The energy performance certificate: what owners need to know
Whether you want to sell or let your property - the energy performance certificate is indispensable. It is one of the legally required documents that must be presented to potential buyers or tenants at the latest when viewing a property. However, with the recent tightening of energy efficiency and transparency requirements, it is becoming increasingly difficult for many property owners to ensure that their energy performance certificate complies with current regulations.
The energy performance certificate provides an overview of the energy status of the property and serves as a guide for prospective buyers. It contains important information such as the energy consumption or the energy efficiency class. Since the changes to the legal requirements, stricter criteria have been applied, which means that older certificates often no longer meet current standards. Owners should therefore be sure to check whether their energy performance certificate is still valid or whether it needs to be updated.
However, this is a challenge for many owners, as the creation of a new energy performance certificate requires technical knowledge and specific data on the property. Mistakes can easily be made here, whether due to missing information or by choosing the wrong type of certificate - consumption certificate or demand certificate. This is exactly where the support of an experienced property professional comes into play. They not only ensure that the correct energy performance certificate is applied for, but also provide support in obtaining all the necessary documents and data.
Property professionals can also provide valuable tips on how to improve the energy efficiency of the property. Measures such as replacing old heating systems, insulating walls or installing modern windows can not only reduce energy costs, but also increase the attractiveness of the property on the market.
The energy performance certificate is more than just a legal obligation - it is an important document that can be a deciding factor in the success of selling or letting a property. With professional support, you can avoid mistakes that could delay the selling or letting process and be on the safe side when it comes to complying with legal requirements.
Demand certificate vs. consumption certificate: What has changed?
There will also be two types of energy certificate in the future:
- Consumption certificate: Now contains more detailed information on energy efficiency, which was previously only available in the requirement certificate.
- Requirement certificate: Calculates the energy requirement of a property based on its technical equipment and energy quality.
The changes mean that the costs for both variants will increase. Owners must now expect to spend in the low three-figure range. An energy consultant or estate agent can help you decide which certificate you need.
When is an energy performance certificate necessary?
An energy performance certificate is not required in every case:
- Sale or letting: The energy performance certificate is mandatory here.
- Self-utilisation: Owners who use their property themselves and do not sell or rent it out do not need an energy performance certificate.
- Check validity: Energy performance certificates that have already been issued are generally valid for ten years and do not have to be renewed immediately.
Sellers or landlords should check in good time whether their licence is still valid in order to avoid fines or delays.
What do the new regulations mean?
The new requirements mainly concern
- Extended mandatory information: This now also includes information on greenhouse gas emissions.
- Liability: Owners are liable for inaccurate or false information in the energy performance certificate.
- Brokerage obligations: Estate agents are obliged to display the new information correctly in adverts.
Professional support is advisable to ensure that the energy performance certificate fulfils all requirements.
Why a broker is the right choice
An estate agent offers comprehensive support in obtaining and checking the energy performance certificate:
- Legal certainty: A broker ensures that all documents comply with the legal requirements.
- Competent advice: He explains which energy certificate is required and ensures that all deadlines are met.
- Time efficiency: The estate agent takes care of the entire process so that owners can concentrate on other aspects.
