The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is an official technical document issued by a qualified technician. It evaluates the energy performance of a building or part of a building (such as a home, commercial space, office or tourist apartment) and rates it on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). The certificate includes data on primary non-renewable energy consumption, CO₂ emissions, and improvement recommendations to reduce costs and energy use.
This rating is shown on an energy label, similar to those used for appliances, and it must be included in any advertisement for sale or rental, and provided in real estate transactions.
Basic legal framework in Spain
The current regulation is based on Royal Decree 390/2021, which establishes the basic procedure for energy certification of buildings. Spain also applies European regulations and will need to adapt to the new Directive (EU) 2024/1275, which promotes the decarbonization of buildings by 2030, 2033 and 2050.
When is an energy efficiency certificate mandatory?
You must have a registered EPC in your autonomous community in the following cases:
New buildings.
Sale of a building or individual dwelling (including properties in need of renovation).
Rental to a new tenant of a dwelling or commercial space.
Buildings or areas occupied by public authorities with over 250 m² of useful floor area.
Non-residential uses over 500 m² (administrative, commercial, educational, etc.).
Major renovations or extensions (building envelope, HVAC systems, or increases in area).
Buildings undergoing mandatory technical inspections.
Main exemptions
The certificate is not required in these cases:
Freestanding buildings with less than 50 m² of usable floor area.
Industrial areas, workshops, or buildings without thermal comfort needs.
Officially protected buildings where efficiency works would alter their character.
Tourist apartments and vacation rentals
According to current legislation, private homes used for short-term tourist rentals must have an EPC. Tourist apartments operating as a business service are also required to obtain certification.
Who should apply for the Energy Efficiency Certificate?
The property owner or developer must request the certificate, register it with the regional authority, and provide it to the buyer or tenant. In property sales, it must be annexed to the contract. In rentals, the label and recommendations must be delivered.
Regional registration
To be legally valid, the certificate must be registered with the relevant regional registry. In Andalusia, the general deadline is one month from the issue date.
Validity
The EPC is generally valid for 10 years, except for those with a G rating issued since June 2021, which must be renewed every 5 years.
Penalties
Not having the certificate when required, advertising a property without its energy rating, or using an incorrect label can lead to fines ranging from approximately €300 to €6,000.
How much does the Energy Efficiency Certificate cost?
The price is not regulated and depends on the type of property. As a general reference:
Apartments up to 250 m²: around €90 to €135.
Single-family homes: from €150 and up.
Some regions also charge registration fees.
Impact on market value
A better energy rating can increase property value. Studies show that improving by one rating letter can raise a property’s value by an average of 1.3%. As energy regulations tighten, this premium is expected to grow.
Connection with grants and tax deductions
Many public grant programs for building renovations require EPCs before and after the works. There are also state tax deductions for energy efficiency improvements, provided they are certified with valid EPCs.
How do you obtain the Energy Efficiency Certificate?
Gather property data.
Hire a qualified technician.
The technician conducts a mandatory on-site visit.
Energy performance is calculated using official software.
The certificate is issued and signed.
It is registered with the regional authority.
The energy label is issued and must be displayed and delivered in transactions.
For property owners in Andalusia
In Andalusia, the certificate must be submitted online to the regional EPC registry. The general deadline is one month from the certificate date.
FAQs
- Do I need to renew it after a renovation? Yes, if the works affect energy performance.
- Does a 40 m² apartment in a block need a certificate? Yes. The exemption for <50 m² only applies to isolated buildings.
- What about an unfinished commercial space? It depends on intended use and whether thermal systems are installed.
The Energy Performance Certificate is no longer just a formality. It’s a key tool for property valuation, access to grants, improving comfort, and complying with future energy regulations.
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