Reform of the energy performance certificate (DPE): a new lease of life for small properties

One of the most significant changes introduced by the reform is the Ademe simulator, available since 13 February 2024. This simulator allows owners and tenants to check the impact of the reform on their energy rating, particularly for small properties.

The results show that a good proportion of small dwellings can now avoid being classed as an “energy sieve”, highlighting the positive effect of the reform on properties often penalised by the old assessments.

The reform has considerably tightened the requirements for selling and letting property. New leases for dwellings consuming more than 450 kWh/m² per year are now prohibited, and the sale of properties rated F and G on the DPE is conditional on an energy audit being carried out before they are put on the market.

Concerns about the DPE in 2024 include the government’s ambitious energy timetable, which raises questions as to its feasibility.

Despite the criticism, steps are being taken to improve the quality of DPE assessments, in particular by strengthening the training and supervision of energy assessors, scheduled for July 2024. These measures aim to ensure more reliable and consistent assessments, a major concern for professionals in the sector.

The DPE reform has provoked strong reactions, particularly regarding its potential impact on the property market and the reliability of assessments. Voices have been raised questioning certain aspects of the reform, such as the mandatory energy audit for “thermal sieves” and the ban on letting these dwellings. These criticisms reflect the challenges and tensions inherent in applying stricter energy standards in a sector as vital as real estate.

The 2023 DPE reform represents a significant step towards more sustainable and energy-efficient real estate. For valuation, this development makes it possible to refine valuations and advice on the basis of more precise and reliable data. It underlines the importance for property professionals of staying informed and adaptable in the face of regulatory change.