The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) stems from the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. The energy performance certificate actually refers to the Energy Performance Advice (EPA). This is an assessment of the energy performance of a building and associated advice. Such assessments are done by specifically trained consultants. Already since 2008, an EPC has been mandatory when building, selling or leasing property
With effect from 3 June 2019, a fine will be payable to the government if deliveries are made without an energy performance certificate. For the delivery of homes by private individuals, the fine per home is €170, for delivery by others, the fine per home is a maximum of €340. The fine is due immediately without the possibility of subsequent redress.
The change from 3 June 2019 only relates to the sale of residential properties. The sale of a utility building without a valid energy label is still subject to a maximum fine of € 415 if the offence is committed by a natural person. For legal entities, the maximum fine is €20,750. The same maximums also apply when imposing an administrative fine when letting residential and non-residential buildings.
An energy label is not compulsory in the following situations:<
- buildings with an industrial function (such as factory halls)
- buildings with another designated use (such as barns and garages)
- temporary structures (such as site huts, emergency shops, emergency rooms at schools or management and canteen rooms at construction sites)
- buildings used for worship and other religious activities (such as churches and mosques)
- stand-alone buildings with a usable area of less than 50 m²
- houseboats
- monuments (according to the Heritage Act or according to a provincial or municipal monument regulation)
For more information on the energy label, please contact us. We will be happy to help.
