Why is the energy performance certificate so important?

The energy performance certificate promotes transparency in the real estate market. It allows buyers and tenants to objectively compare the future energy costs of a property. For owners, it is a legal requirement when selling or re-renting.

When is the energy performance certificate actually required?

In short: If you want to build, sell, or rent out a property, you can’t avoid the energy performance certificate. This regulation isn’t new; it has been a standard requirement for property owners since 2009.

While the Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV) used to be the governing regulation, the Building Energy Act (GEG) has been the applicable legal basis since 2020. If you’re wondering who covers the cost: The current owner is generally responsible for the expenses associated with preparing the document.

Energy classes from A+ to H at a glance

The energy efficiency classes indicate the final energy consumption or demand in kilowatt-hours per square meter per year (kWh/m²a).

Energy Performance Certificate or Energy Consumption Certificate: Which one do you need?

There is often confusion about which option is the right one. The law makes a clear distinction here:

1. The consumption certificate

It is the more cost-effective option and is based on actual consumption data from the past three years.

• Permitted for: Buildings with at least 5 apartments or houses that comply with the 1977 Thermal Insulation Ordinance.

2. The energy demand certificate

Here, the theoretical energy demand is determined by a technical assessment (building structure, heating system, insulation).

• Required for: Unrenovated older buildings with fewer than 5 residential units that were built before 1977.
• Advantage: It is independent of user behavior and identifies renovation potential more precisely.

Obligations for Sellers and Landlords

When you list a property, the following information must already be included in the listing according to the GEG:

• The type of energy certificate (demand or consumption).
• The building’s final energy value.
• The primary energy sources (e.g., gas, oil, heat pump).
• The year the building was constructed.
• The energy efficiency class (for certificates issued in 2014 or later).

Important: The energy performance certificate must be presented voluntarily at the latest during the viewing and handed over after the contract is signed.

Costs and Validity

An energy certificate is generally valid for 10 years. Costs vary widely: While an online consumption certificate often costs less than 100 euros, a detailed energy performance certificate can cost several hundred euros.