The sale of a property entails a series of mandatory requirements and documents that owners must take into account to ensure a successful transaction. Among these requirements, one of the fundamental aspects is the energy efficiency certificate.
At Proddigia we advocate the importance of this document, which has become a crucial element in the property sales process, as it provides vital information on the energy consumption of the property and its environmental impact. Thus, in today’s real estate market, this certificate has established itself as a determining factor in the decision making process for both buyers concerned about sustainability and sellers who wish to comply with current regulations and increase the value of their property in the real estate market.
The energy certificate is an official document that assesses and classifies the energy efficiency of a property by providing objective data on the energy performance of the building under normal conditions. In the current context of the real estate market, this certificate has become an essential component for both buyers and sellers.
At Proddigia we advocate the importance of this document, which has become a crucial element in the property sales process, as it provides vital information on the energy consumption of the property and its environmental impact. Thus, in today’s real estate market, this certificate has established itself as a determining factor in the decision making process for both buyers concerned about sustainability and sellers who wish to comply with current regulations and increase the value of their property in the real estate market.
The energy certificate is an official document that assesses and classifies the energy efficiency of a property by providing objective data on the energy performance of the building under normal conditions. In the current context of the real estate market, this certificate has become an essential component for both buyers and sellers.
At Proddigia, we are committed to offering a personalised and professional approach to advise our clients in all aspects related to the sale of their properties. Therefore, in this article we will solve all your possible doubts about the energy certificate and whether it is mandatory when selling your home.
What is the energy certificate?
The energy certificate is an official document whose main objective is to evaluate and classify the energy efficiency of a property. This document is drawn up by certified energy efficiency professionals, who collect and analyse data on the energy infrastructure of the property to provide an accurate assessment of its efficiency.
The function of this certificate is to provide objective data on the building’s energy performance under normal conditions, including annual energy consumption and the systems used for heating, lighting, among others. Among the most relevant data are:
1. Energy rating. The evaluation is carried out using a scale ranging from the letter A (highest efficiency) to the letter G (lowest efficiency). This rating indicates the level of energy efficiency of the property. A higher rating (letter A or B) reflects higher efficiency and lower energy consumption.
2. Energy consumption and emissions. The energy rating also details the level of annual energy consumption of the property, providing information on the expected energy expenditure. In addition, it provides an insight into the CO2 emissions related to that consumption.
3. Systems and equipment. Describes the systems used for heating, cooling, lighting and ventilation in the property, providing a complete overview of the energy resources and technologies used.
The relevance of this information for buyers translates into a better understanding of the environmental impact and energy consumption costs associated with the property they are considering purchasing. For sellers, this certificate becomes a strategic tool by providing transparency on the energy efficiency of their property, increasing their attractiveness in the market by showing a commitment to sustainability and efficiency.
Obligatory nature of the energy certificate in the sale of homes
As we mentioned in one of our previous articles, there are a series of formalities required to sell a flat. Among these requirements, the energy efficiency certificate is one of the indispensable legal requirements that sellers must comply with in order to guarantee a successful transaction. Its absence can have legal and economic consequences for the parties involved in the transaction.
From Proddigia we want to talk to you about the laws and regulations that make the energy certificate mandatory for the sale of real estate in Spain, as well as the repercussions and legal consequences of not having this document at the time of carrying out the real estate transaction.
Laws and regulations
1. The European Union has implemented directives to promote energy efficiency in buildings, which translates into the obligation to obtain an energy certificate for the sale or rental of properties. In Spain, the European Directive 2010/31/EU and Royal Decree 235/2013 establish this requirement, making the presentation of this certificate obligatory in the sale and purchase process.
2. The energy certificate must be attached to the notarial documentation when carrying out the transaction.
Consequences of not having the certificate
1. In Spain, not having the energy certificate can lead to fines that vary according to the seriousness of the offence and local regulations. These fines can range from 300 to 6000 euros. The competent authorities can impose these penalties for non-compliance with regulations.
2. The absence of the certifier can stop the sale and purchase process, as notaries can refuse their authorisation if this compulsory document is not presented in the transaction. This can lead to the cancellation of the sale, affecting both the buyer and the seller.
3. The sale of a property without the energy certificate may have legal consequences for both parties involved in the transaction. The buyer could claim damages, or even seek the annulment of the contract, if he later discovers that this relevant document is missing.
How is the energy certificate obtained?
The procedure for acquiring the energy certificate starts by contacting a technician specialised in energy efficiency. After requesting quotes and selecting a suitable company or professional, this expert will visit the house, collect data on its characteristics and carry out a detailed analysis. Using state-approved software, the energy efficiency of the property will be assessed and the certificate will be generated with essential information about the energy efficiency of a home or property. It includes technical data on:
The construction.
Air conditioning systems.
Insulation.
Windows.
Lighting.
Other elements related to energy consumption.
It also provides details on the equipment used for heating, cooling and hot water production.
Recommendations for improvements to increase energy efficiency that can guide on possible investments to increase energy efficiency and reduce future costs.
Finally, the authorised technician will validate and sign the document, which must be registered with the competent body of the autonomous community.
The price of obtaining this certificate can vary considerably and depends on many factors, including the geographical location, size and complexity of the property. Costs can range from €50 to €300 in most cases. Elements such as the surface area, the age of the property and the way the certified technician is contracted influence the final price of the energy certificate.
In June 2021, changes to the regulations were introduced that impacted the process of obtaining the certificate. Now, buildings that require a Technical Building Inspection (ITE) must also manage the energy certificate. In addition, the validity of the certificate for buildings with a G energy rating was reduced to five years from the previous ten years, requiring more frequent renewal in these cases.
This updated legal framework aims to increase the energy efficiency of properties and improve the information provided to buyers and sellers in the real estate market.
Final recommendations for buyers and sellers
For both sellers and buyers, the certificate is crucial in the process of buying and selling a property. Below we share a series of recommendations to keep in mind.
For sellers
1. Obtain the energy certificate in advance to speed up the selling process.
2. Show the energy certificate from the beginning of the sale process and explain its contents clearly to interested parties.
3. Consider making improvements to increase the energy efficiency of the property and improve its rating.
For buyers
1. Carefully analyse the certificate to understand the energy consumption and recommendations for improvements.
2. Use the information in the certificate as a basis for negotiating the price of the house if energy improvements are required.
3. Seek expert advice to better understand the impact of the certificate on the property.
Conclusion
The energy certificate is not only a legal requirement, but an essential tool that provides key information for sellers and buyers. Its understanding and proper application can significantly influence decision making during the home buying and selling process.
At Proddigia, we recognise the relevance of the energy certificate. This document not only fulfils a legal requirement, but has become a decisive factor in today’s real estate market. Complying with this requirement not only respects the regulations, but also contributes to a more transparent and sustainable real estate market.
Please contact us if you need further advice on this topic.
