The energy certificate home is an official document that assesses the energy consumption and CO2 emissions of a house. The energy certificate indicates its rating and summarises, in a comparable way, its performance. It is also known as energy efficiency certificate.
At Gesvalt we are specialists in valuation and technical analysis of properties. If, in addition to the certificate, you need an objective report on the market price of the property, you can ask for a home valuation with our team.
What is an energy certificate for a house?
It helps the buyer and tenant to understand, in a straightforward way, how the house performs in terms of energy. It provides transparency. It is also a legal requirement in many cases. Especially when selling or renting.
In addition, it can influence the value of the property. A better rating improves perception, reduces expected costs of use and enhances the attractiveness of the asset.
If you want more context, here are two useful readings on the link between efficiency and value:
Is an energy certificate compulsory to sell or rent a property?
In practice, it is mandatory in most sales or rental transactions. The aim is for the interested party to have the qualification before deciding.
There are exceptions. For example, some small isolated buildings or properties destined for demolition or complete renovation, among other specific cases.
On whether it is possible to sign without an energy certificate: it is possible for a transaction to go through private channels, but it is not the right thing to do. In sales transactions, the certificate and the label must be included in the contract documentation. If it is not provided, you are exposed to incidents and penalties according to regional regulations.
Who can do the energy certificate?
This is done by a competent, authorised technician. Normally architects, technical architects or qualified engineers.
The visit to the property matters. It is not a desk job. On-site data collection reduces errors and gives validity to the result.
Be wary of the energy efficiency certificates without an on-site visit. If there is no visit, the document may not be valid.
How much does an energy certificate for a house cost?
For energy certificates the price is not fixed. In Spain it is a free tariff service.
As a guideline, in regular housing the range tends to be between tens of euros and a few hundred, depending on the case.
Factors influencing the cost of an energy certificate:
- Size of the dwelling.
- Location.
- Typology and technical complexity.
Indicative table of energy certificate home price
| Type of property | Indicative surface area | Typical indicative range |
|---|---|---|
| Standard flat or house | 50 to 100 sqm | 60 a 130 € |
| Housing up to 150 m² | Up to 150 m² (up to 150 m²) | 90 a 150 € |
| Medium housing | 150 to 250 sqm | 105 a 200 € |
| Detached house or villa | As appropriate | 150 a 300 € |
If, in addition to the certificate, you need to know the real value of your property, a professional appraisal helps you decide more confidently.
Request more information about the valuation of dwellings.
How to obtain the energy certificate for a house step by step
- Contact a qualified technician.
- Visit to the property and data collection.
- Issue of the certificate.
- Official registration and obtaining the label.
Registration of the energy certificate: where and how it is registered
The registration of the energy certificate is the procedure by which the certificate is registered with the competent body. It depends on the Autonomous Community. Without registration, the certificate may not have full administrative effect.
Example Madrid: energy certificate registration Madrid
In Madrid, registration is carried out at the electronic office of the Community of Madrid. It usually requires digital identification, provision of the certificate and associated documentation, and completion of the procedure form.
Validity of the energy certificate and when it has to be renewed
The validity of the energy certificate is usually 10 years.
There are cases in which it is renewed earlier. For example, if renovations are carried out that significantly change the energy performance, or if the regulations apply a shorter period of validity for very low ratings in certain cases.
Energy label: what it means and how to interpret it
The label shows a scale from A to G. A indicates better efficiency. G indicates worse performance. It is calculated on two key axes: energy consumption and emissions. It is a quick and useful reading.
If you reform, the certificate may change. That's where it makes sense compare the energy certificate before and after to measure real improvement.
Conclusion
The energy certificate is important for three reasons: obligation, transparency, value.
Know the real value of your home and make decisions with objective information. Request a home appraisal with Gesvalt.
Frequently asked questions about the energy certificate for a house
Where is the energy certificate registered?
It is registered in the competent body of the Autonomous Community where the dwelling is located. The procedure is usually carried out telematically and ends with the issuing of the label.
How long is an energy certificate valid and when does it expire?
As a general rule it lasts for 10 years. In some specific cases, renewal may be required earlier, due to relevant changes or very low ratings.
Where can I consult an already registered energy certificate?
It depends on each Autonomous Community. Some offer public search engines and others facilitate consultation by means of a registration number or voucher.
How to download an energy performance certificate?
It is delivered by the technician who issues it and, after registration, it may also be available on the regional platform according to the procedure in each region.
What is the difference between an energy certificate and a certificate of occupancy?
The energy certificate measures consumption and emissions. The certificate of habitability accredits the minimum conditions for habitation, in accordance with regional regulations.
What happens if I do not register the energy certificate?
It may not have full administrative effect and may complicate advertising or formalities. In addition, selling or renting without complying with requirements may result in penalties.
Is it possible to obtain an energy certificate without an on-site visit?
This is not recommended and may not be valid. Face-to-face data collection is an essential part of the technical process.
What is an energy savings certificate and how does it differ?
It usually refers to documents linked to improvements or savings schemes, not to the A-G rating of a dwelling. It does not replace the energy performance certificate of the property.
Is it possible to sign a sale and purchase without an energy certificate?
This can be tried, but it is not the right way. Normally, the certificate and label should be incorporated into the contract documentation.
Is it possible to get a free energy certificate?
In general, no, because it requires the intervention of a technician. There may be occasional public campaigns, but this is not the norm.
What is the difference between the energy certificate and the energy savings certificate?
The energy certificate rates the house in A-G according to consumption and emissions. The energy savings certificate usually focuses on demonstrating improvements or savings from actions.