2023 – The energy audit
The “Climate and Resilience” Act published on 24/08/2021 requires an energy audit to be carried out prior to the sale of any property described as a “heat sink”. Originally scheduled to come into force on 1 September 2022, the requirement has been postponed until 1 April 2023. For the time being, this law applies to homes classified as “F” or “G” in the DPE.
This energy audit, to be carried out by the owner, will therefore become compulsory before any property is put up for sale.
This compulsory audit will be carried out in addition to the DPE. Its purpose is to propose work to be carried out in order to improve the DPE classification.
What is the energy audit?
The energy audit offers you different renovation scenarios, in one or more stages, to significantly improve the energy and environmental performance of your home and make substantial energy savings.
Who carries out the audit?
- Professional diagnostician
- Specialist design office
- Architect’s office
Note that not all diagnosticians are certified to carry out this audit, even if they are DPE certified!
Date of application?
- On 1 April 2023, the properties concerned will be those classified as F or G.
- On 1 January 2025, properties classified as E.
- On 1 January 2034, properties classified D.
Further details:
- For compromises signed before 1 April 2023 but for which the sale is regularised after this date, the audit will not be compulsory. This means that the seller will not have to provide an energy audit when the final sale is made.
- This only applies to preliminary sales agreements. Other types of contract (unilateral undertaking to sell or purchase) are not affected. If a unilateral promise to sell is signed but the sale has not yet been completed by 1 April 2023, the energy audit must be provided.
How long is the audit valid?
The energy audit is valid for 5 years.
Presentation of the document on the first visit
The selling owner or their agent (e.g. an estate agent) must hand over the energy audit to the future buyer during the first visit. The document may be in paper or electronic format.