The reform of the energy performance certificate (EPC) and the requirement for an energy audit change things for every seller. Here is what you need to know before putting your property on the market.
The EPC: a compulsory document you can be held to
The EPC rates a home from A (very efficient) to G (poorly insulated) according to its energy consumption and its greenhouse gas emissions. It is compulsory from the moment the property is advertised and legally binding: the buyer can rely on it. EPCs carried out before July 2021 are no longer valid; those carried out since are valid for 10 years.
What changes on 1 January 2026
The electricity conversion factor used in the EPC calculation falls from 2.3 to 1.9. As a result, around 850,000 electrically heated homes will move out of bands F and G without any work at all. If your property is affected, it may be worth having the EPC redone to show a better rating.
The energy audit for E, F and G properties
Since 2023, selling a home rated F or G has required an energy audit in addition to the EPC. Since 1 January 2025, that requirement has extended to properties rated E. The audit sets out the renovation work needed and its estimated cost.
Worth knowing about letting
Since 1 January 2025, homes rated G can no longer be offered for rent (F from 2028, E from 2034). This weighs on the value of poorly insulated properties: a renovated home sells better and faster.
Our advice: arrange your surveys as soon as you decide to sell. A good energy rating is now a major selling point.
This information is indicative, correct as at summer 2026 and subject to change. It does not replace advice from a notary, a surveyor or a tax adviser. Contact PROJETS IMMOBILIERS for a tailored assessment.