The latest data from the Notary Association shows that energy efficiency ratings are beginning to have a significant impact on the French real estate market.The data covers the sale of all secondary real estate in the country and is considered the most comprehensive available.
In the latest report, notaries analyze the impact of Energy Efficiency Ratings(DPE) on real estate sold between 2021 and 2024.
Starting in 2021, an energy efficiency assessment (DPE) is required before putting up for sale in France so that potential buyers are aware of the energy status of the property.
The rating ranks apartments and houses on a scale from "A" (high) to "G" (low) in terms of energy efficiency.
Currently, there is a ban on renting out real estate with a G rating, and in 2028 it is planned to introduce a ban on renting out properties with an F rating, and then with a rating "E" (in 2034).
Sales
It is noteworthy that after the adoption of the ban, there was first a surge and then a slowdown in sales of the lowest-rated properties.
- The first phase of the law entered into force only in early 2025, but was adopted in 2021.This has led to the fact that many owners of G-rated properties have decided to sell them, possibly considering them a bad investment or fearing future restrictions. As a result, the share of sales of such properties increased from 3% in 2021 to 7% in 2023 and 6% in 2024.
- In 2023, the share of real estate sales with a rating «F» and «G» amounted to 17%.
- Real estate sales with A rating (always 2%) and «B (5% in 2021-2022, 4% in 2023-2024) they remained stable.
- properties with a D rating are the median and most purchased type of non-new building real estate (37% in 2021, 32% in 2024).
- In April-June 2025, facilities with a C rating took second place for the first time (23%).
Cost
Energy efficiency ratings affect the value of real estate.
Using real estate with a "D" rating as an average indicator, the notaries estimated the change in the price of the properties depending on the energy efficiency indicator.
Among the houses sold in 2024:
- The median value of A-rated properties was +17% compared to D-rated properties.
- The same thing happens with categories "B" (+13%) and "C" (+7%).
- However, the cost of lower-rated properties decreased: "E" (-9%) and "F" (-17%).
- For the objects with the worst G rating, the difference was -25%.
For apartments the changes are less pronounced, but still significant.
- If we take real estate with a "D" rating as an average value again, then properties with a "A" rating showed an increase of 16%, "B" by 12%, and "C" by - by 6%.
- Objects with lower ratings have fallen in price: "E" by 4%, "F" by 8%, "G" by 12%.
Old houses
The object ranking system has been criticized by experts on cultural heritage and rural housing, who claim that the methodology does not take into account the natural thermal properties of old French houses.
The Maisons Paysannes de France Association warns that traditional stone and wooden buildings, often dating back several centuries, are being unfairly penalized by DPE software developed for post-war housing.Gilles Alglav, President of the company, believes that such houses do not need additional insulation of walls or floors to stay cool in summer and warm in winter, as their thick stone walls provide natural thermal inertia.
Source: Connexion
