Energy Performance Certificate 2026: Deadlines, Prices, and Requirements for Selling or Renting

If you’re thinking about selling or renting your home on the Costa Blanca, one of the first questions that will come up is: Do I need an energy performance certificate? How much does it cost? How long does it take? In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the energy efficiency certificate in 2026, including realistic timelines, indicative prices, and the consequences of not having one.

What is an energy efficiency certificate?

The energy efficiency certificate is an official document that assesses a home’s energy consumption and assigns it a label ranging from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). This certificate must be issued by a qualified professional (architect, engineer, or building surveyor) and registered with the corresponding body in each autonomous community.

In the Valencian Community, the register is managed through the Valencian Institute of Building (IVE), and in the Region of Murcia via the General Directorate for Housing.

Is it mandatory in 2026?

Yes, it’s completely mandatory. Since the entry into force of Royal Decree 390/2021, any home put up for sale or for rent must have a valid and registered energy efficiency certificate. This applies to both new and existing homes, and to both long-term and seasonal rentals (with certain nuances).

The only exceptions are:

• Protected buildings with historical-artistic value
• Places of worship
• Agricultural or industrial buildings with low energy demand
• Homes rented out for less than 4 months per year (very specific seasonal rentals)

In all other cases, if you don’t have the certificate, you can’t legally publish your listing on property portals such as Idealista or Fotocasa.

How much does the energy certificate cost in 2026?

The price of the energy certificate varies depending on the size of the home, its location, and the professional carrying it out. In 2026, indicative prices on the Costa Blanca are:

• Small flat or apartment (up to 60 m²): €120–180
• Medium flat (60–90 m²): €150–220
• Villa or large house (90–150 m²): €200–300
• Luxury homes or more than 200 m²: €300–500

These prices include the professional’s visit, preparation of the report, and official registration with the autonomous community. Be cautious of very low prices (below €80): these are often certificates without official registration, which have no legal validity.

The certificate is valid for 10 years for homes classified A or B, and for 4 years for all other classifications.

How long does it take to obtain?

The full process usually takes between 3 and 7 working days from the time you contact the professional. Here are the steps and estimated timings:

1. Request and appointment: 1–2 days to arrange the visit
2. Professional’s visit to the property: 30–60 minutes (taking measurements, envelope data, installations, orientation)
3. Report preparation: 1–3 days (the professional enters the data into the official software HULC or CE3X)
4. Official registration: an additional 1–3 days, depending on the autonomous community

In the Valencian Community, registration is typically completed within 24–48 hours if the documentation is correct. During periods of high demand (summer), it may take up to a week.

What happens if I don’t have the certificate?

The consequences can be serious:

• Fines: penalties for not having an energy certificate range from €300 to €6,000, depending on the severity and the autonomous community
• You can’t publish listings: Idealista, Fotocasa, and other portals require the certificate to publish
• The buyer may make a claim: the new owner has the right to demand the certificate, and its absence may be grounds for a claim
• Problems with the deed: some notaries may require the certificate to formalize the sale

Who can issue the certificate?

The certificate must be issued by a certifying professional with the necessary qualifications. Authorized professionals are:

• Architects and technical architects (quantity surveyors/building surveyors)
• Engineers and technical engineers
• Property administrators (in some cases)

You can look up certifying professionals in your area through the certificate register of your autonomous community, or ask your trusted real estate agency for recommendations.

Practical tips to get your certificate

1. Request several quotes before hiring — prices vary significantly between professionals
2. Make sure it includes official registration — without registration, the certificate has no legal validity
3. Prepare your home’s documents (certificate of habitability, and plans if you have them) to speed up the visit
4. If your home has energy-efficient improvements (solar panels, thermal insulation, windows with double glazing), make sure the professional reflects them — they can improve your classification
5. Contact them in advance if you have a sale or rental planned — don’t leave it until the last minute

Frequently asked questions

Is the energy certificate the same as the certificate of habitability?

No, they are different documents. The certificate of habitability confirms that the home meets the minimum requirements to be lived in, while the energy performance certificate measures its energy efficiency. Both are needed to sell or rent.

Can I obtain the certificate myself?

No. It must be issued by a qualified professional who is registered. There are no “online” or “self-managed” certificates with legal validity.

Does the certificate apply to seasonal rentals?

Yes, with caveats. Seasonal rentals for less than 4 months per year are exempt. For the rest, it’s mandatory.

What classification does my home need in order to be sold?

There is no minimum classification requirement to sell. Any home can be sold with any classification (even G). The key point is to have the registered certificate and show it to the buyer.

Conclusion

The energy efficiency certificate is an inescapable legal requirement for selling or renting your home in 2026. Its cost is manageable (between €120 and €300 for most homes), and the full process usually doesn’t take more than a week. Not having it can cost you fines and legal problems, and it will also prevent you from publishing your listing on the main property portals.

At Sol y Costa Mediterránea, we help you with the entire process of selling or renting your home, including handling the energy efficiency certificate. Contact us, and we’ll connect you with trusted certifying professionals in your area.