<h1>Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) in Costa del Sol</h1>

What is the purpose of the new Energy Performance Certificates?

The decree establishes the requirements to make available for buyers and tenants an energy efficiency certificate providing objective information on the energy characteristics of the existing building. This allows the public and potential buyers or lessors to assess and compare the energy characteristics of different buildings in their decision prior to procurement or signing of a lease.

Under what circumstances is the certificate mandatory?

A certificate is mandatory for all owners of a building (e.g. single family dwelling or apartment building) or part of an existing building (e.g. apartment or premises) and is required prior to advertising the unit for sale or rent. The certificate must be included in the information that the seller or landlord provides to the purchaser or tenant prior to entering negotiations of the transaction.

Who is responsible for residential energy efficiency certificates?

The Owner of the building (or Owner of individual apartment units) acting as Seller or Landlord is responsible for commissioning the completion of the energy efficiency certificate. The energy label must be shown as part of the advertising for the properties sales or lease, and:

• For a sale, the seller must provide the buyer (at the notary) with an original copy of the certificate
• For a rental or lease, a photocopy of the current certificate must accompany the leasing documentation

Once the original certificate is obtained, the Certificate and its corresponding energy efficiency label are valid for 10 years. During this time, the property Owner must maintain the relevant documentation; after the 10 year period, it is the responsibility of the property owner to re-validate the Certificate and associated label.

What if I sell or rent my property without advertising the energy efficiency label?

If the certificate and label are not obtained before the sale or lease, or the responsibility of obtaining the certificate is placed on the interested tenants or buyers as part of the sale or lease condition, the original property owner may suffer the following consequences:

• Sanctions and fines applied by the Autonomous Administration for violating Consumer Rights obligations
• The Contract of Sale or the lease can be deemed invalid for failing to disclose required information to the Consumer as part of sale or lease
• The existing seller or landlord will be required to compensate the buyer or tenant for any damages caused by the lack of information for not fulfilling their duty to inform the Consumer prior to the time of signing

The Autonomous Administration will carry out periodical checks to ensure property owner are in compliance with the new Decree and detect any cases of misrepresentation or fraud.

Prices and time?

With sv.renovations, you can get your certificate ready in 48 hours time. We will need to visit the property in order to take some measurements and notes (15-20 min). Prices:

• Apartments: 120 €
• Terraced houses: 150 €
• Detached houses (Villas): 1 €/m2