Energy Performance Certificate (EPA): what it is and how to apply for it
The Energy Performance Certificate (EPA) is one of the fundamental documents for the sale and purchase of a property and in the construction industry in general. This certificate, introduced in Italy in 2013 with Decree Law 63/2013, has become a key element in assessing the energy efficiency of a building, whether a house or an apartment. Its importance has grown over time, with various regulations updating the methods for its preparation.
In this article, we will explore in detail what the EPA is, what it is for, how it is obtained and how much it costs, what happens if it is not done, and whether or not it is mandatory.
What is the Energy Performance Certificate (EPA)
The Energy Performance Certificate (EPA) is a document that describes the energy characteristics of a building, house, or apartment. It uses a 10-letter scale (A4 to G) to summarize the energy performance of buildings. This inspection tool is mandatory when selling or renting a property. The validity of this certificate is 10 years, provided that regular boiler checks are performed.
The EPA is therefore an essential element for anyone considering buying or renting a property. In fact, this document provides a comprehensive overview of the property’s energy efficiency, allowing for an assessment of energy consumption and environmental impact.
What the EPA is for.
The EPA summarizes the energy performance level of a property through a scale of A to G. In a nutshell, it indicates the energy efficiency level of buildings, taking into account several parameters such as thethermal insulation of the apartment, the location of the property and the presence of all those implants that ensure comfort and healthiness within home environments.
This document is therefore essential for providing information about the energy efficiency of the apartment. The EPA is a document that is used to inform the buyer or tenant about the energy performance of the property, enabling them to make an informed choice and evaluate possible energy improvement measures.
How to get an Energy Performance Certificate and how much it costs
In order to obtain the EPA, an inspection of the property is required to assess its structural characteristics such as the quality of fixtures, energy efficiency related to consumption and heating and hot water systems, the healthiness of the interior spaces, and the presence of any autonomous energy production systems.
After careful evaluation, the certifier draws up the appropriate form and issues the Energy Plate, with the “energy” description of the apartment.
The average price for EPA energy certification is around €150, but can vary depending on several factors, including geographic area, size of the property, and complexity of the analysis.
It is important to remember that the EPA must be prepared by a licensed professional, such as an engineer, architect or land surveyor, who has taken a specific training course and is registered in a special list.
What happens if you don’t do the EPA
The absence of the EPA can have several consequences. First, without this document, it is not possible to sell or rent a property. In addition, if upgrading or renovation work is carried out on the apartment that changes its structure (replacement of the boiler, flooring, change of fixtures, etc.), the certificate will have to be updated.
Finally, the APE is required to obtain the new 110% Ecobonus. In order to obtain the 110% tax deductions, an improvement of at least 2 energy classes of the building or the highest class must be achieved, to be demonstrated precisely through the EPA. In addition, the absence of the EPA can result in fines, which may vary depending on the region and the severity of the offense.
Is the Energy Performance Certificate mandatory?
The EPA is mandatory in several situations. It is required in the case of a real estate sale and purchase, whether public or private, if you intend to donate property (gratuitous transfer), if you leases a building or an individual housing unit, if you are drafting an advertisement for the sale of a property, if you want to putting up new buildings for sale, o If renovating more than 25% of the area of the entire building. In addition, the EPA is also mandatory to obtain certain tax benefits, such as Ecobonus.
Conclusions
The Energy Performance Certificate is a key element in real estate. It provides valuable information about the energy efficiency of a property, is mandatory in many situations, and can significantly affect the value of a property.
Whether you are a buyer, seller, renter or landlord, it is important to understand what the EPA is, how it is obtained and why it is so important.
In this context, real estate agencies such as Ideas & Real Estate play a key role. With their experience and expertise, they can guide clients through the process of obtaining an EPA, ensuring that all procedures are followed correctly and that the document accurately reflects the energy characteristics of the property.
