DPE 2027: A New Calculation Method Could Improve Your Property’s Energy Rating
From 1 January 2027, the calculation method used for France’s Energy Performance Diagnostic, known as the DPE, will change. This reform may improve the energy rating of certain properties, particularly electrically heated homes, without any renovation work being carried out.
What is changing?
The coefficient used to convert electricity consumption into primary energy will be reduced from 1.9 to 1.7. As a result, the theoretical energy consumption shown in the DPE will decrease for properties using electricity, particularly for heating or hot water production. According to government estimates, approximately 300,000 homes could consequently move out of the F or G energy classes. However, not every electrically heated property will automatically receive a better rating. The result will depend on the property’s characteristics and how close its current score is to the threshold between two energy classes.
Sellers: do you need a new DPE?
If your existing DPE is still valid, you will normally not need another inspection by a certified diagnostician.
From 1 January 2027, an official certificate showing the recalculated energy rating should be available free of charge through the ADEME DPE-Audit Observatory.
To obtain the certificate:
- Find the ADEME identification number on your existing DPE report.
- Visit the ADEME DPE-Audit Observatory.
- Enter your DPE identification number.
- Download the official certificate showing the new rating.
- Send both the original DPE and the certificate to your estate agent and notary.
A better energy rating may make your property more attractive to buyers and could influence price negotiations. In certain circumstances, it may also change the seller’s legal obligations. For example, a detached house reclassified from E to D may no longer require a statutory energy audit when sold, subject to the regulations applicable at the time of the transaction.
Buyers: how should you interpret the new rating?
An improved rating in 2027 does not necessarily mean that the property has been renovated. Its insulation, windows, heating system, comfort and actual energy consumption remain unchanged if the new classification results solely from the revised calculation method.
Before buying, you should therefore examine:
- the original DPE and any updated rating certificate;
- the diagnostician’s recommendations for improvements;
- the condition of the insulation and technical equipment;
- any available energy bills;
- the statutory energy audit, where applicable.
You should also check that the address, property details and ADEME identification number on the certificate correspond to the property you are considering.
Keep the certificate with the original DPE
The certificate downloaded from ADEME replaces only the original energy label. It is not a new diagnostic report and has the same expiry date as the original DPE.
The seller must therefore retain and provide both documents: the original DPE and the official updated rating certificate.
Planning to buy or sell a property in 2027?
Whether you are selling or buying, our agency can help you check the validity of the DPE, determine whether an updated rating is available and understand how the property’s energy classification may affect your plans.