Energy performance certificate for apartment buildings: What owners need to know

The energy performance certificate is now a key document for owners, tenants and prospective buyers of apartment buildings. It provides a transparent assessment of energy consumption and thus influences not only the operating costs but also the market value of a property. Especially in times of rising energy prices and stricter legal requirements, the energy performance certificate is indispensable for selling or renting.

But what types of energy performance certificates are there? When do they have to be issued? And what impact does a poor energy efficiency rating have on the sale of a property? In this article, you will find out what you need to look out for as a property owner, what advantages a good energy performance certificate offers and how you can increase the value of your property with targeted measures.

1. What is an energy performance certificate and why is it important?

The energy performance certificate is an official document that assesses the energy efficiency of a property. It is intended to give tenants and buyers an estimate of the expected energy consumption and help owners to analyze the energy status of their apartment building.

1.1 Types of energy certificates

There are two types of energy certificates:

• Consumption certificate: It is based on the actual energy consumption of the last three years. This value depends heavily on the individual heating behavior of the residents.

• Requirement certificate: The energy requirement is calculated based on the year of construction, insulation and heating technology. It provides a more objective assessment of energy consumption.

1.2 Is an energy performance certificate mandatory?

Yes! According to the Building Energy Act (GEG), owners must present a valid energy performance certificate when they sell, re-let or lease their apartment building. Failure to do so can result in fines of up to 10,000 euros.

2. Energy classes and their meaning

An energy performance certificate shows the energy efficiency class of a property, similar to household appliances:

• A+ to B (very efficient)

• C to E (average)

• F to H (high energy consumption, needs modernization)

2.1 Impact of a poor energy performance certificate on property value

High energy consumption means higher operating costs for tenants or buyers, which can have a negative impact on marketing opportunities and the sales price. Studies show that properties with a poor energy efficiency rating often have 10-15% less value than comparable properties with better ratings.

Solution: Owners can improve energy efficiency and thus increase the market value through energy efficiency renovations.

3. How to obtain an energy performance certificate

An energy performance certificate can only be issued by qualified energy consultants or experts. It is valid for 10 years and must be presented for every new rental or sale.

3.1 Costs for an energy performance certificate

• Consumption certificate: approx. 50 - 150 euros

• Requirement certificate: approx. 300 - 700 euros

For apartment buildings, a demand certificate is often recommended as it offers a more objective assessment.

4. How to improve the energy efficiency of your property

A good energy performance certificate can increase the value of your property. Here are some measures to improve energy efficiency:

• Insulating the external facade and roof

• Installing new windows with triple glazing

• Renewing the heating system (e.g. switching to a heat pump or condensing boiler technology)

• Installing solar panels to generate your own electricity

These measures not only allow you to reduce energy costs, but also take advantage of government subsidies.

5. Conclusion: Using an energy performance certificate as an opportunity to increase value

An energy performance certificate is more than just a legal obligation - it can have a significant impact on the value and attractiveness of an apartment building. Owners who focus on good energy efficiency early on benefit in the long term from lower operating costs, higher rental income and better sales opportunities.

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