From the 1st
June, 2013, new legislation came into force for all owners
wishing to sell or rent their properties, forcing them to obtain a Energy Perfomance Certificate in order to be able to complete the sale or rental agreement.
This regulation comes as a consecuence of current
European legislation regarding the efficiency of all buildings with regard to
energy consumption.
The Energy Performance
Certificate is issued once the construction elements and installations of a
property have been assessed and graded. The study of these characteristics will
place the property into one of seven categories, from A, the
most energy efficient, to G, the least.
So let´s try to answer some FAQs:
WHY IS IT
REQUIRED? The energy efficiency
certificate is an informative document for future owners and tenants of the
property, allowing them to see how and where the consumption reflected in
electricity, gas and water bills is generated. It also includes a number of
recommendations on how the property can consume less energy, be more “green”
and consequently reduce costs.
WHO NEEDS TO
GET AN ENERGY CERTIFICATE? All
property owners wishing to sell or to rent their properties must have an EPC.
CAN I SELL OR
RENT MY PROPERTY WITHOUT AN ENERGY CERTIFICATE? No. The certificate must be included in the documentation
which the owner has to make available to the buyer or tenant. Therefore, an
original copy of the certificate must be available before the transaction can
be closed.
WHO CAN ISSUE
AN ENERGY CERTIFICATE? Energy
efficiency certificates can be issued by a qualified and registered Architect,
Quantity Surveyor Engineer or Technical Engineer.
WHAT DOES THE
TECHNICIAN NEED FROM THE OWNER? The
corresponding technician will visit the property to note the general
characteristics of the rooms, to take measurements of all areas, and note
materials, systems and installations used. He will need the registry details of
the property and if you have floor plans, all the better, but not essential.
With this information, he will be able to draw up the report and issue the
certificate.
HOW MUCH DOES
IT COST? The market determines the
cost of the energy certificate, i.e. there are no official tariffs laid
out. Basicly, it will be very highly dependant on the surface of the built area of the property.
WHEN DOES THE
CERTIFICATE HAVE TO BE RENEWED? The
energy certificate is valid for a maximum period of 10 years. However, it is
suggested that you renew the certificate to update it (and the category label)
if you have made energy efficiency improvements to the home.
IS THE ENERGY
CERTIFICATE NEEDED FOR ALL BUILDINGS? No.
Dwellings that are exempt are those which are used for less than 4
months a year or during a limited period where energy consumption is
less than 25% of that which would be consumed within a period of twelve months.
Certain buildings and properties with specific characteristics are also exempt,
so we highly recommend you to consult beforehand when you plan to sell or lease your property.
Javier Herrera Llamas
