New legislative developments concerning the DPE: energy inefficient homes have a future

The Energy Performance Decree (DPE) is getting a makeover in July, bringing significant changes for 220,000 small homes rated F or G, according to an exclusive study by PriceHubble. These adjustments, announced by the government, are designed to improve the ratings of homes that are particularly disadvantaged by the current method of calculating the DPE. Let's take a look at how these changes will impact homeowners and investors.

For 81% of small G homes, no major change

The reform of the DPE will not change the rating of 81% of small G-rated homes, according to data from PriceHubble. However, particular attention is being paid to C-rated homes, which will be banned from letting from 1 January next year. Only 2% of G homes under 40m² will move up to an E rating as a result of the adjustments, allowing these properties to move out of the heat sieve state. 17% will gain a single grade from G to F, pushing back the renovation obligations by three years.

F-rated homes: the big winners

Owners of F-rated studios and 2-room apartments are the main beneficiaries of the ECD adjustments. According to PriceHubble, 33% of these properties will improve their rating, moving up to category E or better.

220,000 homes will see their rating improve

The change in category between G- and F-rated homes will affect a total of 220,000 properties, reducing the proportion of thermal flats by almost half to 41% for homes under 40m². Despite these improvements, France will still have 4.5 million thermal flats across all floor areas.

Strategies to adopt in the face of these changes

Owners of small dwellings classified as heatwasters can now consult the Ademe website, where public services will automatically generate a new rating. In the event of an improvement, this offers a reprieve of a few years to undertake the necessary work. For sellers, waiting until 1 July, when the adjustments come into force, will guarantee an immediate increase in the value of their home.

For opportunistic buyers, the best option is to buy properties rated F or G before 1 July. This strategy aims to take advantage of the recent fall in the value of these properties, anticipating an increase in their value as soon as their rating is improved.