IMPORTANT TO KNOW IF YOU ARE SELLING A SPANISH HOUSE : per 1th of June 2013 you must have by law an Energy Certificate.
As in the rest of Europe Spain now also established the obligation of an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) when selling a property. You may know this energy certificates from various advertisements, such as for example refrigerators and cars.
This energy certificate was an effect from the Kyoto Protocol (1997) and was endorsed by the European Union in 2002. This certificate shows by means of an energy-label how energy efficient a property is compared to other similar properties. The label is similar to the energy certificate on f.e. white goods, with a scale from A (most energy efficient) to G (very energy-consuming). In drafting the energy certificate the degree of isolation in the home is considered in combination with the existing heating, ventilation and water facilities.
FINES
You must even if you only advertise present an energy certificate, (eg through agents/brokers)
A notary will NOT transport/register your home if you have no energy certificate.
Also in rentals longer than 4 months an Energy certificate is required.
The implementation of the control lies with the municipalities. At present it is not clear how the controls and penalties are implemented. Municipalities are given the freedom to determine how checks are conducted and how high fines could be, themselves. What is known fines will vary from € 300, – to € 6.000, – for homeowners.
Below we give you answers to the most frequently asked questions and AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE YOU WILL FIND A CONTACTFORM.
HOW TO GET AN ENERGY CERTIFICATE?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) can only be obtained through a registred architect in Spain. We have made contact with several certified architect-offices on the Costa Blanca from Denia to Murcia. These branches have been checked by us for the presence of a full certification to issue an EPC. If you fill out the form below we will ensure that an appointment is made with you.
HOW DO I GET IN CONTACT WITH A CERTIFIED EPC ARCHITECT?
If you fill out the form below and then send it to us, we will make sure the nearest EPC office on the Costa Blanca contacts you within 24 hours for making an appointment, (hit ‘Page-Down’).
Example of an Energy-Certificate
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF A ENERGY-CERTIFICATE ?
Based on the size of your house, (excl IVA):
The following indicative prices are known:
- to 100 m2 = € 195
- over 150 m2 = € 225
The architects visited by us will give you a price based on your specific situation with a free quote. CLIENTS FROM CASAXERO BENEFIT AN EXTRA DISCOUNT. The prices also depend on the complexity of your home. It is common although you house is larger, you still receive a lower quote.
There will be no extra charge for travel expenses and registration in the EPC-registers, (usually the snakes in the grass…)
If you want to apply for multiple EPC’s for example because you put together your neighbors organizing this, whether you are for example the organizer in a homeowners association we can guarantee you attractive discounts. We have negociated pricing for you with the EPC-engineers which are very appealing. For example, you get a 10% DISCOUNT if you request 3 EPC’s simultaneously.
For other numbers we request you to contact us via the contact form and ask your specific question so that we can make a customized price agreement for you.
WHAT, IF I DO HAVE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A CERTIFICATE EPC, BECAUSE IT IS NOW AFTER 1 JUNI 2013?
Then there is no immediate problem in itself. The Spanish government has indicated that leniency is dealt with, with the introduction of this legislation. If you can prove that you have already made an appointment you will have more certainty.
You will receive a confirmation email from us and from the architect’s office so that you have prove if needed.
WILL THE TECHNICIAN NEED TO VISIT MY PROPERTY ?
Yes. They have to visit the property to take measurements and collect information about the property before drawing up and certifying the report. Many subjects have to be measured: nr. of windows, study of structures, building conditions, height of ceilings, width of walls, insulation, covered terraces or not, perimetral study, etcetc.
HOW LONG IS THE ENERGY CERTIFICATE VALID FOR ?
The certificate is valid for 10 years. This means owners will not have to obtain a new certificate during this period unless they renovate or change the property in any way.
WILL I BE FINED IF I DO NOT HAVE AN EPC ?
Yes, the government will fine all properties listed for sale or rent that do not have an EPC. The fines will vary from € 300, – to € 6.000, – for homeowners.
WILL A LOW RATING AFFECT THE SALE OF MY PROPERTY ?
You are free to sell your home. The only way it will affect a sale is how the rating influences the buyer.
IF I WANT TO SELL MY PROPERTY AND IT HAS A POOR ENERGY RATING, SUCH AS D, E OR F: AM I OBLIGED TO MAKE ANY IMPROVEMENTS ?
No, you are not obliged to make any improvements even if your property has a low rating.
I ALSO GET TO KNOW WHAT CAN BE IMPROVED TO MY PROPERTY ?
Yes, in addition to the energy certificate you also get a number of recommendations to improve the energy performance of your home and to get Higher at least one step on the scale of the energy label.
WHAT’S THE REASON FOR THIS ENERGY CERTIFICATE ?
It’s to create a new energy-consciousness among society in Spain. Unlike people in northern Europe, Spaniards in most of Spain traditionally did’nt care about or have been unaware about efficient use of power.