Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) 2026–2027: what’s changing when selling your home in Charente
Are you a homeowner in Brie (16590), Champniers, Mornac, Ruelle-sur-Touvre or Garat, and are you considering selling your property? The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), known in France as the DPE, has become an essential part of any property sale.
A house rated E, F or G may raise questions among potential buyers, particularly regarding energy costs and any work that may be required. However, regulations are evolving, and the changes scheduled for 1 January 2027 could affect the energy rating of certain properties.
Is your property affected? Do you need a new EPC before selling? Could a property currently rated F or G receive a better rating in 2027?
Here is what homeowners need to know to prepare for a property sale in Charente and the Greater Angoulême area.
The EPC: why is it so important when selling a house?
The Energy Performance Certificate assesses a property's energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
It assigns two ratings, from A to G:
Energy rating: indicates the property's energy consumption.
Climate rating: indicates its level of greenhouse gas emissions.
The overall rating is determined by the lower of the two ratings.
For a potential buyer, the EPC is an important indicator. It provides information about thermal comfort, estimated energy costs and any improvements that may be required.
In Brie, Champniers, Mornac or Ruelle-sur-Touvre, as elsewhere in Charente, an older house with an energy-intensive heating system will not necessarily be viewed in the same way as a recently renovated, well-insulated property.
The EPC can therefore influence a property's appeal, the questions asked during viewings and any subsequent price negotiations.
EPC: what has already changed since 1 January 2026?
A significant change came into force on 1 January 2026: the electricity conversion factor used to calculate primary energy consumption was reduced from 2.3 to 1.9.
In practical terms, this change makes the EPC calculation more favourable for properties that use electricity.
Houses equipped with electric heating or an electric hot water system may therefore benefit from a better energy rating.
However, this does not mean that the property consumes less electricity. It simply changes the calculation method used to determine the energy rating.
EPCs issued before this date remain valid. An official certificate showing the updated rating can be downloaded free of charge from the ADEME DPE and Energy Audit Observatory website, without requiring another visit from the energy assessor.
EPC 2027: another major change coming on 1 January
A second change is officially scheduled for 1 January 2027.
The electricity conversion factor used to calculate primary energy consumption will decrease from 1.9 to 1.7.
This measure applies to both EPC assessments and energy audits.
Which properties could benefit from this change?
Properties that use electricity for several purposes are particularly affected:
Electric heating.
Domestic hot water production.
Air conditioning.
Other electrical equipment included in the calculation.
For some properties, this change could result in an improvement of one energy rating. In rare cases, particularly for certain smaller properties, the improvement could reach two ratings.
A house currently rated F could therefore, depending on its characteristics, receive an E rating. Some properties currently rated G could also see their rating improve.
Please note: this improvement is not automatic. It depends on the property's characteristics and the proportion of electricity in its calculated energy consumption. No property will receive a lower rating as a result of this change.
Do you need a new EPC after 1 January 2027?
No, not necessarily.
EPCs issued before 1 January 2027 that are still valid will be eligible for a free rating update through the ADEME DPE and Energy Audit Observatory website.
This certificate can be downloaded without another visit from an energy assessor. It will replace the original energy rating without changing the other information contained in the assessment.
New EPCs issued from 1 January 2027 onwards will automatically incorporate the new conversion factor of 1.7.
Homeowners concerned should therefore check whether their existing assessment can benefit from this change before putting their house on the market.
January 2027: further changes to the information included in the EPC
The change to the electricity conversion factor is not the only planned development.
From 1 January 2027, the EPC will also include new information about renewable energy sources.
Greater recognition of renewable energy sources
The assessment will provide clearer information about equipment that uses or generates renewable energy.
Installations such as photovoltaic solar panels, solar thermal systems and certain heating systems using renewable energy will be more clearly identified.
The document will also specify the contribution of renewable energy production to the property's energy consumption.
A new "A0" designation for certain buildings
A new designation, known as "A0", will be introduced to identify certain buildings considered to have zero emissions.
This designation will not apply to all properties rated A or B. Specific conditions will need to be met, particularly regarding the energy sources used and the absence of heating or domestic hot water systems that could use fossil fuels.
This is therefore an additional distinction, rather than a new energy rating available to all properties.
