When is the energy audit mandatory at the point of sale?
The energy audit is mandatory when selling a single-ownership dwelling (house or entire building) according to a progressive timetable: classes F and G since 1 April 2023, class E since 1 January 2025, and class D from 1 January 2034.
Which dwellings are concerned
The regulatory energy audit concerns the sale of residential dwellings held in single ownership: individual houses and collective buildings belonging to a single owner. Apartments and buildings in co-ownership are not covered by this obligation at the point of sale.
It applies to sales of properties whose energy class triggers the obligation, according to a timetable staggered over time provided for by the Climate and Resilience Act.
- Single-ownership dwellings: individual houses and buildings owned by a single owner
- Co-ownerships excluded from this obligation at the point of sale
- Triggered according to the EPC energy class
The timetable for entry into force by class
The obligation was put in place progressively, first targeting the most energy-intensive dwellings and then extending to the intermediate classes. In the overseas territories (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Guyana, La Réunion, Mayotte), the obligation for classes F and G has applied since 1 July 2024.
- Since 1 April 2023: dwellings rated F or G (mainland France)
- Since 1 January 2025: dwellings rated E
- From 1 January 2034: dwellings rated D
Content and role of the energy audit
The energy audit goes further than the EPC. It presents at least two works scenarios enabling improved energy performance to be reached progressively, indicating the expected gains, the estimate of energy savings and an order of priority for the works. The first scenario aims for an intermediate stage, the second for a high-performance renovation.
The audit must be handed to the potential buyer from the first viewing of the property, and not only at signing. It constitutes a decision-making aid for the buyer and a tool for transparency about the works to be considered. Like the EPC, it must be carried out by a qualified professional.
- At least two works scenarios (intermediate stage then high-performance renovation)
- Estimate of energy savings and works costs
- Handed over from the first viewing
- Carried out by a qualified professional
Frequently asked questions
Is an energy audit needed to sell an apartment in co-ownership?
No. The regulatory energy audit at the point of sale only concerns single-ownership dwellings (houses and buildings owned by a single owner). An apartment in co-ownership is not subject to it, but the EPC and the mandatory disclosures remain required.
Does the energy audit replace the EPC?
No, the two are distinct and cumulative. The EPC establishes the energy class of the dwelling, while the audit proposes works scenarios to improve it. When the audit is mandatory, it is added to the EPC, it does not replace it.
When must the audit be handed to the buyer?
The energy audit must be communicated to the potential buyer from the first viewing, then annexed to the preliminary contract or the deed of sale. This early delivery is intended to inform the buyer about the necessary works before they commit.
Read next
- Loi n° 2021-1104 du 22 août 2021 (loi Climat et Résilience), article 158
- Code de la construction et de l'habitation, article L.126-28-1
- Décret n° 2022-780 du 4 mai 2022 (audit énergétique)
- Service-Public.fr - Audit énergétique obligatoire
- ADEME - L'audit énergétique réglementaire
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