New Energy Performance Certificate Law Spain 1st June 2013
Spain News
Published: 22 April 2013 11:53 CET
Updated: 20 December 2019 12:53 CET
Certificado de Eficiencia Energética or CEE - Energy Performance Certificates Spain
Whether you are looking to sell a property in Spain, rent one out, or are looking to buy or rent in the country, it is important that you are aware of the new Spanish law that has recently been introduced by Royal Decree. The new law states that properties for sale or rent must have an Energy Performance Certificate (Certificado de Eficiencia Energética or CEE) in place before they are advertised for sale or rent.
The Spanish Government passed this new law (decree 235/2013) on the 5th April which states that by the 1st June 2013, all properties must have had their properties assessed and a certificate of efficiency issued by a certified CEE assessor.
The new law applies to both properties for sale or rent (long and short term) by individuals or by real estate agencies. This information must be provided along with the existing Royal Decree 215 documentation requirements.
What Is An Energy Performance Certificate?
An Energy Performance Certificate is a written report which details the energy consumption and efficiency of a property. The property is energy rated on a scale from A to G with A being the best and G being the worst. The report will usually contain energy efficiency tips and recommendations for the property that has been reviewed.
Why Has The New Law Been Introduced?
Energy Performance Certificates have been in place in other Northern European countries since 2007. They were introduced to address the issue of emissions from Greenhouses gases and the effects these have on the planet. This initiative was a part of the Kyoto protocol agreement which was started in 1997 and sets out the obligations for industrialised nations. It would appear that the Spanish Government are keen to keep up with their European neighbours and fall into line.
Why Should I Get One?
There are a number of benefits to getting a CEE certificate. Firstly, if you do not have one and are caught selling or renting a property, you can be fined by the government. Secondly, there is an obvious advantage for those who have more energy efficient properties to have one, as this will be a strong selling point when the time comes to sell or let the property.
Who Pays For the Energy CEE Certificate?
The review and certificate must be paid for by the property owner.
Where Can You Get One?
A test and certificate can be obtained from a certified assessor. A list of assessors in your area can be found at http://www.certificadoenergetico.es
How Long Does It Take To Get One?
A certificate is usually issued within a few days of the assessor inspecting the property.
How Much Do The Certificates Cost?
The cost of the certificate is dependent on the size of the property. Judging by other sources of information online, the price could be around 100 Euros for an apartment and around 250 Euros for a house. Prices may vary from region to region and from assessor to assessor. As with anything, please shop around and make sure that the assessor is fully certified.
How Is The Energy Efficiency Rated?
There are a number of factors that come into play here including insulation, windows, hot water, air conditioning and the overall construction of the property. All of these and other areas will be assessed and entered into a government approved software application online. A rating will then be produced from this information and a certificate is then issued to the property owner.
How Long Does The Certificate Last?
The CEE certificate is valid for 10 years but can be updated if any modifications are made to the property.
What Happens If I Do Not Have One And Sell Or Rent A Property?
If you try to sell or rent a property without one, you can be fined by the government who have already said that they will take action if neccessary.
