France’s Energy Performance Certificates (DPE) Get a Revamp: What Homeowners & Renters Need to Know
A significant shift is underway in how France assesses the energy efficiency of homes. Starting January 1st, 2026, a revised calculation method for the Diagnostic de Performance Énergétique (DPE) – the country’s energy performance certificate – will come into effect. This isn’t just a technical adjustment; it’s poised to impact nearly 850,000 properties currently rated F or G, potentially unlocking them for the rental market and influencing property values.
The Electricity Coefficient: A Key Change
For years, the DPE calculation heavily penalized homes heated with electricity compared to those using gas or wood. This was due to a conversion coefficient that amplified electricity’s perceived environmental impact. That coefficient, previously set at 2.3 for electricity (compared to 1 for other sources), is being lowered to 1.9. While seemingly small, this adjustment is expected to “reclassify” a substantial number of homes, lifting them out of the lowest energy performance brackets.
This change aligns France more closely with energy assessment standards in other European countries, addressing a long-standing point of contention. However, it’s crucial to understand this doesn’t magically improve the energy efficiency of these homes – it simply adjusts how that efficiency is measured.
Unlocking the Rental Market & Addressing Housing Shortages
The timing of this revision is particularly relevant given France’s ongoing housing crisis. Since January 2025, properties rated G are banned from the rental market, and those rated F will face a similar prohibition in January 2028. This has created significant pressure, especially in university towns. Delphine Rouxel, President of Nestenn Immobilier, highlighted that in 2023, approximately 17% of students and young professionals abandoned educational or career plans due to a lack of available housing.
By potentially lifting hundreds of thousands of properties out of the F and G categories, the revised DPE aims to alleviate some of this pressure. However, experts caution that this is a temporary fix and doesn’t address the underlying need for comprehensive energy renovations.
The Shadow of DPE Fraud: A Growing Concern
While the revised DPE offers a potential solution, a darker side of the system is emerging: widespread fraud. According to KRNO, a company utilizing AI to analyze DPEs, fraudulent assessments have surged by 64% in the last four years. They estimate that over 1.3 million properties have been deliberately overvalued, potentially misleading renters and buyers.
This fraud often involves misrepresenting a property’s energy performance to circumvent rental restrictions or inflate its sale price. The lack of robust oversight and enforcement mechanisms exacerbates the problem. As KRNO points out, the incentive for fraud increases as regulations tighten – particularly for properties that “should” be rated E but are reported as D.
Did you know? The French government is actively exploring ways to combat DPE fraud, including increased audits and stricter penalties for assessors found to be falsifying reports.
Impact on Property Values: A Clear Correlation
The DPE rating has a demonstrable impact on property values. Data from the Conseil supérieur du notariat shows that in 2024, houses rated G sold for 25% less than those rated D, while apartments with a G rating fetched 17% less than their D-rated counterparts. These price gaps have widened since a previous DPE reform in 2021.
This trend underscores the growing importance of energy efficiency in the real estate market. Buyers and renters are increasingly prioritizing properties with lower energy bills and a smaller environmental footprint.
Future Reforms & Long-Term Solutions
The current DPE revision is just one piece of a larger puzzle. Senator Amel Gacquerre is proposing legislation to remove another 450,000 properties from the “passoire thermique” (energy sieve) category. This proposal would allow homeowners to temporarily avoid the G rating if they commit to completing energy efficiency improvements within three years (for houses) or five years (for apartments), backed by a signed contract with a qualified contractor.
Pro Tip: If you’re a homeowner, now is the time to consider energy efficiency upgrades. Not only will they improve your DPE rating, but they’ll also reduce your energy bills and increase the value of your property.
What Does This Mean for You?
For Renters: The revised DPE may increase the availability of rental properties, particularly in competitive markets. However, be wary of potentially fraudulent DPEs and prioritize properties with genuine energy efficiency improvements.
For Homeowners: The change could improve your property’s DPE rating without requiring immediate renovations. However, long-term value will depend on investing in energy efficiency upgrades.
For Buyers: Pay close attention to the DPE rating when evaluating properties. Factor in the potential cost of future energy renovations when making your decision.
FAQ: Decoding the DPE Changes
- Will I need to get a new DPE after January 1st, 2026? No, the new coefficient will be automatically integrated into all DPEs issued from that date. You can also update existing DPEs for free on the Ademe website.
- Does this change mean my home is suddenly more energy efficient? No, it simply adjusts the calculation method. The actual energy performance of your home remains the same.
- What is the biggest driver of DPE fraud? The desire to avoid rental restrictions and inflate property values.
- Where can I find more information about energy efficiency renovations? Visit the Service-Public.fr website for details on available grants and incentives.
Reader Question: “I’m planning to sell my property. Should I invest in energy efficiency upgrades before getting a DPE?” Absolutely. While the revised DPE may offer a temporary boost, investing in genuine energy efficiency improvements will significantly increase your property’s value and appeal to potential buyers.
Stay informed about these changes and proactively assess your property’s energy performance. The future of French real estate is undeniably linked to sustainability and energy efficiency.
Explore further: Read our article on Navigating French Property Taxes or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on the French real estate market.
