What does an energy performance certificate provide information about?

Poor energy balance, hardly any prospective buyers – if your property is not up to scratch in terms of energy efficiency, you will be familiar with this. An energy performance certificate is particularly important now that property prices are falling. This is because it also contains recommendations for modernisation.

Either way, such a certificate is mandatory if you want to sell a property. If it is missing or if legal requirements are violated, you could face a fine of up to 15,000 euros. Naturally, you want to avoid this. Potential buyers also want to be on the safe side and know what to expect in terms of energy-efficient refurbishment. They are obliged to carry out any refurbishments within two years of purchase.

Demand or consumption certificate – what’s the difference?

For a demand certificate , an energy expert carries out a technical analysis in which he determines the energy consumption of the property. To do this, they look at the heating, hot water and ventilation systems, which they inspect. The structure of the building is also scrutinised.

The recorded energy consumption of the last three years is the basis for the consumption certificate. The bills for heating and ancillary costs are used for the calculation.

An energy consultant can tell you exactly which energy certificate is required for which property. He or she will look at the year of construction, the number of residential units and which requirements of the 1977 Thermal Insulation Ordinance are met.

Measures to improve the energy balance

An energy performance certificate also provides information on the measures that can be implemented to improve the energy efficiency of a property. This is of interest to prospective buyers and owners alike. If you want to refurbish the property yourself before selling it or to maintain its value, state subsidies can be used proportionately. Find out more from the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA). Subsidies are also available from the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW).

Good to know

Important: the modernisation recommendations in the energy performance certificate are no substitute for professional advice. An independent energy expert can tell you exactly which modernisations are worthwhile, which are essential and how you can finance them.

With consideration of possible refurbishments and good expert knowledge in the background, price reductions can be avoided when selling. On the other hand, clever and well thought-out planning of the measures can even lead to an increase in value.

Do you have questions about the energy performance certificate? Or are you looking for someone to take care of the professional preparation? Get in touch with us! We will be happy to advise you.

Notes

The generic masculine is used in this text to improve readability. Female and other gender identities are explicitly included where this is necessary for the statement.

Legal notice: This article does not constitute tax or legal advice in individual cases. Please consult a lawyer and/or tax advisor to clarify the facts of your specific individual case.

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