An energy audit must be carried out prior to the sale of houses or buildings classified F or G in the energy performance diagnosis. This document will propose the work to be carried out to improve the classification of the home, in one go or in stages. This work is not mandatory to conclude the sale, but the purchaser will be informed of its nature.

Since 2006, the sale of a home must be accompanied by an energy performance diagnosis (DPE), which assesses its energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Depending on the result, this home is classified from A to G.

The sale of residential buildings belonging to a single owner or individual houses with a poor DPE must also be accompanied by a energy audit to be transmitted to the buyer.

From April ^1, 2023, the obligation to carry out an energy audit will first concern homes classified as F or G, so-called housing " thermal strainers " , whose promise of sale or, failing that, the deed of sale, is signed as of April ^1, 2023, according to a decree dated August 9, 2022.

The audit will then apply to E-classified dwellings from January 1 ^, 2025, then to D-classified dwellings from January ^1, 2034.

What does the energy audit contain?

The energy audit formulates proposals for work to be carried out to improve the energy performance of the housing concerned. It presents at least two scenarios for work to be carried out in several stages or in one to move F or G housing to class C (or class B for housing classified E or D before work). Unless there are special constraints, the first stage must increase at least one class and reach at least class E.

This document must be given to the prospective buyer during the first visit to the property, and be attached to the sales agreement. Carrying out the recommended work is not mandatory to conclude the sale: the aim is to inform the buyer, so that they can include this work in their purchase project, which is generally accompanied by a renovation programme.

This audit includes in particular:

• a general inventory of the property (thermal and geometric characteristics, details of heating, hot water production, ventilation, cooling and lighting equipment);
• an estimate of the building's performance, based on the DPE;
• proposals for work to achieve improvement.

For each stage of the work process, the audit must provide, for its main information:

• the estimation of energy savings;
• the estimation of the theoretical impact of the proposed works on the energy bill in the form of a range of cost savings;
• the estimate of the amount of work;
• mention of the main financial aid available (national and local)

Please note: the energy audit will apply in overseas departments and regions from July 1 ^, 2024 for housing classified F or G, and from January ^1, 2028 for housing classified E.