DPE stands for Diagnostic de Performance Energétique and was introduced in 2006.
It is based on the energy consumption of a property and its energy bills. In particular, it takes into account the thermal resistance of the insulating materials that are used in the walls. It also takes into account the type of glazing of the windows, how the property is heated eg. wood burner, electric heaters and the quality of the ventilation.
From this month, January 2025, there will be a new regulation when it comes to the energy rating of a property. If your property has an DPE ‘E’ rating an additional Energy Audit Report will be required. This is already in place for properties rated ‘F’ and ‘G’. This additional report provides the buyer with information as to how they can make the home more energy efficient by providing recommendations for the purchaser.
Here, at Suzanne in France, we arrange a DPE (if this has not already been carried out) and an Audit (if necessary) on your behalf.
As mentioned above, this ‘E’ category now joins the ranks of properties that have been given an ‘F’ or ‘G’ rating. This is in addition to the original DPE report that rated your property in the first instance. This is also to be paid for by the Vendor.
The Energy Audit will cost the vendor approximately €600 to €1000. If you have a house that has a low energy rating you can, providing it is a primary residence, apply for government and local grants. We have provided a link below.
In addition to this new regulation, if you are looking to rent out your property or indeed looking to rent a property you are unable to do so if the property has the lowest ‘G’ rating. This applies to new leases. This also takes effect from 2025. This will be extended to the ‘F’ rating in 2028. The ‘E’ rated properties will have a few more years grace and will not be applicable until 2034.
A DPE is also required for one year furnished rental agreements and tourist holiday lets in zones that have a shortage of housing. These zones are called Zone Tendues and you can check if your holiday let is applicable in the government link below. From this year, an ‘F’ rated property will need a DPE, an ‘E’ from 2028 and A to D from 2034.
Please note that since 2024, if you own a property under 40m², it is no longer subject to a rental ban. The aim is to ensure that smaller apartments continue to be available to the French rental market. Having said this, like larger properties, they do require an energy rating.
If you have any questions surrounding an audit for your property or, indeed, if you are a purchaser – please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at info@suzanneinfrance.com
UPDATE -“A new law has recently been passed…..which will come into action from January 2026. Notably, the electricity conversion coefficient in the calculation of the DPE will be lowered to 1.9 from 2.3, effectively allowing some 850,000 properties to move out of the critical F and G categories.” Source French Entrée website.
Government Website Energy Audit
