What we take on in an apartment is set out on our apartment renovation in Monaco page.

Do you need authorisation to renovate your apartment?

Often, yes. In Monaco, no alteration may be made to the interior arrangements of an existing building without prior authorisation (Sovereign Ordinance No. 3.647 of 9 September 1966, Article 1). The government’s administrative portal gives the building or demolition of partitions as an example.

The application is made to the DPUM (Department of Forward Studies, Urban Planning and Mobility). The plans are signed by an architect authorised to practise in the Principality. Ars Dekor is not a firm of architects: the architect submits the application, and we provide the construction information they need. To understand who does what, read architect, interior architect, interior decorator.

For interior alterations alone, the ordinance provides for a response within forty-five days, extended to four months if the authorities consult the advisory committee. That period has to be allowed for before the first day on site. What requires authorisation is checked case by case, from the first visit.

What do building works in a Monaco co-ownership require?

First, read the co-ownership regulations. They are binding on every co-owner and govern the use of the common parts: lift, landings, removal of rubble.

Next, establish what is held in common. Unless the title deeds provide otherwise, the law deems the structure, the waterproofing and the shared pipework running through the apartments to be common parts (Law No. 1.329 of 8 January 2007, Article 2). A load-bearing wall or a water riser is therefore not yours alone to decide on.

Such works are authorised by the general meeting, by a majority of the votes of the co-owners present or represented (Article 15). The meeting is held at least once a year: if your project needs its vote, its date often determines when the works can start.

Finally, the neighbours: a named contact is appointed to deal with local residents, and their details are displayed in the common parts (Ministerial Order No. 2021-107). As for dealings with the managing agent, we take care of them.

When can building work be carried out in a Monaco apartment?

Working hours are set by Ministerial Order No. 2018-1116 of 3 December 2018, as amended, for all public and private building sites.

• The rest of the year: on working days, Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 7.30pm. No work on Saturdays or Sundays.
• In August: from the first Monday to the last Friday, only finishing works are permitted, from 9am to 6pm, with no noise, vibration or visual disturbance whatsoever.
• Deliveries: lorries may run on weekdays from 7.30am to 8am, then from 9am to 7.30pm. In August and from 24 December to 1 January, from 9am to 10.30am only.
• Exemptions: none can be granted for finishing works.

An apartment renovation generally counts as finishing works within the meaning of the order. In practice, strip-out, drilling and sanding are scheduled outside August.

How long does an apartment renovation take?

There is no standard duration, and a figure given before the visit is worthless. The schedule depends on the floor area, the services to be renewed, the lead time on materials, the authorisation and the general meeting.

What matters is that it is in writing: dated, trade by trade, and allowing for the prohibited periods. You do not need to be on site to follow it: a single point of contact keeps you informed at every stage, by phone, WhatsApp or email.

How does the project end?

With handover. You walk round the apartment together and note in writing anything that still needs putting right: the snags. The company puts them right, then hands over the keys and the maintenance manuals.

This handover report is no mere formality: Monegasque case law makes clear that, without formal handover, the builder’s statutory guarantees cannot be enforced.

More completed apartments can be seen in our projects. To compare companies, read choosing a renovation company in Monaco.

Ars DekorMonegasque renovation and interior design company since 2011, 3, rue des Roses, Monaco. Guide updated on 10 October 2026.