Anyone selling or letting a property must present prospective buyers or tenants with a valid energy performance certificate (Energieausweis) no later than the viewing. If it is missing, substantial fines can apply. This guide answers all the key questions surrounding the energy performance certificate under the German Buildings Energy Act (Gebaeudeenergiegesetz, GEG).
When is an energy performance certificate mandatory?
An energy performance certificate is mandatory for sales, new lettings and leases (Section 80 GEG). It must be presented to interested parties unprompted, no later than the viewing, and handed over when the contract is signed. Certain details must already appear in the property listing:
- Type of certificate (consumption-based or demand-based)
- Energy indicator (final or primary energy demand)
- Main energy source of the heating system
- Year the building was constructed
- Energy efficiency class (A+ to H)
Exemptions apply only in a few special cases, such as listed historic buildings and small buildings with less than 50 sq m of usable floor space.
Consumption-based or demand-based certificate?
| Feature | Consumption-based certificate | Demand-based certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | Actual consumption (last 3 years) | Structural condition of the building |
| Reliability | Lower, depends on occupant behaviour | Higher, objective and property-specific |
| Cost (single-family home) | approx. 100-250 EUR | approx. 300-500 EUR |
| When required | Often freely selectable | Mandatory for certain older buildings |
Important: For residential buildings with a building application filed before 1 November 1977 and fewer than five apartments, the demand-based certificate is generally mandatory - unless the building was subsequently upgraded to the energy standard of the first German Thermal Insulation Ordinance.
The energy efficiency classes
| Class | Final energy (kWh/sq m.yr) | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| A+ / A | up to 50 | Very efficient (new-build level) |
| B / C | 51-100 | Good to average |
| D / E | 101-160 | Average older building |
| F / G | 161-250 | Increased need for renovation |
| H | over 250 | Very high consumption |
A good energy rating has long been a selling point: because of energy costs and possible renovation obligations, buyers pay ever closer attention to it.
Validity, costs and fines
An energy performance certificate is valid for ten years; you should plan for renewal around six months before it expires. Costs usually range from 100 to 250 euros for a consumption-based certificate and from 300 to 500 euros for a demand-based certificate with an on-site inspection. Anyone who fails to present a valid certificate when selling or letting, or who omits the mandatory details from the listing, risks a fine of up to 10,000 euros (Section 86 GEG).
Frequently asked questions
Who is allowed to issue an energy performance certificate?
Only qualified issuers - such as energy consultants, certain engineers, architects or master tradespeople with the relevant authorisation under Section 88 GEG. Pure online providers are sufficient only for the consumption-based certificate, and only when the underlying data is reliable.
What does an energy performance certificate cost?
A consumption-based certificate usually costs around 100 to 250 euros depending on the provider, while a demand-based certificate with a building inspection costs around 300 to 500 euros. The demand-based certificate is more expensive but more informative.
How long is the energy performance certificate valid?
Ten years from the date of issue. After that, a new certificate must be produced for a sale or a new letting.
What happens without a valid energy performance certificate?
Fines of up to 10,000 euros can apply. A missing certificate also looks unprofessional and can deter interested parties and banks.
Do I need an energy performance certificate for a listed building?
No. Listed historic buildings are not subject to the certificate requirement. Very small buildings under 50 sq m of usable floor space are also exempt.
Our tip: arrange the energy performance certificate early - ideally before marketing begins. That way you can include the key figures directly in the listing and come across as professional and transparent from the outset.