Energy efficiency in Spain: What you need to know as a property owner

From 2030, selling a property in Spain without the appropriate energy document may become impossible. Revolutionary changes in Spanish energy efficiency regulations could drastically affect the ability to carry out transactions on the real estate market. Owners of apartments and houses will be required to hold an energy certificate of at least class E in order to legally sell or rent their property.

These new regulations, introduced as part of EU sustainability goals, aim to improve energy efficiency in Spain and reduce CO2 emissions. The construction sector accounts for approximately 40% of total electricity consumption in Europe, and around 75% of existing buildings in the European Union are energy inefficient. In view of these challenges and new regulatory requirements, anyone considering buying property in Spain must already start planning the necessary investments.

Key deadlines and legal requirements – Timeline of changes 2030-2033

Energy rating in Spain is undergoing a period of significant changes. Spanish law already requires possession of an energy document when selling or renting property, in accordance with Real Decreto 390/2021. However, upcoming changes will introduce specific minimum requirements for energy class.

Key dates for property owners

• From 2030, all residential buildings and properties intended for sale or rent will be required to hold an energy certificate of at least class E. This is a significant change compared to current regulations, which only require possession of the document without specifying a minimum class.
• From 2033, the requirements will be tightened to class D. The European Commission approved legislation in March 2023 obligating all dwellings in member states to obtain an energy performance certificate of class D within ten years.

Consequences for properties with a low rating

Properties with a class F or G certificate will find themselves in a particularly difficult situation. Owners of such properties will need to carry out significant energy upgrades in order to continue operating on the real estate market after 2030. It is worth noting, however, that historical and religious buildings will be exempt from these requirements due to their cultural heritage value.

Spanish authorities already impose penalties for non-compliance with property rental regulations in Spain. Fines range from 300 to 6,000 euros, depending on the severity of the violation. The most common penalty applies to advertising the sale or lease of a property without stating its energy efficiency class.

How to check the current energy rating of your property

Locating an existing document

Under Real Decreto 390/2021, the owner only needs to obtain a new energy performance document in specific circumstances. When selling a property in Spain, the seller must provide a copy of the properly registered energy performance certificate along with the energy efficiency label.

In the case of renting a property in Spain, a copy of the energy efficiency label must be attached to the contract and a copy of the document with usage recommendations must be provided to the tenant.

Procedure for obtaining a new document

An energy certificate in Spain must be prepared by a qualified technician. Any publication of information about the sale or rental of a property through real estate agencies, websites, property portals, or in the press must include information about the energy efficiency classification.

Although specific certification costs are not defined by law, they represent a relatively small expense compared to the potential costs of energy upgrades.

Upgrades to increase energy efficiency – Best investments

Key investments in energy efficiency

Improving the energy performance of properties in Spain requires a comprehensive approach covering various building systems. The most effective upgrades focus on reducing energy consumption and optimising heating and cooling systems. These measures not only affect living comfort but can also significantly facilitate the process of selling a property in the future.

Thermal insulation of external walls and the roof forms the foundation of energy performance. Proper insulation can reduce heat loss by as much as 30-40%, which directly translates into lower energy consumption and a better energy certificate class.

Replacing windows with energy-efficient ones featuring double or triple glazing is another investment with high savings potential. Modern windows not only reduce heat loss but also improve acoustic comfort for residents.

Next-generation heating and cooling systems

Upgrading heating and cooling systems can significantly improve the energy rating of a property in Spain. Heat pumps, condensing gas boilers, and hybrid systems offer much higher efficiency than traditional solutions. Installing smart thermostats allows for precise temperature management in individual rooms.

LED lighting and photovoltaics

Replacing traditional lighting with LED technology can reduce electricity consumption for lighting by up to 80%. Installing photovoltaic systems is a long-term investment that not only improves a building’s energy class but can also generate income from selling surplus energy to the grid. Moreover, properties with photovoltaic installations may benefit from reductions in property tax in some regions of Spain, which further increases the attractiveness of this investment.

Impact on property value and the market – Why it is worth investing now

Value increase after upgrades

Investments in energy efficiency in Spain have a direct impact on the market value of properties. Buildings with a high energy class are more attractive to buyers and tenants, which translates into higher sale prices and rents. Energy-efficient properties in Spain generate lower operating costs, which is a significant argument in price negotiations.

