EPC, an unavoidable criterion

The Energy Performance Certificate (known as DPE in France, or EPC here) has become one of the most important criteria for any property investor. Since the 2021 Climate and Resilience Law, a strict schedule bans the letting of the most energy-consuming homes.

The ban timeline

Key dates to remember:

  • Since January 2023 — Ban on letting homes consuming more than 450 kWh/sqm/year (the worst G)
  • Since January 2025 — Ban on letting all G-rated homes
  • 1 January 2028 — Ban on letting F-rated homes
  • 1 January 2034 — Ban on letting E-rated homes
By 2034, only homes rated A, B, C and D will be rentable. That affects roughly 40% of the current rental stock.

Impact on prices

The effects on the market are already visible:

  • Discount on energy sieves — F and G properties sell 10 to 20% below equivalent better-rated homes
  • Premium on good EPCs — A and B homes trade 5 to 10% higher
  • Renovation cost — a full energy retrofit runs €15,000 to €40,000 depending on size and condition

Opportunity or trap?

The winning scenario: buy F/G and renovate

Buy a poorly-rated property at a discount, renovate it to reach C or D, then rent it out. The strategy pays off if:

  • The purchase discount covers the renovation cost
  • Public subsidies (MaPrimeRenov', CEE) significantly reduce the bill
  • The property sits in a high-demand rental area

The losing scenario: ignore the EPC

Buying a G-rated home with no renovation budget exposes you to:

  • Inability to rent it out (already true for G)
  • Forced emergency renovations with poor cost control
  • Selling at a loss if the local market weakens

Cities with the best EPC stock

Southern cities and those with a recent housing stock show the best EPC ratings. Conversely, north-eastern cities with older stock are often poorly rated.

Use the ScorCity EPC ranking to spot municipalities where the housing stock is the most energy-efficient.

Practical advice

  • Always check the EPC before buying — it is the first document to ask for
  • Estimate renovation costs before signing — get quotes before the preliminary sale agreement
  • Aim for class D minimum after works — it is the threshold required from 2034
  • Check available subsidies — MaPrimeRenov' can cover up to 60% of works for lower incomes