Answers for property owners
The energy performance certificate for selling your home
Without an energy certificate there is no sale and no compliant advert. It can be ordered in a few days and lasts ten years.
SHORT ANSWER
It is mandatory to sell or rent a home and is valid for ten years. It is issued by a competent technician and registered with the Junta de Andalucía. The notary requires it for the sale and the rating (from A, the best, to G) must appear in the advert.
IN THIS ARTICLE
The energy performance certificate (certificado de eficiencia energética) is one of the easiest documents to gather and one of the most often forgotten until the last moment. Ordering it before putting the home on the market avoids delays.
What it is and what it includes
It is a certificate issued by a competent technician that measures the energy efficiency of a building. It must include:
- The construction features of the home, its heating and air-conditioning systems, hot water and renewable energy
- The rating label, similar to the one on household appliances: from A (green, the most efficient) to G (red)
- Improvement recommendations: more efficient systems, better window frames and glazing, insulation or renewables
Who needs it and since when
It is required for new homes and buildings, for those that are sold or rented (for rentals, when they exceed four months) and for public buildings over 250 m². It is handed to the buyer or tenant and the notary asks for it in sales. In addition, the regulations require all marketing material for a property for sale to include the energy rating, so without a certificate the advert is not compliant. The current regulation is Royal Decree 390/2021.
Who issues it and how much it costs
It is issued by qualified technicians (architects, technical architects and engineers) who register it online in the Junta de Andalucía register. The price depends on the floor area and the complexity of the home: for a small apartment it is a modest figure and for a large villa it rises noticeably. Get quotes from two or three technicians and check that the certificate ends up registered.
What happens if you get a low grade
It does not prevent a sale. The label informs; it is not a quality requirement. What can happen is that the buyer uses it to negotiate. You can consider the improvements the certificate suggests (windows, insulation, efficient air conditioning) before going to market if they are cheap, or mention them in the negotiation if they are not.
The same applies to the certificates you must have to hand at the signing: see the list of documents for the signing.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the energy certificate valid?
Ten years. If you carry out a renovation that changes the efficiency of the home, it is best to update it.
Can I sell without a certificate?
Not in compliance: the notary requires it for the sale and the rating must appear in the advert.
Who can issue it?
A competent technician, registered to issue and file certificates with the Junta de Andalucía.
Is it handed to the buyer?
Yes. It must be made available to the buyer or tenant so that they can compare the efficiency of the homes they are considering.
About the author
Alfonso Lacruz
Naval engineer and market analyst. Over 25 years advising owners in Marbella and Benahavís. Publishes a monthly market analysis with Land Registry data.
Every case is different: before you sign or decide, confirm your situation with your own lawyer, notary or tax adviser.
Sources: Royal Decree 390/2021; Junta de Andalucía (Andalusian Energy Agency); Consejo General del Notariado (General Council of Notaries). Last updated: 24 October 2026.
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