Is an energy performance certificate mandatory in Spain?

Yes, an energy performance certificate is compulsory in Spain for most sales and lettings of homes, commercial premises and buildings. It is also required for new-build properties and in certain circumstances relating to existing buildings, in accordance with current regulations.

This document provides information on a property’s estimated energy consumption, its CO₂ emissions and its energy rating, expressed on a scale of letters from A to G. The letter A indicates the most energy-efficient properties, whilst G indicates those with the poorest energy performance.

At Velló Monfort Arquitectes, we process energy performance certificates for homes, commercial premises and existing buildings, including a site visit, an analysis of the property, the issue of the certificate and guidance on the relevant registration process.

What is an energy performance certificate?

The energy performance certificate is an official document issued by a qualified technician which assesses a property’s energy performance. The current entry already explains that this certificate classifies energy efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).

The certificate assesses aspects such as the thermal envelope, building envelopes, windows, and heating, cooling, ventilation, domestic hot water and lighting systems, depending on the type of property.

In addition to the energy performance rating, the document includes recommendations for improvement. These suggestions can help the owner reduce energy consumption, improve thermal comfort and increase the property’s value before selling, letting or renovating it.

When is an energy performance certificate required?

An energy performance certificate is mainly required when a property is to be sold or let. It must also be available for new-build properties and certain existing buildings that are required to meet specific requirements.

The current entry states that, since June 2013, Spanish regulations have required this certificate for sales, lettings and new-build properties.

Sale of homes or commercial premises

If you are selling a house, commercial premises or a building, you must have an energy performance certificate before finalising the sale. The energy rating must be included in the property’s sales information, so that the buyer can find out about its energy performance before making a decision.

This point is important because energy efficiency is now a key factor in the perceived value of a property. A property with a higher energy rating may be more attractive to buyers looking for lower energy consumption, greater comfort and less reliance on heating and cooling systems.

Property lettings

An energy performance certificate is also required when letting a property or commercial premises. The landlord must provide this information to the tenant so that they are aware of the estimated energy consumption and any potential improvements to the property.

In rental properties, a good energy rating can make the property more competitive, particularly in areas where the cost of heating and cooling is high.

New-build and existing buildings

In newly constructed buildings, the energy performance certificate forms part of the documentation required to certify the energy performance of the completed building.

In existing buildings, this may be necessary if the property is sold, let or if work is carried out that requires energy performance documentation. Furthermore, in the case of major refurbishments, it is advisable to assess the property’s energy efficiency from the outset in order to decide whether it is worth improving the insulation, joinery or building services.

If you’re planning a renovation, our guide to what a comprehensive refurbishment involves can help you understand which aspects may affect your home’s energy consumption.

Exceptions: when an energy performance certificate is not required

Although an energy performance certificate is compulsory in many cases, there are exceptions. The current entry lists some properties that are exempt, such as listed buildings, temporary structures less than two years old, non-residential industrial or agricultural buildings, and dwellings used for less than four months a year.

In practice, it is advisable to review each case with a specialist, as the exemption depends on the type of property, its use, its heritage protection status and the transaction to be carried out.

There may be exceptions or nuances in cases such as:

• officially listed buildings;
• temporary structures;
• certain industrial or agricultural buildings, or workshops;
• edificios aislados de superficie muy reducida;
• properties with limited use during the year;
• buildings due for demolition or major refurbishment, as the case may be.

is advisable to have this confirmed by a professional. An incorrect interpretation could lead to delays in a sale or problems with letting.

How to obtain an energy performance certificate

The process for obtaining an energy performance certificate is straightforward, but it must be carried out by a qualified technician. This post outlines four stages: appointing a certifying technician, inspecting the property, issuing the certificate and official registration.

The usual procedure is as follows:

1. Technical inspection of the property.
   The surveyor records details of the floor area, orientation, external walls, windows, fixtures and fittings, and the property’s current use.
2. Energy analysis.
   Energy performance is assessed using recognised tools and the energy rating is calculated.
3. Issuing the certificate.
   The document includes the energy label, details of the property, energy consumption, emissions and recommendations for improvement.
4. Official registration.
   The certificate must be registered with the relevant authority in the autonomous community in order to be valid for administrative purposes.

For property owners who need to sell or let their property quickly, the most important thing is not to leave this process until the last minute. The certificate must be available before the property is advertised or the transaction is finalised.

What information does the energy performance certificate contain?

A properly issued energy performance certificate provides useful information for both the owner and potential buyers or tenants. It is not limited to a single letter: it includes details that help to understand the property’s energy performance.

