Energy Performance Certificates A and B: Why These Properties Have Become the New Standard
Since its reform in 2021, the Energy Performance Certificate has evolved from an indicative document to a real compass for the French real estate market. By 2026, owning a property classified as A or B is no longer just an ecological argument; it has become a significant asset in terms of heritage. This guide provides an overview of this paradigm shift and what it means for buyers.
The 2026 Energy Performance Certificate: a Determining Ranking
The Energy Performance Certificate classifies properties from A (very efficient) to G (energy inefficient). It takes into account two indicators: primary energy consumption (in kWh/m²/year) and greenhouse gas emissions (in kgCO₂/m²/year). Since 2021, the EPC is legally binding: a landlord can be held legally responsible for an incorrect EPC.
In concrete terms, a property classified as A consumes less than 70 kWh/m²/year, a B between 71 and 110, a C between 111 and 180. Beyond that, classes D to G correspond to increasingly less efficient properties — even thermal sieves for G properties.
For reference, Passivhaus certified passive houses surpass these standards, with heating consumption below 15 kWh/m²/year. The RE 2020 requires new constructions to generally achieve a level of performance equivalent to an EPC A or B.
Why EPC A or B Becomes Essential
Three factors converge to make A or B EPC properties the new reference standard.
First factor: regulatory pressure. The timeline for banning the rental of energy-inefficient properties accelerates the gradual devaluation of poorly performing properties. A property classified as F or G gradually becomes unsellable in its current state, or heavily discounted by buyers anticipating future work.
Second factor: evolution of energy costs. With the structural increase in energy prices observed since 2022, a high energy-performing property offers charges divided by two or three compared to a property classified as D. Over 20 years of ownership, the difference in charges amounts to several tens of thousands of euros.
Third factor: green value. Notaries now measure what is called the "green value": the price difference between two identical properties except for their EPC. It averages between 6 and 14% between an A/B property and a D/E property, depending on the regions. This premium continues to grow.
Timeline for the Ban on Energy Inefficient Properties
The Climate and Resilience Law has established a progressive ban on renting energy-inefficient properties:
- Since January 1, 2025: renting a property classified as G is prohibited
- As of January 1, 2028: renting a property classified as F is prohibited
- As of January 1, 2034: renting a property classified as E is prohibited
By 2034, only properties classified as D, C, B, and A can be rented in the French market. This trajectory encourages landlords to plan ahead and for buyers to prioritize already high-performing properties to avoid costly renovations. Other measures have also been gradually implemented, including some detailed in our article on what changed on January 1, 2025.
Valuation of A or B EPC Properties on the Market
In tight areas, an A or B EPC property sells for an average of 5 to 10% more than an equivalent property classified as D, with similar size and location. This premium can reach 15% in regions where buyers are particularly sensitive to energy performance, notably Île-de-France, the Côte d'Azur, and major metropolises.
Conversely, F or G classified properties experience an average discount of 10 to 20%, and an increasing number of banks outright refuse to grant a mortgage for these properties without a clearly defined renovation project. In this context, the current real estate market becomes an opportunity for buyers of eco-responsible properties at a good price.
For heritage properties falling under the Heritage selection, the situation is nuanced: the heritage and architectural value can offset an average EPC, provided that a clear rehabilitation program is undertaken, possibly through a fiscal scheme like the Malraux Law or Historic Monuments.
Where to Find High Energy Performance Properties
A, B, or C EPC properties form the minimum foundation of all properties listed on Sustainable Real Estate. It is the only French platform that filters its entire catalog based on this criterion.
For targeted searches, the sustainable label "Energy efficiency" identifies properties exceeding minimal requirements — often classified as A or B, sometimes certified Passivhaus or RE 2020 for new constructions. The selection covers all of France, with a concentration of high-performing properties in regions that have early adopted bioclimatic standards: Brittany, Alsace, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and Pays de la Loire.
Sustainable Real Estate only lists properties classified as EPC A, B, or C. Discover over 15,000 eco-responsible properties selected according to 7 sustainable criteria.