Houses rated E, F or G: what are the implications when selling a property?
An energy rating can have different consequences depending on whether you intend to sell or rent out your house.
Can you sell a house rated F or G?
Yes. A house rated F or G can still be sold.
There is no general ban on selling a property based on its energy rating.
However, these properties may require particular attention when being marketed, as potential buyers may factor the cost of energy-efficiency improvements into their decision-making and budget.
For an older house in Brie, Champniers or the surrounding Angoulême area, it is therefore important to establish a realistic asking price that reflects its condition, facilities and any work that may be required.
Is an energy audit compulsory when selling a house?
Yes, in certain circumstances.
For individual houses and single-owner apartment buildings covered by the regulations, an energy audit must be provided when selling a property rated:
F or G since 1 April 2023.
E since 1 January 2025.
This audit complements the EPC. It sets out proposed improvements to the property's energy performance, including renovation stages and potential energy savings.
This requirement applies to the sale itself: it does not mean that the owner must carry out the work before selling.
What rental restrictions should you be aware of?
Homeowners considering keeping their property as a rental investment must also take the regulatory timetable into account.
In mainland France, properties rated G can no longer be offered for rent since 1 January 2025, under the rules applicable to new rental agreements concerned.
The next deadlines are:
1 January 2028: rental ban for properties rated F.
1 January 2034: rental ban for properties rated E.
These deadlines concern rental properties and do not constitute restrictions on selling.
Planning to sell your house in Charente: should you wait until 2027 to obtain an EPC?
The answer depends on your circumstances.
If your house is heated by electricity and its energy rating is close to the threshold between two ratings, the change scheduled for January 2027 is worth considering.
It may be worth checking whether your current EPC could benefit from the new calculation method before spending money on a new assessment.
However, if you are planning to sell in the near future, other aspects of your property sale should not be overlooked. The EPC is just one of the factors that determine a property's appeal and value.
Location, floor area, plot size, general condition, facilities and the prices of comparable properties remain essential when setting a realistic asking price.
💡 The support of a property professional: an essential asset for a successful sale
Selling a property is not something to be taken lightly. Setting the right asking price, understanding buyers' expectations, managing each stage of the transaction and ensuring that every step is handled correctly all require genuine expertise. Working with a property professional is essential to avoid costly mistakes, protect your interests and give yourself the best possible chance of selling under the right conditions.
A successful property sale starts with the right advice and a strategy tailored to the local property market.
Would you like to know how much your house is worth in Brie or the Greater Angoulême area?
Do you own a property in Brie (16590), Champniers, Mornac, Ruelle-sur-Touvre, Garat or the surrounding Angoulême area?
Whether your house is rated A, D, E, F or G, its energy rating must be taken into account when assessing its value.
Before putting your property on the market, it is important to understand how its characteristics, EPC rating and changes in regulations may affect its position in the local property market.
I invite you to start with a property valuation tailored to your home and your plans.
FAQ – EPC and property sales in Charente
Can my EPC rating change on 1 January 2027?
Yes, if your property is affected by the change to the electricity conversion factor. Some properties may improve by one energy rating, or even two in rare cases. However, this change will not apply systematically.
Could a house rated F or G become an E in 2027?
This is possible, depending on the property's characteristics and its use of electricity. You will need to download the official ADEME certificate to find out the new rating applicable to your property.
Do I need a new EPC in January 2027?
Not necessarily. If your EPC is still valid, you will be able to download a free certificate showing the updated rating if the change in conversion factor improves your property's classification. No further inspection will be required for this update.
Can you sell a house rated G in Charente?
Yes. A G rating does not prevent you from selling a house. However, it may influence buyers' expectations and price negotiations, particularly because of the energy-efficiency work that may be required.
Does a house rated F or G have to be renovated before it can be sold?
No. The compulsory energy audit for properties concerned presents possible renovation scenarios, but the seller is not required to carry out this work before selling.
Does the EPC affect the selling price of a house in Brie or near Angoulême?
Yes, it can influence a property's appeal and price negotiations. Its impact depends in particular on the energy rating, heating system, work required, asking price and characteristics of the local property market.
Sources: Légifrance, Service Public – Energy audits, Service Public
Françoise, your trusted partner for a successful property sale in Brie and the surrounding area.
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