Energy performance certificate – mandatory for sale and letting
An energy performance certificate (Energieausweis) is mandatory for every sale and every new letting of a property. Since 2014, the key energy figures must already be stated in the advert. Breaches can be punished with fines of up to €10,000. FrankenImmo coordinates the preparation of your energy performance certificate through qualified energy consultants in Upper Franconia.
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Key points at a glance
- A valid energy performance certificate is required for every sale and new letting; the key figures must already appear in the advert.
- There are consumption-based and demand-based certificates; for many older houses the demand-based certificate is mandatory.
- An energy performance certificate is valid for ten years.
- Breaches can be punished with fines of up to €10,000.
- We arrange the certificate through certified energy consultants in the region, usually within 5–10 working days.
Demand-based vs. consumption-based certificate
Consumption-based certificate (Verbrauchsausweis): Based on the actual energy consumption over the last three years. Cheaper (approx. €50–100), but dependent on the occupants' behaviour and therefore less meaningful.
Demand-based certificate (Bedarfsausweis): Based on a technical analysis of the building (insulation, windows, heating). More expensive (approx. €200–500), but more objective and legally required for many building types.
When a demand-based certificate is mandatory: For residential buildings with fewer than five units built before 1977, unless the building has been renovated to at least the standard of the first Thermal Insulation Ordinance (1. Wärmeschutzverordnung) of 1977.
Information on the energy performance certificate requirement from the German Energy Agency (dena).
Energy efficiency classes and what they mean
| Class | Final energy demand | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | < 30 kWh/m²a | Passive house / KfW Efficiency House |
| A | 30–50 kWh/m²a | New-build standard |
| B | 50–75 kWh/m²a | Well renovated |
| C | 75–100 kWh/m²a | Partially renovated |
| D | 100–130 kWh/m²a | Older stock, partly modernised |
| E | 130–160 kWh/m²a | Needs renovation |
| F | 160–200 kWh/m²a | Significant renovation needed |
| G–H | > 200 kWh/m²a | Comprehensive renovation required |
The energy efficiency class increasingly affects market value: properties in classes A–C achieve price premiums, while properties in classes F–H trade at a discount. → Energy-efficient renovation
Order an energy performance certificate through FrankenImmo
We coordinate the preparation of your energy performance certificate through certified energy consultants in the region. You usually receive the finished certificate within 5–10 working days.
FrankenImmo | Phone: 0151 58363197 | Request an energy performance certificate
What must appear in the property advert
Every sale or letting advert must include the following information from the energy performance certificate:
- Type of certificate (demand-based or consumption-based)
- Final energy demand or consumption in kWh per square metre per year
- Main energy source for heating
- Year of construction of the building according to the certificate
- Energy efficiency class (for certificates issued from May 2014)
The certificate must be presented at the latest during the viewing and handed over after the contract is concluded.
Exceptions
Among others, listed buildings (Baudenkmäler), small buildings with less than 50 m² of usable floor space and buildings used only for a short period do not need an energy performance certificate. For listed buildings, however, buyers will still ask about the energy condition – advice from an energy consultant can be helpful here. More about historic houses under Buying an older property.
What the certificate means for your sale price
Today's buyers calculate with the gross rent including heating, or with energy costs. A class G house with oil heating is valued differently from a class C house with a heat pump. For sellers of older houses, we therefore recommend an individual renovation roadmap (Sanierungsfahrplan) in addition to the energy performance certificate: it shows buyers what a renovation will cost and what funding is available – and prevents exaggerated price discounts. Background in our guides Building Energy Act (GEG) and Funding programmes.
Costs at a glance
| Service | Costs (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Consumption-based certificate | from around €100 |
| Demand-based certificate, detached house | approx. €300–600 |
| Demand-based certificate, apartment building | depends on size and documents |
| Individual renovation roadmap | depends on the property, partly subsidised |
Frequently asked questions
How long is an energy performance certificate valid?
Ten years from the date of issue. After that, a new certificate must be prepared for a sale or new letting.
What documents does the energy consultant need?
For a consumption-based certificate, the heating cost statements for the last three years; for a demand-based certificate, plans, the building specification and details of insulation, windows and heating. A site visit is often necessary.
May I advertise without an energy performance certificate?
No. The mandatory information must already appear in the advert. If the certificate has been commissioned but is not yet ready, you should wait before publishing.
Do I need an energy performance certificate if I give a property to a family member?
For a gift there is no obligation to present one, as there is for a sale. A certificate or renovation roadmap is still useful for planning later renovations.
Sources & further reading
- gesetze-im-internet.de – § 80 GEG – issuing and using energy performance certificates
- gesetze-im-internet.de – § 87 GEG – mandatory information in property adverts
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