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Energy performance certificate - how important?
How important is the rating in the energy performance certificate when buying an apartment? For example, would there be a substantial difference in heating/energy costs for a C-rated apartment versus an E-rated?
Just trying to understand which factors to consider when buying an apartment. Thx
Would never buy anything under C unless could upgrade so the costs wouldn't be so high and only if it worked out. IE renovation cost plus costs over 20 years versus purchase price difference for higher one....All sorts of other factors like location, resale value enter in as well.
These energy efficiency certificates are basically meaningless when it comes to apartments, just ask a notary. They do not reflect actual consumption at all; they just give a vague indication of hypothetical efficiency based on the overall standard of the property. If the apartment has central heating and you’re going to be paying a percentage of the building’s total rather than your own consumption, how exactly does it help you to know that the previous owner has fitted double glazing or extra insulation? It’s not going to impact your bills.
For an accurate idea of consumption look at the previous owner’s invoices. It is your right to request them before the signing of the compromis de vente.
Note that the electrical conformity certificate on the other hand is important. If you buy something that doesn’t conform you take on the responsibility to bring the entire electrical system up to scratch, which could run into many thousands.
You can find a table on this page: http://www.certibru.com/en/epb-certificate-residential-house-apartment-b...
The smallest difference between a C and E rating is 101kwh/m2/year. Assuming the index is accurate, that would represent a marginal cost of +/-350 Euros/year for a 100m2 apartment with Electrabel - Fix Online. Take that with a pinch of salt though, it's only theoretical. As anon suggests, look at past invoices/yearly summaries for a proper estimate.
