The most energy-intensive properties can claim the highest ratings in terms of consumption. All they have to do is follow the recommendations of the energy audit as soon as they are put up for sale. How to prepare for this new control which will take place from April 1st 2023.
With this new energy audit, properties that were among the worst performers in the real estate market are promised a nice progression. From the status of "thermal sieve", they will be able to reach the rank of "model housing" as soon as they will take advantage of this control to pass from the energy class F or G to the value C. Let's discover the different chapters of this new examination that your property will perhaps follow!
The dwellings to be audited
It is next April that the school year will start for the properties that must meet the requirements of the new "energy audit". Instituted under the Climate and Resilience Law, it targets the most energy-intensive single-family homes. The inspection schedule will be as follows:
- F- or G-rated housing as of April 1, 2023 ;
- E-rated housing as of January 1, 2025;
- D-rated units as of January 1, 2034.
Points to check
Once the DPE (diagnosis of energy performance) has stamped the property with the famous "energy class", the next step is to carry out an energy audit. This implies preparing for it as soon as the property is put up for sale, since this report will have to be given to the prospective buyer during the first visit to the property. The latter can then integrate the cost of the work into its financing plan. This energy audit includes in particular :
- an inventory of the thermal characteristics of the heating, hot water production, ventilation, cooling and lighting equipment
- an estimate of the building's performance based on the results of the DPE;
- proposals for work to achieve better energy efficiency.
The objectives to aim for
The renovation is progressive in its implementation and can be carried out according to two work scenarios, in one or more stages. Objective: to convert F or G dwellings to C class.
Unless there are specific constraints, the first stage must improve at least one class and reach at least level E.
For each category of work to be carried out, the energy audit must indicate:
- an estimate of the energy savings;
- a range of gains in energy consumption for each type of work;
- the estimated cost of the renovation;
- the identification of national and local financial aid.
The professionals to contact
Carried out by a qualified professional, this energy audit must show complete impartiality towards the owner of the property concerned. Among the professionals authorized to carry out this audit for individual houses, we must distinguish :
- Design offices and companies qualified as "Energy audit in individual houses" (OPQIBI 1911 qualification);
- companies certified "RGE global offer";
- certified property diagnosticians (certificate issued by a certification body, which must be attached to their audit).
The price to pay...
Good results cannot be obtained without making some economic sacrifices. Also, the energy audit requires a price range from 500 to
1 200 €. However, this expense can lead to obtaining MaPrimeRénov' which can represent up to 500 €.
An energy audit certainly requires financial efforts, but these are largely paid back over the years thanks to the savings made.
Christophe Raffaillac