Energy certificate for housing: what it is for
Table of Contents (4)
- What is the purpose of the energy efficiency certificate?
- In which cases is the energy performance certificate for housing necessary?
- Who issues the energy certificate and how to obtain it?
- How much does the energy performance certificate for a home cost and who pays for it?
The energy certificate of our home is a document that certifies the CO2 emissions and the average energy consumption it has. It is mandatory to have it on certain occasions.
What is the purpose of the energy efficiency certificate?
The energy efficiency certificate, or CEE, is accompanied by the energy label of our home, which is similar to what appliances have. It provides an energy rating, ranging from A (the most efficient) to G (the least). The less efficient the home, the more energy we will consume.
A poorly insulated property, with windows that let heat or cold through, or with an old and inefficient structure, will require more energy power for our thermal comfort.
In which cases is the energy performance certificate for housing necessary?
The energy rating is necessary in the case of buying or renting the property. In fact, it will be one of the essential documents that they will ask for at any notary office in Barcelona to make and sign a deed of sale, for example.
Likewise, owners who hire an agency to sell or rent the property will have to provide them with the energy certificate of the property before advertising it. This is because the interested party may consider this rating as one of the key reasons to acquire the flat or premises.
Who issues the energy certificate and how to obtain it?
Once it has been clarified in which cases we need the energy certificate and what it is, it is important to know who issues it and the steps to obtain it. The CEE (Energy Efficiency Certificate) must be issued by any qualified technician who is registered (architect, engineer and their technical specialities) and authorised to carry out thermal installations or building projects.
It is very easy to obtain the energy certificate for a dwelling, the steps to follow are:
- Contact the professional
- Pay the fees
- Professional's visit to the dwelling
- Issuance of the certificate by email or postal address
How much does the energy performance certificate for a home cost and who pays for it?
Having this certificate is the obligation of the property owner who will have to pay on average between 70 and 140 euros in Barcelona to obtain it, although it varies according to the size of the property and from one professional to another. In any case, there are a number of exclusions to its obligation:
- Temporary constructions that will not be used within a maximum period of two years.
- Monuments and buildings protected for their historical or architectural value, or for the location in which they are situated.
- Parts of buildings or entire buildings that are isolated and have less than 50 square metres of usable surface area.
- Agricultural, defence or industrial buildings, in the part that is intended for these activities and are not residential.
- Buildings purchased for demolition or to carry out major renovations on them.
In conclusion, the energy certificate of the property (or CEE) is a document that includes a rating certifying the level of energy consumption. So, as the owner of your property, you must present it in case of rental or sale, as it can be a decisive factor for the interested party.
If you are in a buying or selling situation and need advice on this procedure, do not hesitate to contact us by writing to bcn@jlanotarios.com, we will be happy to assist you.
