If you are trying to sell or long term rent a property in Spain you will need an EPC, the new energy certificate which is compulsory in Spain since 1st June 2013. Here are some informations about it.
Homeowners in the UK and other European countries will be familiar with EPC (or Certificado de Eficiencia Energetica (CEE) as it is known in Spain) as most other EU countries have already implemented this in order to meet the stipulations of the Kyoto Agreement (2005). This treaty has been adopted by most developed countries who share the aim to reduce carbon emissions on an world-wide basis. The EPC is a certificate that scores a property on its energy efficiency on a scale ranging from A to G with the A being the most efficient and G being the least and provides a report that will advise you on how to make your property more energy efficient.
Who needs it?
Anyone who wants to sell or long term rent a property in Spain alter 1st June 2013 will have to have a registered EPC. “Long term” means anything over 4 months, but some shorter rentals such as holiday rentals, may also necessitate having an EPC depending on the amount of energy used during certain periods when energy consumption is at least 25% of the overall yearly consumption. If the property was constructed after October 2007 it could be that it already has a Spanish Energy Performance Certificate in which case a new one will not necessary.
From what date do I need an EPC?
From June 1st, any property being marketed for sale or long term rental must have a registered EPC. If a property is currently being leased out then it is not a requirement to have an EPC certificate now, but if a new lease is signed by a new tenant after 1st June 2013, an EPC will be required. If your property has been sold but will go to notary before the 1st June, you will not need an EPC but if it will go to notary after this date, the notary will not be able to complete the paperwork without it.
How long will it last?
The EPC is valid for 10 years although, if improvements are made that will change the rating, it can be updated during this time.
When should I get the EPC?
For those property owners planning to start to market their property for rent or for sale, they must obtain an EPC prior to it being published and the rating should be published with the marketing details. If a property is already being marketed and an application has been made to get an EPC prior to the end of the first week of June, owners will be given an additional 3 weeks to acquire it before risking a fine. Agents should not market a property without having a copy of the EPC attached to the marketing details after 1st June 2013.
What happens if I don’t get an EPC for my property?
If property owners fail to provide the buyer or tenant with an EPC, then the sale or rental contract can become void, the government can fine the property owner/rental agent and the tenant could claim compensation from either party. The minimum fine for not having an EPC when marketing your property is 3000 euros, and both the owner and the agent marketing the property will be liable for this fine.
How much does it cost?
The cost really depends on the size of the property. The certification measures the energy efficiency of key aspects of the property such as insulation, type of glazing, energy efficiency of heat producing equipment etc.
The cost starts from 170 euros for a 50m2 build property.
How long does it take?
The initial inspection takes between 30 and 120 minutes and then usually it will take around one week to get the fully registered EPC,
