01Before selling or renting: Compare information and documents
Check that the energy certificate covers the building and intended use. Record the issue date, certificate type, final energy indicator, energy source and, where applicable, efficiency class. Do not confuse one apartment's floor plan with the building assessed. If information is unclear or contradictory, ask the professional who issued the certificate.
The energy-certificate check helps you prepare; it does not issue a certificate. Also use the Exposé template and overview of documents for the sale of the apartment. The applicable regulations determine mandatory disclosures and exceptions; completing a template does not establish compliance.
02Do not derive renovation costs from the efficiency class
An energy-efficiency class is not a cost estimate. Calculated demand, measured consumption, occupants’ behaviour and the building’s actual condition describe different aspects. Have planned works, interactions between measures and the effort involved assessed professionally. A general online figure per square meter does not establish your house’s costs or guarantee an increase in value.
Budget separately for the purchase, immediately necessary work, later improvements and an emergency reserve. The additional purchase costs calculator covers only the costs you select and does not confirm eligibility for funding. Check the current official programmes against your actual circumstances.
03When is an energy certificate mandatory?
The Building Modernization Act (GModG) requires a valid energy certificate if you
- 1sella developed plot, a house or an condominium apartment – also when a heritable building right (Erbbaurecht) is created.
- 2Rent, lease or leta building, apartment or another self-contained unit where no valid energy certificate is available.
- 3new construction or major alterationsFor a new building, an energy-demand certificate must be issued. For alterations, this applies under the conditions of § 80(2) GModG; not every modernisation triggers the requirement.
Exceptions
04Energy-demand or energy-consumption certificate?
| feature | Energy-consumption certificate | Energy-demand certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Actual consumption of the last three years, adjusted for weather conditions | Calculation based on construction, insulation and heating |
| Depends on | Heating behavior of the residents | from the building only |
| Effort | low – statements are sufficient | higher – building data, often inspection |
| Costs (guideline values) | usually under €150 | usually several hundred euros |
An energy-demand certificate is mandatory for older, small residential buildings
05What belongs in the real estate ad
If an energy certificate is available when an advertisement is published, the advertisement must contain this information (§ 87 GModG):
- 1Type of energy certificateEnergy-demand or energy-consumption certificate
- 2Final energy demand or consumptionin kWh per m² per year
- 3Main energy sourcefor example gas, district heating, electricity (heat pump)
- 4Year built according to the energy certificatein residential buildings
- 5Energy efficiency classin residential buildings
- A+
- A
- B
- C
- D
- E
- F
- G
- H
06Viewing and handover
- 1Present at the latest during the inspectionAs an original, copy or clearly visible notice. Without inspection: immediately, at the latest upon request.
- 2Handed over after conclusion of the contractBuyers or tenants receive the energy certificate or a copy promptly after conclusion of the purchase or rental contract.
- 3Consultation when purchasingAnyone buying a house with no more than two dwellings must have a free information session on the energy certificate if one is offered.
07Validity, issuer and fine
| Question | Answer | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| How long is it valid? | Generally 10 years; a new energy certificate required under § 80(2) ends the previous certificate's validity early | § 79 GModG |
| Who issues it? | Only persons authorised under § 88 GModG; a job title alone is insufficient—check the required qualifications | § 88 GModG |
| What happens if it is missing? | Fine of up to €10,000, for example if it is not presented or handed over | § 108 GModG |
If you sell through an estate agent, the agency usually arranges the energy certificate. The statutory duties of the seller and responsible agent still apply. The Preparing to sell the house explains what to consider when choosing an agent.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an energy certificate if I sell my apartment?
Yes. When selling, a valid energy certificate must be presented at the latest during the inspection and handed over after the purchase contract (§ 80 GModG). Exceptions apply to monuments and small buildings.
How long is an energy certificate valid?
Generally ten years from issue. If a new energy certificate is required under § 80(2), the previous certificate loses its validity regardless (§ 79(3) GModG).
How much does an energy certificate cost?
An energy-consumption certificate usually costs less than 150 €, while an energy-demand certificate usually costs several hundred euros. Prices are freely agreed — obtain quotations.
What fines are there without an energy certificate?
Anyone who does not present or hand over the energy certificate risks a fine of up to €10,000 (Section 108 GModG).
No legal or tax advice
This guide provides a general overview and does not replace legal or energy advice.
Next steps and background
Data sources
Official source · Our own calculation · Our own analysis · DDORF estimate → Methodology
- Official sourceGebäudemodernisierungsgesetz§§ 79–88 energy certificate · § 108 fineView source(opens new window)