Guide · Energy Consultants
Energy certificate: duties, types, costs
Demand or consumption certificate? When you need which.
Key points
- German properties may need an energy certificate for sale or letting
- Demand and consumption certificates use different evidence
- The document is not a building survey or renovation plan
- Check certificate type, validity and issuer qualification
When is it mandatory?
For sales, lettings and leases, a valid certificate must be shown to prospective buyers or tenants at the latest at the viewing.
Demand or consumption
The demand certificate is calculated from fabric and systems; the consumption certificate uses the last three years' usage. Certain older, small buildings require a demand certificate.
Validity
An energy certificate is valid for ten years.
Demand versus consumption certificate
A demand certificate models the building fabric and systems under standard conditions. A consumption certificate uses measured historic energy use and is more strongly affected by occupants, weather and vacancy. The figures therefore answer different questions and should not be compared without context.
Which certificate is permitted
The permitted type depends on factors including building age, number of units and energy standard. Certain small older residential buildings generally require a demand certificate unless they already met the relevant thermal standard. New buildings use calculated demand. Specific exemptions can apply, including to some listed buildings.
Marketing and viewing duties
Where a certificate already exists, commercial advertisements must include specified values. Prospective buyers or tenants must be shown the certificate no later than the viewing, and it is handed over after the contract. The owner or landlord remains responsible; entering a value on a property portal does not replace the document.
Commissioning a reliable certificate
Consumption certificates need coherent billing periods and adjustments for vacancy and weather. Demand certificates need building geometry, construction details and heating data. Ask who is legally qualified under section 88 GEG and review the input data. A low-cost remote product may suit a straightforward consumption certificate, but complex older buildings require better evidence.
Checklist
- Existing certificate and expiry checked
- Permitted certificate type established
- Input documents complete
- Issuer qualification checked
- Advert values copied accurately
Common mistakes
- Treating the certificate as a structural survey
- Ignoring occupant influence on consumption
- Ordering it only after viewings begin
Frequently asked questions
How long is a German energy certificate valid?
Normally ten years from issue.
Does it prescribe renovations?
No. Recommendations are general and do not replace project-specific energy advice.
Sources and further reading
Official and specialist sources for checking the current rules. Links last checked on the update date shown above.
General editorial information, not individual legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and programmes can change; verify the current position for your case.