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 modernization. 

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 renovations 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 to determine the energy consumption of the property. To do this, he looks at the heating, hot water and ventilation systems and inspects the installations. The building's structure is also examined in detail.

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. They 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 which Measures can be carried out to improve the energy efficiency of a property. This is of interest to prospective buyers and owners alike. If you want to inspect the property before selling or Value retention renovate it yourself, 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 Reconstruction Loan Corporation (KfW).

Good to know

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

With consideration for possible refurbishments and good expert knowledge in the background, it is possible to Price reductions on sale avoided can be realized. On the other hand, with clever and well thought-out planning of the measures, even a Increase in value inside.

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

For reasons of better readability, the generic masculine is used in this text. 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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