Renovate
Published on 20 January 20268 min read
EPC: Everything You Need to Know About Energy Certificates
The Immolytics editorial team
What Is the EPC Certificate?
The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is an official document that evaluates a dwelling's energy consumption. Mandatory in Belgium since 2011 for every sale or rental, it assigns a label ranging from A++ (very efficient) to G (energy-intensive). The certificate is established by an accredited certifier and is valid for 10 years.
The EPC expresses theoretical consumption in kWh/m² per year. The lower the number, the better the building's energy performance. For reference: an A-rated property consumes less than 85 kWh/m²/year, while a G-rated property can exceed 500 kWh/m²/year.
EPC Labels Explained
- A++ and A+: nearly zero-energy building (NZEB). New construction to the strictest standards, perfect insulation, renewable energy. Less than 45 kWh/m²/year.
- A: very good performance. Well-insulated, efficient heating, double or triple glazing. 45-85 kWh/m²/year.
- B: good performance. Adequate insulation with some improvement potential. 85-170 kWh/m²/year.
- C: average performance. Standard for recent renovations. 170-255 kWh/m²/year.
- D: below-average performance. Insulation works recommended. 255-340 kWh/m²/year.
- E: poor performance. Insufficient insulation, old heating system. 340-425 kWh/m²/year.
- F and G: energy sieve. Major renovation necessary. Over 425 kWh/m²/year.
EPC Impact on Sale Price
The EPC label has a significant and measurable impact on property prices in Belgium. According to studies by KU Leuven and UCLouvain:
- An A-rated property is worth 15 to 25% more than an equivalent D-rated property.
- Properties rated E, F, or G face a discount of 10 to 20% compared to the market median price.
- The price gap between an A label and a G label can reach 40 to 50% for similar properties.
This green premium reflects not only future energy savings but also the renovation costs the buyer will have to bear for a poorly rated property. Check EPC data by municipality on Immolytics to see the label distribution in your search area.
Regional Obligations
Flanders: The Strictest Rules
Flanders has imposed a renovation obligation since 2023. The buyer of a home with EPC label E or F must reach at least label D within 6 years of the notarial deed. This period was extended from 5 to 6 years at the end of 2025, including for purchases already made, and the stricter path planned from 2028 was abolished. Fines apply if the label is not reached.
Wallonia: Long-Term Objectives
Wallonia has set a target of minimum label A by 2050 for all dwellings. Intermediate milestones are planned: minimum label D by 2030, label C by 2040. A housing audit is mandatory to obtain the Rénopack or the Rénoprêt, the loans that replaced the Housing Grants on 1 October 2026.
Brussels: The Renolution Strategy
Brussels applies an ambitious strategy with progressive obligations for rental dwellings. The EPC certificate is mandatory and the most energy-intensive dwellings must be renovated according to a progressive schedule. Renolution grants actively encourage renovation.
How to Improve Your EPC Score
The most effective works to improve the EPC score, ranked by cost-effectiveness:
- Roof insulation: unbeatable value for money. Cost: 20-40 euros/m². Potential gain: 1 to 2 labels.
- Window frame replacement: switching to double or triple glazing. Cost: 500-800 euros/m² of window. Gain: 0.5 to 1 label.
- Wall insulation: exterior (60-120 euros/m²) or interior (40-80 euros/m²). Gain: 1 to 2 labels.
- Boiler replacement: switching to a condensing boiler or heat pump. Cost: 5,000-15,000 euros. Gain: 0.5 to 1 label.
- Floor insulation: often overlooked but effective. Cost: 30-60 euros/m². Gain: 0.5 label.
Grants and Financial Aid
Each region runs its own support for energy renovation:
- Wallonia: the Housing Grants ended on 30 September 2026. Since 1 October 2026 the Region lends at 0% through the Rénopack, with 10 to 50% not repaid depending on income, or through the Rénoprêt for higher incomes. Housing audit mandatory.
- Brussels: Renolution grants suspended, no grant for invoices from 2025 or 2026. A 0% loan is announced for spring 2027.
- Flanders: Mijn VerbouwPremie for insulation (roof, walls, floors, glazing) and technical installations.
To estimate the cost and profitability of an energy renovation, check our article on renovating older properties.
Stay informed about the real estate market
One email every two weeks: the prices on the move, one municipality up close, and what's new on the site.
No spam. Unsubscribe in one click.