When you're selling your house, there's a lot to consider. You think about the asking price, the photos, the viewings. But then suddenly you hear: "Have you arranged the energy label yet?""
An energy label? What exactly is that? And why is it so important?
Think of the energy label as the label on a refrigerator or washing machine. It tells you, and especially the future buyer, how energy-efficient (or inefficient) your home is. This is indicated by a letter, ranging from G (red, very inefficient) to A++++ (green, net-zero energy, or even energy-generating).
An energy label isn't just an administrative requirement; it's crucial for the value and marketability of your home. In this article, we'll explain in plain language why you can't do without one, the crucial difference between 'old' and 'new' labels, and how we can help you find the right expert to draw one up.
You need a definitive energy label when you sell, rent out, or have your house delivered (for new construction). If you hand over the house to the new owner without a valid energy label, you risk a hefty fine, which you naturally want to avoid.
Besides being legally required, an energy label is also extremely valuable to potential buyers:
- Insight into monthly costs: A home with a G energy label can cost hundreds of euros more per month in energy than a home with an A energy label. Potential buyers want to know what to expect.
- Comfort: A green label (A, B) often means good isolation, good glazing, and heating with modern appliances. This means no drafty corners or cold feet in the winter
- Future costs: If a potential buyer sees a bad label, they know they need to invest in isolation, glazing, and possibly solar panels or a heat pump. This is factored into the financial planning (and often also into the offer).
With a good energy label, you can sell your home faster and for a better price. A lower energy label isn't a disaster, but it does provide clarity. And it's precisely that clarity that potential buyers find so important..
Energy labels before and after January 1, 2021:
Perhaps you applied for a label for your home eight years ago, but the question now is whether this label is still valid. What's the difference between the 'old' labels from before January 1, 2021, and the 'new' labels from after January 1, 2021?
1. The 'old' label (before January 1, 2021)
This was called the Simplified Energy Label:
- You could apply for this label yourself online by completing a questionnaire of approximately 10 questions. For example, questions like: "Do you have double glazing?" or "Which type of central heating boiler do you have?"
- The completed questionnaire was then checked against several photos uploaded by the owner. A "certified expert" assessed the application remotely (read: from behind a computer) and approved the label.
- The problem? It was an estimate. If the seller thought there was good isolation, but in reality it turned out to be thin polystyrene, the label was already incorrect. It was therefore a quick and inexpensive way to obtain an energy label, but not very reliable.
The 'new' label (after January 1, 2021)
It was decided that the energy label format needed to be taken more seriously, which resulted in a completely new approach:
- You can no longer fill out anything yourself online; instead, you must hire a certified energy advisor (EP advisor).
- This advisor will visit you in person for a comprehensive inspection.
- The advisor will measure everything: the precise dimensions of your home, the thickness of the walls, the type of glass, the different types of isolation, the type of heating, the presence of ventilation, and any solar panels.
- Finally, the advice is processed, resulting in a new energy label. This method is more expensive and time-consuming, but it's extremely accurate. It provides a detailed picture of your home's energy efficiency, including a list of recommendations for improving the label if necessary.
In short: The major difference is the physical inspection. The old label was a quick online guess by the seller, while the new label is a thorough on-site inspection by a consultant.
We often get questions from sellers about whether the "old" label is still valid. Yes! An energy label (using both the old and new methods) is valid for 10 years after the date of issue.
Note: If you've extensively renovated and isolated your home, it's possible that your home is registered with a "C" label, while in reality, it now deserves an "A" label. In this case, it's wise to have a consultant come by to prepare a new energy label. This investment will more than pay for itself in the sale price and speed of the sale.
You can see which energy label your home is registered with at https://ep-online.nl/.
How ADOMU Real Estate Agents helps you find the right advisor
If it turns out you need a new energy label, you'll most likely search online for an advisor. However, dozens of advisors and experts are offered online, all with different prices and waiting times, which can eventually make it difficult to see the forest for the trees.
At ADOMU Real Estate Agenst, we value clarity and go the extra mile in our service. We're not energy advisors ourselves, but we know exactly who the certified professionals are. We're happy to help you find the right advisor. If you've already found an advisor, that's no problem either. You're completely free to work with an advisor who feels right for you.
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