It usually includes:

• property details;
• details of the certifying technician;
• regulations and the procedure followed;
• overall energy rating;
• primary energy consumption;
• CO₂ emissions;
• thermal envelope characteristics;
• heating systems;
• recommendations for improvement;
• date of issue and validity;
• official register.

The current entry already states that the certificate includes estimated annual consumption, CO₂ emissions and recommendations for improving energy efficiency.

Registration of the energy performance certificate in the Valencian Community

For the certificate to be valid, it must be registered with the relevant authority in the corresponding autonomous community. In the case of properties situated in the Valencian Community, this is done in accordance with the applicable regional procedure.

Registration is important because it transforms the technical document into a certificate with legal validity. Without registration, the certificate may not be accepted in a sale, a tenancy or any related procedure.

At Velló Monfort Arquitectes, we regularly work with property owners in Gandía, Valencia, Alicante and the Costa Blanca. If you need assistance with a technical procedure relating to an existing property, you can also enquire about our service for second-occupation certificates of occupancy, which is particularly useful for property sales, lettings or regularisation.

What happens if I don’t have an energy performance certificate?

Failing to have an energy performance certificate when it is compulsory can lead to legal, financial and administrative problems. The current post states that fines can range from 300 to 6,000 euros, depending on the severity of the offence.

In addition to the fine, not having a certificate can delay a sale or letting, make it difficult to advertise the property on estate agent websites, and undermine the confidence of buyers or tenants.

Therefore, if you are planning to sell or let a property, it is advisable to apply for the certificate before you start marketing it. It is a relatively straightforward document to obtain, but it is essential for most property transactions.

How to improve a home’s energy rating

An energy performance certificate is not just a means of complying with a legal obligation. It also helps to identify opportunities for improvement. If a property receives a low rating, the owner can consider measures to reduce energy consumption and improve comfort.

Some common improvements include:

• to improve the thermal insulation of façades, roofs or floors;
• replace old windows with more energy-efficient ones;
• to incorporate glass with improved performance;
• reduce air infiltration;
• install more efficient air-conditioning systems;
• improve ventilation;
• to incorporate solar energy or geothermal energy where feasible;
• optimise lighting;
• apply passive design strategies.

If the property is to be refurbished, it is advisable to incorporate these decisions into the plans from the outset. A comprehensive property refurbishment is an opportunity to improve insulation, interior layout, joinery, building services and energy efficiency.

You can also have a look at our guide on how the orientation of your home can help you save energy – this is particularly useful if you’re considering a renovation or a new-build property.

Frequently asked questions about energy performance certificates

Is an energy performance certificate compulsory when selling a property?

Yes. In Spain, an energy performance certificate is compulsory when selling a property, commercial premises or building. It must be available before the sale is finalised, and the energy rating must be included in the property’s marketing information.

Is an energy performance certificate compulsory when letting a property?

Yes. The landlord must have an energy performance certificate in order to let a property or business premises and must provide this information to the tenant.

Who is authorised to issue an energy performance certificate?

It must be issued by a qualified professional, such as an architect, a technical architect, an engineer or a qualified professional, depending on the type of property and the applicable regulations.

Do you have to register the energy performance certificate?

Yes. The certificate must be registered with the relevant authority in the corresponding autonomous community in order to be valid for administrative purposes.

What happens if I sell or let a property without an energy performance certificate?

You may face financial penalties and delays in the transaction. Furthermore, the lack of a certificate may cause problems when selling the property.

How long is an energy performance certificate valid for?

Generally speaking, an energy performance certificate is valid for a maximum of 10 years, although it may need to be updated if building works are carried out that alter the property’s energy performance.

How can I improve my home’s energy rating?

You can improve it with thermal insulation, energy-efficient windows, better heating and cooling systems, adequate ventilation, renewable energy, energy-efficient lighting and passive design strategies.

Apply for your energy performance certificate with Velló Monfort Arquitectes

An energy performance certificate is compulsory for most sales and lettings of homes, commercial premises and buildings in Spain. As well as complying with the regulations, it provides information on the property’s energy consumption and helps identify improvements that can enhance comfort and reduce costs.

At Velló Monfort Arquitectes, we help you obtain your energy performance certificate with technical rigour, including a site visit, the issuance of the certificate and guidance on official registration. If you need to sell, let or improve the energy efficiency of your home, you can contact our architectural practice in Gandía or request further information via the contact page on the Velló Monfort Arquitectes website.