Energy performance certificate for selling or renting a flat: price and how to get one

If you are going to sell or rent out your home, one of the documents you will need is the energy performance certificate. Many owners only find out at the last minute, when they already have an interested buyer or tenant. In this guide we explain what it is, when it is needed, how to obtain it and what its price depends on, so you can have it ready from the outset.

What the energy performance certificate is

The energy performance certificate is a document that rates a home’s energy consumption and emissions using a letter scale, from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It is issued by a qualified technician after visiting the property and analysing its features: insulation, windows, orientation, heating system, hot water and air conditioning.

When it is compulsory

As a general rule, the certificate is required to sell or rent out a home, and the energy rating must appear in the property advertisements. It is also handed over to the buyer or tenant in the transaction. There are some very specific exceptions, so if you have doubts about your case it is advisable to check with the technician. Once issued, the certificate must be registered with the corresponding regional register, which in Madrid is managed by the Community of Madrid.

How to get it, step by step

1. **Contact a qualified technician**, such as an architect, technical architect or engineer.

2. **Home visit**: the technician takes measurements, checks windows, building envelope and installations, and photographs the relevant elements.

3. **Calculation using an official programme**, which determines the consumption and emissions rating.

4. **Issue of the certificate** with improvement recommendations.

5. **Registration** with the regional authority, which is usually handled by the technician themselves.

Have the title deed or cadastral reference to hand and, if possible, information about the boiler, windows or any renovations carried out.

What the price depends on

There is no fixed fee. The cost varies according to the professional, the size of the property, its location and the complexity of the assessment. The registration fee may also be added, if applicable. Compare several quotes and be wary of certificates issued without a visit, because a poorly calculated rating can cause problems.

Validity

The certificate is valid for several years, usually ten, unless the property undergoes renovations that change its energy performance. If you already have one, check the date before listing the property.

Does the rating affect the price?

The rating does not prevent a sale or rental, but more and more buyers and tenants look at it, because an efficient home means lower bills and greater comfort. The certificate’s recommendations, such as improving windows or replacing the boiler, can help you decide whether it is worth carrying out any improvements before putting the property on the market.

Get it ready from the start

Having the certificate ready before publishing avoids delays in the signing and conveys professionalism. While you are arranging it, you can find out the value of your flat with our free online valuation tool.

How UBICASA helps you

At UBICASA we help you gather all the necessary documentation, including the energy performance certificate, to sell your flat in Madrid or rent out your home without setbacks.

This article is for information only; the specific requirements may change, so it is advisable to confirm them with a technician. Contact us Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 15:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00.