Energy Audit: A Legal Requirement for the Sale of Properties Rated E, F, and G Starting in 2025
As of January 1, 2025, an energy audit will become a legal requirement for the sale of properties classified as E under the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This new measure is part of a national strategy to improve the energy efficiency of housing and combat energy-inefficient properties. Properties classified as F and G, already deemed energy-inefficient, have been subject to this requirement since April 1, 2023.
What is an Energy Audit?
An energy audit is a detailed analysis of a property’s energy performance. More comprehensive than the EPC, it aims to identify sources of energy loss and propose concrete solutions to enhance the property’s energy efficiency.
It typically includes:
- An assessment of the building’s equipment and features (heating, insulation, ventilation, etc.),
- An estimate of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions,
- Step-by-step scenarios for improvement work to achieve a better energy rating,
- An estimate of the cost of the proposed work and available financial assistance.
Which Properties Are Affected?
- Since April 1, 2023, all properties rated F and G (the least energy-efficient) have required an energy audit before being listed for sale.
- Starting January 1, 2025, this obligation will be extended to properties rated E, which, while less energy-intensive, still fall short of the energy performance required to meet climate goals.
Why This Requirement?
This measure addresses several key issues:
- Environmental: Reducing the environmental impact of residential buildings, which account for a significant share of CO₂ emissions in France,
- Economic: Helping property owners better understand their property’s energy weaknesses and guiding them toward improvement work,
- Regulatory: Aligning with the Climate and Resilience Law, which progressively bans the rental of energy-inefficient properties (F and G from 2025, and E starting in 2034).
Implications for Sellers
Property owners wishing to sell a qualifying property must provide the energy audit at the first buyer visit. The audit must be conducted by a qualified professional (such as an energy assessment firm or architect) certified by the State. The cost of the audit, typically ranging from €500 to €1,500, will be borne by the seller.
Benefits for Buyers
For prospective buyers, the energy audit serves as a valuable tool. It provides a clear and precise understanding of the property’s energy performance, helping evaluate operating costs (heating, electricity, etc.) and anticipate the work required to improve thermal comfort while lowering utility bills.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with this requirement may result in sanctions, including the potential cancellation of the sale in case of disputes. It is therefore essential for sellers to adhere to this regulation to secure their transactions.
Toward a Strengthened Energy Transition
The introduction of the mandatory energy audit for properties rated E, F, and G is part of a broader energy transition effort. In France, where buildings account for approximately 40% of energy consumption and nearly 25% of greenhouse gas emissions, this initiative represents a critical step toward meeting the goals set by the Paris Climate Agreement.
By anticipating this requirement, property owners can not only enhance the value of their properties on the market but also contribute actively to collective efforts to improve housing quality and combat climate change.