If you’re a property owner in Spain and planning to rent or sell your home, you’ll need to sort out the energy certification paperwork. An energy performance certificate in Spain allows future tenants and buyers to understand how efficient the property is, including recommendations on how to improve it.
Here’s everything you need to know about energy performance certificates in Spain so you can manage the paperwork more easily.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
An energy performance certificate in Spain (certificado de eficencia energética), also known as an EPC, is an official document that measures the property’s energy efficiency.
The grading is done on a scale from A to G – A being the most energy efficient and G the least efficient.
The measurement considers insulation, windows, heating, cooling, and water systems. The official assessment includes the grade, as well as recommendations on how any of these features can be upgraded to boost the score.
Remember that an energy performance certificate in Spain is different from a habitation certificate. The latter is intended to assess whether the property meets all the habitability requirements.
When do you need an EPC?
As previously mentioned, you need to have an energy performance certificate in Spain if you’re planning on renting or selling your property. The grade the property receives has to be clearly stated in any postings/ads.
As the owner of the property, you’re responsible for handling all the paperwork. When the sale or lease is finalised, the registered certificate and received energy grade must be attached to the contract.
There are also limited exceptions to not having an energy performance certificate in Spain, which include:
- Short-term rentals: rented for less than 4 months per year.
- Isolated small buildings: standalone structures under 50 m² (does not apply to individual apartments).
- Major renovation or demolition: properties bought to be demolished or heavily renovated.
- Non-residential buildings: Industrial, agricultural, workshop, or defence structures without climate-controlled office spaces.
- Historical buildings: officially protected monuments where energy changes would ruin their appearance.
- Garages and storage: unconditioned parking spaces and storage rooms.
- Temporary & religious structures: buildings used for less than 2 years or used exclusively as places of worship.
How do you get the Energy Performance Certificate?
To get the energy performance certificate in Spain, you need to contact a qualified technician. They will visit your property, conduct a proper inspection, and provide the rating.
For better efficiency, have floor plans, the cadastral reference, and details of previous improvements, if available. The technician prepares the certificate, which must be registered with the relevant authority in your autonomous community to be legally valid.
How much does the Energy Performance Certificate in Spain cost?
The cost of the energy performance certificate in Spain depends on the size and location of your property, as well as the technician you hire. Generally, expect the price to be somewhere around €60 - €130.
Can you arrange it online?
You can request and book an assessment online through idealista’s certificate service. A qualified technician still needs to visit your home in person before issuing the document.
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