DPE changes on july 1st: what property owners need to know

The Energy Performance Diagnosis (DPE) will undergo significant adjustments starting July 1st. As a property owner, here is what you need to know to stay updated and take advantage of the potential new benefits.

What is changing in the DPE calculation?

Starting July 1st, your DPE rating could automatically change. A decree published last April modifies the DPE calculation method for small properties, specifically those under 40 square meters. “The government’s objective was to revise the calculation methods, which were unfavorable to small properties, thus more easily classified as energy sieves,” explains Pierre-François Morin, Director of Energy Renovation at Hello Watt.

Why is this calculation change necessary?

The government identified biases in the energy performance ratings of the smallest properties. In 2022, a study by the National Observatory of Energy Renovation showed that 34% of properties under 30 square meters had an F or G rating, compared to only 13% of properties over 100 square meters. This finding motivated the government to adjust the calculation methods to provide a fairer assessment for small properties.

What are the benefits for property owners?

About 140,000 energy-inefficient properties are affected by this change. These properties, currently rated F or G on the DPE, could receive a higher rating without requiring the owners to undertake renovation work. “With the changes in the calculation method, the smaller the properties, the more likely they are to gain an energy performance rating. Properties under 30 square meters in particular,” explains Guislain Théry, Head of Research and Development at Exim, a specialist in real estate diagnostics in France. It is important to note that this calculation method change will not degrade your current DPE rating.

Impact on property rentals starting next January

It is essential to have a DPE to rent out a property. From January 1, 2025, all properties rated G will be banned from rental, followed by properties rated F from 2028. This represents a major issue for landlords who rent out small apartments, often to students or young professionals. Additionally, the DPE is now mandatory for all property sales.

Access to energy renovation grants

Eligibility for certain energy renovation grants, MaPrimeRénov’ “single action,” will also be conditioned on the energy performance rating starting next year. “From January 1, 2025, if your property is rated F or G, only grants for comprehensive renovations will be available,” recalls Audrey Zermati, Strategy Director at Effy, a specialist in energy renovation. A rating change could thus open access to certain grants.

How to check if your property gains an energy class?

To check if your property gains an energy class, visit the simulator of the Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME). Have the 13-digit number assigned to your DPE ready. The simulator will indicate whether your DPE is affected by a rating change. If it is, you will simply need to download the rating change certificate, which you will then need to attach to your DPE to justify the rating change.

These adjustments represent an opportunity for many property owners to see their property value increase without additional investment. For investors and property owners on the Côte d'Azur, it is crucial to stay informed and check their DPE starting July 1st.