EPC

If you’re looking to rent or buy a property in Spain, then one of your largest outgoings after rent or mortgage payments is likely to be energy costs.
The cost of energy will have a large impact, particularly if energy prices continue to rise. But, how can you know how much energy your home will consume?
This is where Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) come in. We will answer all your questions about Energy Performance Certificates including what they are, how they help you and how they can save you money.

What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) gives your home in Spain an energy efficiency rating. These range from A (the most energy-efficient) to G (the least energy efficient). An EPC will last for 10 years.

It also gives you information on how you can improve the energy efficiency of your property, how much this work would cost (approximately) and how much money it would save you.

When do I need an EPC?

An EPC is needed whenever a property is:

• Built as a new home
• Sold to a new homeowner
• Rented out to a tenant

This means that if you’re looking to either sell your home in Spain or rent it out, you must order an EPC for the new inhabitants. This must be done before you market the property, not after a deal has been agreed upon. The law states that, in Spain, an EPC must be displayed when you sell your home in Spain.

What does the EPC contain?

An EPC contains vital information about how energy efficient your property is. Energy performance certificates contain:

• Information about a property’s usage and the typical energy costs for it
• Recommendations about how you can reduce the amount of energy used and reduce your costs in the process.
• EPC ratings are crucial for home buyers and tenants alike, with the EPC report allowing them to make an informed decision on whether to buy or rent a property.

How do I get an EPC?

Getting an EPC is simple. When you’re selling your home in Spain, you’ll have to find an accredited architect. They will then assess the energy efficiency of your property and provide you with a certificate that proves their assessment.

If you fail to get an EPC report, you could be fined. The person who is selling you the home, the landlord or the responsible letting agent must show you the EPC before you move in.

How much does an EPC cost?

Generally speaking, it will cost about €160 euros to get your property on the EPC register.
Having said this, it’s vital that you ensure your assessor is registered with a relevant authority otherwise your EPC certificate will be invalid.

Can an EPC save me money?

In the long run, an EPC can save you money, with an EPC rating giving you valuable advice on how to improve the energy efficiency of your home in Spain.
As well as telling you what measures you can undertake to improve your energy efficiency, an EPC rating can also tell you about the associated costs of carrying out the work and the savings you’ll make on your bills after you’ve made the upgrades.