From 1 April 2023, the vendor of a house with an F or G rating (according to the DPE) will have to have an energy audit carried out, in addition and at his or her own expense, and this has now been included in article L 126-28-1 of the French Construction and Housing Code.
We were already familiar with the Energy Performance Diagnostic (DPE), which has been assessing the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of houses and flats since 2006.
However, this new requirement, the energy audit, will only apply to single-family homes and not to homes subject to co-ownership status.
The audit must be submitted when the property is first viewed, and must be attached to the promise to sell.
It provides additional information to the DPE, so that buyers can be guided towards renovation options. The buyer is then free to decide whether or not to carry out the work.
On 1 January 2025, the obligation will be extended to E-rated homes, then on 1 January 2034 to D-rated properties.
The audit will be valid for 5 years.
The energy audit must be carried out by a qualified professional who is duly insured.
Sellers of homes subject to this energy audit should turn to :
- A design office or "Energy audit in individual homes" company (OPQIBI 1911 qualification) ;
- or an "RGE offre globale" certified company;
- or a certified property diagnostician (certificate issued by a certification body, which must be attached to their audit).
To date, the law has not provided for any penalties for sellers who fail to produce an energy audit.