Attractiveness on the rental market

On the long-term rental market in Spain, properties with high energy performance can achieve higher rental rates due to lower maintenance costs for tenants. Savings on energy bills are particularly important in the current times of rising energy prices.

Owners of energy-efficient properties can also find tenants more quickly, as such dwellings are more sought after on the market. The return on investment in energy efficiency typically ranges from 5 to 15 years, depending on the type and scope of the upgrades.

Practical action plan for owners – Step by step to success

Diagnosing the current energy status

The first step in preparing for the new energy performance requirements in Spain is to thoroughly assess the current energy status of the property. Owners should check whether they hold a valid energy document, and if not, commission a qualified technician to prepare one.

An energy audit carried out by a certified specialist provides detailed information about the building’s weak points in terms of energy performance. Such an audit identifies the areas of greatest energy loss and proposes specific upgrade solutions along with cost estimates.

Planning upgrades in advance

After obtaining the energy diagnosis, owners should develop a strategic upgrade plan, taking into account the available budget and investment priorities. It is advisable to start with measures that offer the highest savings potential and the shortest payback period.

Considering that the requirements will come into effect in 2030, owners should begin planning now. Starting upgrades early allows costs to be spread over time and enables owners to take advantage of currently available support programmes.

Available grants and financing for energy upgrades

Government and European programmes

Spanish authorities are introducing financial support programmes for owners wishing to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. Spanish citizens can already benefit from programmes enabling savings of up to 60% when carrying out energy rehabilitation of their homes. The electricity sector in Spain is undergoing a regulatory transformation that favours investments in technologies aimed at reducing energy consumption.

These programmes include both direct grants and tax relief for investments in energy-efficient technologies. European funds under the Green Deal also offer support for projects that increase the energy efficiency of buildings.

Preferential loans for upgrades

Spanish banks increasingly offer preferential loans for energy upgrades with favourable interest rates. Such financing allows comprehensive upgrades to be carried out while spreading the costs over a long period, making the investment accessible to a wider range of owners.

Frequently asked questions about energy efficiency in Spain

1. Do the requirements apply to short-term rentals?

Energy certification requirements apply to all forms of property rental, including short-term rentals through platforms such as Airbnb. Owners operating in this segment will also be required to meet the class E requirements from 2030.

2. What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Penalties for non-compliance with energy documentation regulations in Spain are already being enforced by Spanish authorities. Fines range from 300 to 6,000 euros depending on the type of violation. After 2030, stricter inspections and penalties can be expected for properties that fail to meet minimum energy requirements.

3. Can you sell a property before 2030 without upgrades?

Owners can sell their properties before 2030 without the need to upgrade to class E, provided they hold a valid energy document as required by current regulations. However, it should be noted that buyers are increasingly aware of the upcoming changes, which may affect price negotiations.

4. How long do upgrade works take?

The duration of upgrade works depends on their scope and can range from a few weeks for basic measures (window replacement, lighting upgrades) to several months for comprehensive upgrades involving thermal insulation and heating system replacement.

Summary of the most important information about energy efficiency in Spain

Upcoming changes to energy performance regulations in Spain require property owners to take a proactive approach and plan early. The key deadlines are 2030 for achieving class E and 2033 for class D. Owners who begin upgrades now will not only avoid legal problems but will also benefit from available financial support programmes and increase the value of their properties.

Investing in energy performance is not just a legal requirement but also an economically justified decision that brings long-term benefits in the form of lower operating costs and higher property values. In the face of rising energy prices and growing environmental awareness among the public, energy-efficient properties will be increasingly sought after on the market. Additionally, owners can benefit from preferences in property tax and facilitated property sale processes thanks to high energy certificates.

If you are considering buying property in Spain from the primary market, it is worth choosing developers who are already designing buildings with future energy requirements in mind. At Go Spain, we specialise in offering modern properties that meet the highest energy performance standards.

Contact the Go Spain experts today to learn more about available properties with high energy certificates. Don’t wait until the last moment – start planning your investment in an energy-efficient future now!