From July 1, 2021, the procedure for mandatory energy performance diagnostics for real estate will change in France. The changes will include a standardized process for all houses to be diagnosed, revised tine period and legal status.
Legal case
The Energy Efficiency Diagnostic (le Diagnostic de Performance Énergétique) mandatory for any property sale or lease, gives the house a performance rating based on its energy consumption figures. Now, there are two ways of measuring the performance and giving the appropriate rating: when the building was constructed before or after 1949.
Starting July 1, 2021, the new DPE will end this differentiation. Now the method of calculating energy efficiency will be the same for all constructions.
The DPE will be based only on the physical characteristics of the home, such as insulation quality, window type, and heating system. The climate zone and the height above sea level are considered. All types of energy consumption, including lighting and auxiliary heating, cooling, hot water, and ventilation, are also taken into account. The DPE should include an evaluation of the thermal comfort performance in summer period and recommendations for energy performance improvements.
Energy audit for F and G class buildings
Regarding DPE for houses in category F and G (the lowest categories), this will also include an energy audit providing suggestions for works to achieve higher levels of energy efficiency and primary energy consumption of at least 331 kilowatt hours/m²/year. The theoretical impact of the proposed works on energy bills; an estimate price for the proposed works; and the amount of government support for such kind of works.
The legal meaning of DPE is among other changes. After having only informative status, DPE is now gaining legal weight. In the case of a wrong diagnosis while buying or renting property, it will be possible to take legal action against the owner, agency, or company responsible for the DPE and take legal action against it.
Reduced expiration period
Other changes include: the expiration date. For new DPEs, the fixed period of 10 years remains, but for all those previously made, the validity period will be shortened. DPEs made between 2013 and 2017 will only be valid till 31 December 2022. For those that were done between 2018 and 30 June 2021, these will be valid until 31 December 2024.
