Property Technical Inspection: Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) 2026 Standards

The technical inspection of a property, often likened to a genuine "health check" of the dwelling, takes on strategic importance with the entry into force of the new EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) standards in 2026. Faced with stricter regulation resulting from the Climate and Resilience Act of 22 August 2021, landlord property owners, estate agents and investors must anticipate reinforced controls and more demanding energy thresholds. This article details the expected changes and best practices to adopt.

The 2026 EPC: an even more decisive diagnostic

Since the reform of July 2021, the EPC has become legally binding. The timetable set by the Climate Act provides for a progressive prohibition on letting of energy-inefficient properties: dwellings rated G have been prohibited from letting since 1 January 2025, those rated F will be as of 1 January 2028, and those rated E as of 1 January 2034. This trajectory requires, from 2026 onwards, heightened vigilance 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 stronger weighting of greenhouse gas emissions. The 3CL-DPE method is evolving to better reflect the actual performance of the building.

Key stages of a compliant technical inspection

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

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

Impact on market value and rental value

"Green value" is becoming a determining criterion. According to French Notaries, a property rated A or B is negotiated on average 6 to 14% more expensive than a property rated D in the same area. Conversely, energy-inefficient properties suffer a discount of 10 to 20%. Investors now systematically incorporate the cost of renovation work into their profitability calculations, assisted by schemes such as MaPrimeRénov' and White Certificates (Certificats d'Économies d'Énergie).

Sanctions and strengthened obligations

Non-compliance with EPC obligations exposes parties to significant sanctions. A landlord letting a non-compliant property risks legal action for rent reduction before the civil court, or even forced completion of work (Article 20-1 of the Act of 6 July 1989). The provision of an incorrect EPC engages the liability of the surveyor but also of the seller on the basis of fraud (Article 1137 of the Civil Code).