Energy evaluation before selling French property
We are selling our property and have been told we must have an energy evaluation carried out. It’s an old property and we have not upgraded insulation – will we have to make changes following this evaluation to be able to sell it
A diagnostic de performance énergétique (DPE) has been a requirement for all properties put up for sale since 2011. It has also been an obligatory addition to any form of sales literature or notices since January 2017.
The DPE is one of several diagnostics that sellers must provide and gives a measure of the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of the property. It is intended to inform potential buyers about the level of heat insulation and energy spending, and the type of work needed to upgrade heating efficiency in order to reduce energy consumption.
As the law stands, there is no requirement for sellers to make any changes, such as improving insulation or changing windows.
Be aware, however, that more energy-efficient homes are attracting prices that were some 14% higher than average ones – meaning it may well be worth your while doing at least some work to improve energy efficiency if it increases the desirability of your property.
A reminder, too, that in 2015 former environment minister Nicolas Hulot was looking into penalising anyone selling homes with poor energy-efficiency ratings.
Question answered by Sarah Bright-Thomas of Bright Avocats
Tel: 05 61 57 90 86 -www.brightavocats.com contact@brightavocats.com
