The condition of a property is measured by an in-depth examination. This control is based on the various real estate diagnostics that accompany a transaction or rental. They enable us to draw up an assessment based on a study of the building's characteristics.
Whether it's checking connections to gas, electricity or sewage networks, measuring the presence of hazardous substances by looking for asbestos or lead, or even anticipating exposure to natural and technological threats with a risk assessment, the property benefits from special attention. Added to this are in-depth investigations to measure the property's ability to withstand the onslaught of cold and heat.
With the Energy Performance Diagnostic (DPE), the owner of a house or apartment can assess the qualities of his or her property in terms of wall insulation, energy consumption and CO2 emissions. These are just some of the factors that help determine the energy efficiency of a property. The letters A to G are used to establish the energy class. They have a major impact on a property's market value. What's more, they determine the fate of a property that proves to be too energy-intensive, making it ineligible to be rented out as soon as it achieves an ECD of level G, for example.
In this situation, it's important to identify the various diagnoses and find remedies to give a property the means to evolve. Let's take a look at a few treatments to boost the condition of a building or home, and give it the chance to shine in terms of comfort and value for money!
Exploration Diagnostic examination
When you're buying or renting, there's little risk of your property concealing major problems! Your notary will draw up a full diagnostic report before you sign the compromis de vente or the lease. This is known as the Dossier de Diagnostique Technique (DDT), and covers all the inspections required to negotiate or rent a property.
Clearly, the various property diagnostics are used to assess the quality of a property in sensitive areas. In terms of energy consumption, for example, the DPE (diagnostic de performance énergétique - energy performance diagnosis) is mandatory as soon as a property is put up for sale. A letter from A to G is assigned to each property.
While energy-efficient homes fall into the A to D categories, the letters F and G underline their energy-hungry nature, corresponding to the status of heat sinks. In this respect, it's worth noting that G-rated homes have been off-limits to tenants since January 1, 2025.
Inspections are also carried out to identify any materials that may be harmful to occupants. In this respect, the "constat de risque d'exposition au plomb" (Crep) and the "état d'amiante" (asbestos report) aim to identify any presence of these substances in our homes.
Although less harmful to occupants, termites can nevertheless be devastating to building structures. That's why a diagnosis also aims to identify them.
Certain networks are also subject to inspection to avoid major risks when using the house. This involves checking the condition of the internal gas system, the electrical system and the sanitation system.
The property is also subject to a risk assessment, as it may be affected by a number of natural hazards. This report looks at the property's seismic potential, the presence of radon, coastline recession, natural disaster status and the obligation to clear undergrowth.
Last but not least, there's no question of turning a deaf ear if the property is close to an airport. When selling a residential building (house or apartment) or building land, a statement of airborne noise pollution must be submitted.
To find out the scope and duration of these diagnoses, depending on whether the property is being sold or rented, please refer to the table opposite.
Prevention Energy performance gains
Not all homes are in Olympic shape when it comes to energy efficiency. However, you won't be surprised to discover these little or big weaknesses! As of January 1, 2025, all properties classified as "E" in the DPE must undergo an energy audit before being put up for sale. They join properties with an "F" or "G" rating, which were already subject to this obligation.
The energy audit examines a property's insulation, heating, ventilation and hot water systems, and identifies solutions for improving performance, from minor adjustments to more extensive work.
In addition to suggesting areas for improvement in terms of wall and roof insulation, the energy audit can be accompanied by work scenarios designed to :
- maintain a constant temperature of between 18 and 20°C throughout the year;
- gain at least 2 DPE classes to reach level C.
If major work needs to be carried out on the property, homeowners can call on the services of "Mon Accompagnateur Rénov'". Mon Accompagnateur Rénov' is a third party who assists households with their energy renovation project. They can get advice on how to identify the right work scenario, mobilize financial aid - in particular MaPrimeRénov' - contact RGE-certified craftsmen...
As proof of its wide-ranging expertise, the use of "Mon Accompagnateur Rénov'" has been mandatory since January 1, 2025 in certain situations. Owners of homes rated F and G can benefit from MaPrimeRénov' to undertake work that will enable them to improve their energy rating, and reach level D or even C. This removes the status of "indecent housing", allowing these properties to return to the rental market.
Information Points
For a good overview of a property's state of health, there's nothing like consulting the carnet d'information du logement (CIL). Introduced on January1, 2023, this document provides a comprehensive overview of energy renovation work carried out or planned. It applies to owners of both new and existing properties, and must be passed on to the new owner when the property is sold.
Intended to describe the work carried out, the homeowner's information booklet mentions the type of insulating material used (brand and reference), the thermal characteristics displayed (thermal resistance, thermal conductivity generated (thickness) and the surface area laid. It also includes references to operating, maintenance and servicing instructions for heating and domestic hot water systems using renewable energy sources.
Finally, it also includes documents attesting to the home's energy performance and the measures taken to improve it, if any work has been carried out.
Issued by the property owner, the CIL is based on information supplied by the professional who carried out the renovation work. If the property is sold, the owner must hand over the CIL to the buyer, at the latest when thedeed of sale is signed.
DIFFERENT REAL ESTATE DIAGNOSTICS
| MANDATORY PROPERTY DIAGNOSTICS | VALIDITY | TYPE OF TRANSACTION |
| Energy performance diagnosis (DPE) | 10 years (except for work) | Sale and rental |
| Asbestos diagnosis | Unlimited (if no asbestos) | Sale (for buildings constructed before 1997) |
| Lead diagnosis (CREP) | 1 year (sale) / 6 years (rental) | Sale (before 1949) and rental |
| Termite diagnosis | 6 months | Sale (in at-risk zones) |
| Gas diagnosis | 3 years (installation more than 15 years old |
Less than 6 years old at date of lease signature |
| Electricity diagnosis | 3 years old (installation more than 15 years old |
Less than 6 years old at date of lease signature |
| Sanitation diagnosis | 3 years old | For sale |
| State of risks and pollution (ERP) | 6 months | Sale and rental |
| Noise diagnosis | 6 months | Sale or rental (areas exposed to airport noise) |