Energy audits: everything you need to know.

Which properties are affected?

From 1 April 2023, a new regulation will require an energy audit to be carried out before certain properties in France are put up for sale. This measure is part of the 2021 Climate and Resilience Act, with the aim of promoting transparency in property transactions and encouraging the renovation of the housing stock. This energy audit supplements the Diagnostic de performance énergétique (DPE) and will have to be provided to future buyers for homes considered to be "thermal passoires", i.e. classified as category F or G.

While the DPE assesses the energy performance of a property by assigning it a class from A to G, the energy audit goes further by identifying the work that needs to be undertaken to improve the home's energy classification, either all at once or in stages. This work is not compulsory in order to conclude the sale, but it does serve as information for potential buyers.

Energy audits: upcoming deadlines

The introduction of a compulsory energy audit for single-family homes rated F or G is an important measure in the fight against fuel poverty and energy waste. These homes often consume a lot of energy and are poorly insulated, leading to over-consumption and high energy bills for the occupants. The energy audit will assess the home's energy performance and identify the renovation work that needs to be carried out to improve thermal comfort and reduce energy consumption. The auditor will be able to suggest appropriate solutions, such as insulating walls and attics, replacing windows or installing a more efficient boiler, etc...

As well as the economic benefits in terms of lower energy bills in the long term, energy renovation work can also have a positive impact on the value of the property. In fact, a home classified in a high energy category is generally more attractive on the resale market, and can even generate an attractive capital gain for its owner. What's more, the energy audit will provide future owners with information on how their property can be improved, so that they can make informed decisions when they buy. They will be able to estimate the cost of the work to be carried out, and assess whether it will be profitable in terms of energy savings.

By gradually making energy audits compulsory for homes rated E in 2025 and D in 2034, the French authorities are committing themselves to an ambitious energy and environmental transition. The aim of this measure is to encourage homeowners to invest in energy renovation work, while reducing fuel poverty and limiting greenhouse gas emissions. In conclusion, the mandatory energy audit for single-family homes rated F or G represents a significant step forward in the fight against fuel poverty. As well as reducing energy bills and improving the thermal comfort of homes, it can also have a positive financial impact by increasing the value of properties and avoiding a discount on resale. In this way, the measure contributes to France's energy and environmental transition.

Who can carry out an energy audit?

The aim of energy audit regulations is to encourage property owners to carry out energy renovation work to improve the energy performance of their homes. To do this, you need to call in a qualified energy auditor, who will carry out a full assessment of the architectural, geothermal and thermal characteristics of the property, as well as an evaluation of the heating, ventilation, water-heating and lighting equipment.

The diagnostician will then draw up an audit report, which must contain at least two complete, personalised work plans, prioritised according to the property's performance. These plans will enable buyers to understand the possible improvements in energy performance and guide them through the renovation process. The audit report will also include an estimate of the cost of the renovation work and its impact on the property's final energy bill. It will also provide information on the main government financial assistance available to help homeowners with their energy renovation project. It should be noted that several types of specialist are qualified to carry out energy audits.

In the case of single-family homes, this can be carried out by design offices, specialist companies or property professionals certified as diagnosticians. In the case of buildings with several dwellings, the energy audit can also be carried out by the building's architect.
The aim of these regulations is to encourage energy-efficient renovation of homes as part of efforts to combat climate change. By improving the energy performance of their homes, homeowners will not only be able to reduce their energy consumption and bills, they will also be helping to protect the environment by cutting greenhouse gas emissions.