Yes. In Spain, the seller of a home must have an energy performance certificate (certificado de eficiencia energética) and give it to the buyer. It is the equivalent of the French DPE, with a few useful differences to know about.
What the certificate contains
Issued by an accredited technician, it rates the home from A to G according to its energy consumption and CO₂ emissions, and suggests improvements. In Catalonia, it must be registered with the regional energy agency (ICAEN), which issues the official label. It is generally valid for ten years.
When does it come into play?
- As soon as the property goes on the market: the energy rating must appear in listings.
- At the signing: the notary asks for the certificate, or records in the deed that it is missing.
- For lettings too: a let property must have one.
What it tells you, beyond the legal requirement
On the Costa Brava, many houses from the 1970s to the 1990s are rated E, F or G: little insulation, single glazing, electric heating. That is not a deal-breaker, but it means higher bills in winter and, often, work to do. We read the certificate with you to get a realistic estimate, and a negotiating point if needed. This work is costed along with everything else, as explained in our article new-build or resale.
Not to be confused with the cédula de habitabilidad
The energy certificate measures the home's performance; the cédula de habitabilidad confirms that it meets the minimum conditions to be lived in. They are two different documents, and you should ask the seller for both.
A poor rating should not scare you off. It should make you do the maths.
