The energy performance certificate: what owners need to know
Whether you’re selling or letting a property, the energy performance certificate is one of the documents required by law. With the recently tightened requirements, it is becoming even more difficult for many owners to ensure that their energy performance certificate complies with the current regulations. An experienced property professional can help you avoid mistakes and obtain the energy performance certificate in good time.
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.
Further information
- Changes to the Building Energy Act (Baulinks)
- Obligations and deadlines for energy performance certificates (Haufe)
- The Building Energy Act and Energy Performance Certificates (BMI)
Note: This text is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Please seek advice from an expert if you have any specific queries.
