We have our house for sale and this is what we have been told about EPC's
ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES
On Friday 5th April 2013 the Spanish government passed a law making Energy Efficiency Certificates compulsory from
1st June 2013 if you are offering your property for sale or rent.
Energy Performance Certificates in Spain
What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
Energy Performance Certificates or as they are properly called, Certificado de Eficiencia Energética (CEE), are documents which will show how energy efficient your home is displayed as a rating from A to G. Much like the stickers you see on things such as fridge freezers, washing machines or air conditioning units, it gives the property a standard energy and carbon emission efficiency grade from ‘A’ to ‘G’, where ‘A’ is the most efficient and ‘G’ is the least efficient.
Who Needs an Energy Performance Certificate in Spain?
After 1st June 2013 every domestic property for sale or rent needs to have an Energy Performance Certificate including ones that are currently rented out or for sale
Will I be able to rent or sell my house without an EPC in Spain?
No after 1st June 2013 you will be required by Royal Decree to present your Energy Performance Certificate when your property is for sale or rent. When you sell your house the Notary will need the original certificate and when you rent your house the tenant will have to be given a copy of your certificate.
When will this come into effect?
The Royal Decree which will formalize this is due to come into effect on the 1st June 2013. You will be expected to comply as soon as possible after this date. For properties currently for sale or rent this means you will have 7 days from 1st June 2103 to apply for your certificate. If you have applied and can show you have applied within the 7 days you will have an extended period of 21 days giving a total of 28 days after which you need the certificate. For properties new to the market whether for sale or rent you will have to have the certificate in place before your property can be advertised
Who can issue the Energy certificate in Spain?
Only certified and registered assessors are able to issue the certificate.
How can I get an Energy Performance Certificate for my property?
We are fully registered assessors and are able to assess and certify your property in Spain for you.
How much does an EPC cost in Spain?
The cost depends on the size of your property so you would need to contact us for further information. We believe our prices are currently the best on the market.
Who has to pay for the energy certificate?
Ultimately the owner of the property will have to pay for the certificate
What if I get a low rating on my EPC?
Along with your certificate you will get a report giving advice about how to improve your properties energy rating. . The report will recommend cost effective measures which could be undertaken to improve the energy rating of the property. It will also contain information about the rating that could be achieved if all the recommendations were implemented.
Why have Energy Performance Certificates been introduced?
The EPC has its roots in the Kyoto Protocol which was a worldwide initiative started in 1997 to address the issue of Greenhouse gases. Since then the European Union have formulated the European Directive for the Energy Performance of Buildings, which applies to all member states with a clearly defined timetable of the measures we must introduce. An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a certificate which demonstrates the energy rating of a building. It forms part of the 'Energy Performance of Buildings Directive' (EPBD)
How is the rating on my EPC in Spain worked out?
An energy assessor will visit your property and take measurements and recordings from things such as your air conditioning, your hot water system, type of windows fitted, type of insulation, type of construction etc. The readings taken will then be entered on line into one of the Governments approved programmes which will generate the rating for your property giving it’s energy efficiency and environmental impact. The programmes used are the same for all properties so a potential buyer or tenant will be able see the projected energy costs for each property viewed.
Can I get an EPC in Spain before 1st June 2013?
Yes although the law is not due to come in until 1st June you can book for your certificate before this date
Do I need an EPC if I only rent my property out for holiday lets?
Yes you do still need one even if you only rent your property out for holiday lets.
What if I rent my property out through an agent?
Either you or your agent will need to get a certificate for your property. An agent will not be legally allowed to offer your property for rent or sale without a certificate.
Can I advertise my property without an Energy certificate?
No as from 1st June 2013 you will need a certificate to be able to advertise your property for sale or rent.
How Long Does The Energy Performance Certificate Last For in Spain?
The certificate lasts for 10 years.
What if I make changes to my property in Spain?
You can have your property re assessed at any time during the period your certificate is
Can I get in Trouble If I do Not Get an EPC?
The government have said they will fine all existing homeowners that have a property for sale or rent that do not have an "EPC" within the allotted period