Old energy efficiency ratings for French properties invalid from 2025
Many existing energy diagnostics tests will need to be redone
From January 1, 2025, properties rated G will not be allowed to be rented out
page frederique/Shutterstock
Homeowners who want to sell or rent property in France are warned they must have a new energy performance diagnostics test done if their previous test is dated between January 2018 and July 2021.
From 1 January 2025, existing diagnostics de performance énergétique tests (DPE, energy performance diagnostics test) carried out from January 1, 2018 and July 31, 2021 will no longer be valid.
A valid DPE is required for anyone who wishes to rent their property, or sell it. The assessment rates the energy performance rating from A (excellent) to G (energy inefficient).
The assessment must be carried out by a certified property diagnostician, at the property owner’s cost. The results of the test must be included in the documentation for rental or sale.
In theory, a DPE is valid for 10 years from its completion, but tests done between the above specific dates will no longer be valid from next year, due to a major change in calculation methods from July 2021.
Read also: Explainer: DPE survey and new energy audit for properties in France
Read also: French property sales: Why do some listings not have energy ratings?
Downgrading expected
Under the new (more stringent) calculation methods, many ratings are expected to be downgraded. However, for smaller homes with a surface area of under 40m2 (which tend to leak less energy), some ratings may increase slightly.
The DPE assesses the energy efficiency of a property, and advises where adjustments can (or in some cases, must) be made to improve. For example, improving insulation, or updating appliances.
A valid assessment is particularly important for landlords. This is because rent bans will apply:
From January 1, 2025 for properties rated G
From January 2028 for properties rated F
From January 2034 for properties rated E
The DPE not only shows a building’s energy efficiency, but for a buyer, offers them an overview of the work that needs to be carried out to improve the energy efficiency of the property.
Read also: Is France’s DPE property energy rating based on actual bills?
More stringent DPE extended
The new, more stringent, DPE was previously mandatory only for detached houses (and buildings owned by a single owner) that had been rated G and F. This rule is now set to be extended to all properties rated E from next year (2025).
An estimated 6.5 million homes, just over a fifth of French primary residences (21.4%) are rated E, show figures from the Observatoire national de la rénovation énergétique. As a result, this new DPE will at some point be required for almost 40% of main homes in total, when added to those with G and F ratings.
Read also: Reader’s experience of France’s DPE energy rating: ‘nonsense’
More changes to come?
The DPE could yet be subject to even more changes in future months and years.
On October 1, new Prime Minister Michel Barnier said that he wanted to introduce a “simplified” DPE, in line with a previous promise made by former Minister for Ecological Transition, Christophe Béchu, in February 2024.
Similarly, the deadline by which renovations to E, F, and G-rated properties must be made (before they can be rented out) could also be changed, or “adapted”, said a representative from the Ministry of Housing to Ouest-France this week.
