Energy certificate mandatory
The European energy label showing efficiency ratings from Green A (low energy requirement) to Dark Red G (high energy consumption) which you will have seen on household appliances, is now going to be mandatory for property owners wishing to sell or let their properties.
With royal decree 235/2013 of 5th April, the Spanish government has extended the scope of a provision that previously applied only to new-builds, so that it now covers existing properties as well. The law is enacted with effect from 1st June and applies to all property sales and new lettings from that date.
The energy certificate contains an evaluation of the property with regard to its consumption of heat, cooling and electricity. These three areas are evaluated and are allocated efficiency ratings which, when combined, give rise to an overall rating that may be seen on the first page of a multi-page document. Energy consumption is calculated based on CO2 emissions.
Apart from that, the certificate contains a recommendation on how to improve the given property’s energy efficiency. The certificate, which is valid for 10 years, may only be issued by architects and authorised civil engineers.
With this ruling the Spanish government is aiming to raise awareness of energy efficiency amongst property owners, and is hoping for increased investment in corresponding refurbishment and modernisation measures.
The cost of the “Certificado de eficiencia energética de edificios existentes” depends on the size and condition of the property and ranges, on average, between € 200 and € 500.
As an estate agency, Porta Mallorquina is working with qualified companies that are authorised to issue energy certificates. Naturally, as part of handling the property sale or letting, we will take care of the necessary steps to obtain the certificate, on the owners’ behalf.