EPC report now compulsory when selling your French property

Are you the owner of a French property and looking to sell it? Did you know that since 1st January 2011, sellers are required to provide/display an Energy Performance Certificate to potential buyers in order for them to know as much as possible about the property.

What is an EPC ?

An Energy Report Certificate (DPE in French) is a document mentioning the estimated energy consumption of a property. It is delivered by a certified specialist and is only for informational purposes.

What for then?

In these times of global warming and sustainability, the French government has decided to put the emphasis on this kind of information so that it becomes one of the key deciding factors when buying a property. Furthermore, it adds value to the property if the latter performs well energy-wise. People who have recently renovated their properties in France will be able to sell at a better price thanks to the potential of money savings on electricity and gas bills.

The next step?

If you haven’t done it yet, you should hurry because starting from the 01st July 2013, properties which do not have an EPC report will be taken off publicity on the French property portals, therefore making it harder to sell it.

Who should I call?

There are many surveyors in France who can realise the EPC report, we have found a surveyor comparison website which helps sellers to find the best price and someone within reaching distance from their property. The company is called tous les diagnostics. An EPC report costs around 30 to 150 euros, the other diagnostics will need to be realised later on when a buyer would have been found. If you are selling your property through Sextant, you can also contact our marketing department for assistance: [email protected]

Any exceptions?

Yes, indeed you do not need to provide an EPC if your property has been built before 1948 (so most stone properties).