Property Technical Inspection: Energy Performance Certificate Standards 2026

A technical inspection of a property, often compared to a genuine "health check" of the building, takes on strategic importance with the implementation of new Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) standards in 2026. Faced with stricter regulations resulting from the Climate and Resilience Act of 22 August 2021, landlords, real estate agents and investors must anticipate strengthened controls and more demanding energy thresholds. This article details the expected changes and best practices to adopt.

The 2026 EPC: An Even More Critical Diagnostic

Since the July 2021 reform, the EPC has become legally binding. The timeline set by the Climate and Resilience Act provides for a progressive ban on letting energy-inefficient properties: properties classified as G have been banned from letting since 1 January 2025, those classified as F will be banned from 1 January 2028, and those classified as E from 1 January 2034. This trajectory requires heightened vigilance from 2026 onwards during the technical inspection prior to any transaction or letting.

The 2026 diagnostic now incorporates new parameters: refined consideration of ventilation, analysis of thermal bridges, evaluation of summer comfort and increased weighting of greenhouse gas emissions. The 3CL-DPE method evolves to better reflect the actual building performance.

Key Steps for a Compliant Technical Inspection

A structured technical inspection in 2026 must cover several areas: inspection of the thermal envelope (walls, roof, windows), verification of the heating system and domestic hot water production, control of ventilation (single or dual flow extraction), and assessment of energy regulation. The inspector, certified in accordance with the Order of 20 July 2023, must now produce a more detailed report, including costed renovation scenarios.

The energy audit, mandatory since 1 April 2023 for the sale of properties classified as F and G, will be extended in 2026 to properties classified as E in single ownership. This audit complements the EPC and becomes a central document during negotiations.

Impact on Market Value and Rental Value

"Green value" is establishing itself as a determining factor. According to the French Notaries Association, a property classified as A or B is negotiated on average 6 to 14% more expensive than a property classified as D in the same area. Conversely, a 10 to 20% reduction affects energy-inefficient properties. Investors now systematically incorporate the cost of renovation work into their profitability calculations, supported by the MaPrimeRénov' scheme and Energy Saving Certificates (ESC).

Penalties and Strengthened Obligations

Non-compliance with EPC obligations exposes landlords to significant sanctions. A landlord letting a non-compliant property is exposed to an action for rent reduction before the civil court, or even to the forced completion of work (article 20-1 of the Act of 6 July 1989). The provision of an incorrect EPC engages the responsibility of the inspector but also of the seller on the basis of misrepresentation (article 1137 of the Civil Code).