France updated its Diagnostic de Performance Energétique (energy performance diagnosis or DPE) on July 1, 2021. The government touted the changes as a better way to determine the environmental impact of homes.
Residential buildings must comply with the minimum energy-efficiency band by 2025. As of 2022, the seven energy-efficiency bands range from A to G.
Prospective landlords and sellers must at least meet the requirements for an E band before they can rent out or divest properties.
What Are The 7 Energy-Efficiency Bands?
The seven energy bands correspond to a residential building’s overall energy diagnosis, also known as energy performance certificates (EPCs).
While most EPCs remain valid for 10 years from the issuance date, it’s advisable for properties to achieve an E band or higher to avoid penalties.
Old EPC Bands (Energy Consumption)
A – Less than or equal to 50 kWh per square meter every year
B – Between 51 and 90 kWh per square meter every year
C – Between 91 and 150 kWh per square meter every year
D – Between 151 and 230 kWh per square meter every year
E – Between 231 and 330 kWh per square meter every year
F – Between 331 and 450 kWh per square meter every year
G – More than 450 kWh per square meter every year
While most EPCs remain valid for 10 years from the issuance date, it’s advisable for properties to achieve an E band or higher to avoid penalties. (Groupe Mercure)
Old EPC Bands (Greenhouse Gas Emissions)
A – Less than or equal to 5 kg CO2 per square meter every year
B – Between 6 and 10 kg CO2 per square meter every year
C – Between 11 and 20 kg CO2 per square meter every year
D – Between 21 and 35 kg CO2 per square meter every year
E – Between 36 and 55 kg CO2 per square meter every year
F – Between 56 and 80 kg CO2 per square meter every year
G – More than 80 kg CO2 per square meter every year
France aims to phase out the F band and G band for residential properties on Jan. 1, 2025. In other words, landlords and sellers may encounter problems with listings if their properties fail to meet the minimum recommended band.
Property listings since July 1, 2021, have included information about energy and emissions bands, as well as the estimated energy bill.
Luxury Properties With High EPC Ratings
Groupe Mercure, a top luxury property broker in France, features property listings for rent or sale that have excellent EPC ratings.
This family, agricultural and tourist estate of more than 238 square hectares includes two Bastides, a swimming pool, a caretaker’s accommodation and a former chapel. (Groupe Mercure)
Gorgeous Estate In Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (B Band)
Price: EUR 5.9 million (US $6.7 million+)
This 238-hectare mansion registered an EPC rating of B because of its low energy consumption and emission rate.
According to the government’s new calculation method, a property’s final EPC rating depends on which rating is lower based on two factors:
- Greenhouse gas emissions
- Primary energy consumption
For example, the estate uses 87 kWh of primary energy per square meter every year (i.e., B band). It also produces 2 kg CO2 per square meter every year (i.e., A band).
Despite reaching the highest band for greenhouse emissions, the estate still attained the B band as its final rating.
The property’s EPC rating remains impressive, especially because it has 26 rooms. Other amenities within the estate include 13 cottages, 62 hectares of agricultural and 156 hectares of forestry land.
This exceptional stone-clad property takes in a breathtaking view of the sea, the vineyards and the mountains. (Groupe Mercure)
Luxurious Farmhouse In South Of France (B Band)
Price: EUR 3.71 million (US $4.24 million+)
Here’s another energy-efficient prime property that allows you to witness magnificent views of mountains, the sea and vineyards.
The 293-square-meter residential property includes six bedrooms and three bathrooms. A luxurious farmhouse may seem ironic but not when it has:
- Carport
- Game room
- Hammam (steam bath)
- Heated swimming pool and pool-house
- Landscaped garden
- Petanque court and gym
- Spacious bar
Despite the modern amenities, the property only consumes 80 kWh per square meter every year. Its CO2 rate every year reaches 2 kg per square meter.
Situated in a residential area in between Biot and Valbonne, this renovated villa offers an ideal compromise between the liveliness of seaside living and the calm of the hinterland. (Groupe Mercure)
Sought-After Villa In Biot (C Band)
Price: EUR 3.6 million (US $4.1 million+)
A highly coveted villa in Biot near the French Riviera also provides residents with exceptional beachfront and mountain views.
The property registered a final C band rating because it consumes 134 kWh per square meter every year. Its greenhouse gas emissions, however, only reach 4 kg per square meter every year.
Despite having a lower band, its strategic location seems to be a better trade-off for energy consumption.
For example, parents won’t have to drive too far from the house to look for schools. A trip to the Centre International de Valbonne or the Mougins International School only takes less than 15 minutes.
Groupe Mercure described the villa’s location as “highest in the neighborhood,” which partly makes it a sought-after property.
For other luxury properties in France, the final EPC ratings may change because of the updated calculation method.
Click here to browse Groupe Mercure’s prime property listings from historic chateaus to modern apartments.
