Despite the success of the real estate sector in France, selling an energy-consuming house does not always seem to be an easy task. Almost all potential buyers are demanding not only about its safety or accessibility, but especially about its thermal comfort.
If your property is listed among buildings with low energy performance, you must plan its energy renovation. This greatly facilitates the search for a good buyer.
However, the problem is that many people do not even know if their property is part of this category. It is appropriate to start by defining an energy-consuming dwelling and the indicators that allow identifying it.
📋 Key points: Personally, I have noticed that an energy-consuming dwelling can lose up to 20% of its value on the market depending on its DPE. Yet, it remains sellable provided the right strategy is adopted. Good highlighting of possible renovations and complete transparency reassure buyers. Price remains the main lever to speed up the sale.
What is an energy-consuming dwelling?
According to government sources, there are around 4.8 million energy-consuming houses in France. Also called thermal sieves, this term refers to buildings that have excessive air conditioning or heating consumption.
This energy expenditure may seem much higher than the useful and usual amount needed to live comfortably. We are talking here about energy that uses electricity, natural gas or town gas, wood, fuel oil, or others.
To top it off, the definition of an energy-consuming house applies to a property that consumes roughly 331 kWh per year per square meter. This has a direct impact on energy bills, as the regulated price increase is inevitable. This generally corresponds to an amount of at least €300 every month.
📍 My experience: During an appraisal in Annecy, I accompanied an owner of a house rated F. After adjusting the price by 18% and providing energy renovation quotes, the property sold in less than 3 months. This shows that strategy matters more than the energy rating itself.
| DPE Class | Consumption (kWh/m²/year) | Price Impact | Average Selling Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | ≤ 70 | +5 to +10% | Fast |
| B | 71–110 | Stable to +5% | Fast |
| C | 111–180 | Stable | Medium |
| D | 181–250 | -5% | Medium |
| E | 251–330 | -10% | Slow |
| F/G | >330 | -15 to -25% | Very slow |
Signs revealing an energy-consuming dwelling
The easiest and quickest way to spot it is to refer to the usual energy expenditure in relation to the lifestyle of all residents.
If domestic usage remains the same but you notice a sudden overconsumption, you no longer need to doubt it. This already constitutes sufficient evidence that your home is among the energy-consuming ones.
🌍 Did you know?
Since 2023, homes rated G have been gradually banned from rental in France, which is accelerating their sale on the real estate market.
Another important indication, when the amount of electricity and heating bills suddenly rises, it is better to find a sustainable solution. Your home in this case is a thermal sieve.
During the summer season, it becomes difficult to temper the heat entering the house. In winter, it cannot be warmed up, despite using powerful heating.
Humidity problems gradually appear. Why do I have mold stains on my windows? Saltpeter and fungi form.
If all these signs are present, it is strongly recommended to carry out an Energy Performance Diagnosis. It allows estimating the state of the building regarding its energy consumption.
The DPE classifies homes according to their energy performance from the most economical A rating to the most energy-consuming G rating. A home rated E to G falls into the category of energy-consuming housing.
⚠️ Common mistake
Many sellers deliberately hide the property’s energy performance. This is a mistake, because buyers discover the DPE early in the process, which can break the negotiation.
Tips for selling an energy-consuming home
💡 Practical advice
Before selling an energy-consuming home, have at least 2 energy renovation quotes made to reassure buyers and justify the asking price.
Even if your property has an undeniable aesthetic asset, it fails to convince buyers as a thermal sieve.
Fortunately, it is still possible to improve it by investing in energy renovation work.
👍 Strengths
- Demand still exists
- Attractive negotiable price
- Possibility of value-adding renovation
🔻 Limits
- Significant depreciation
- Longer selling time
- DPE transparency obligation
Before asking yourself: which type of cladding to choose to renovate a facade, these 3 elements are of vital importance and must be reconsidered without delay:
Insulation
Poor insulation generally affects the energy performance of a home. To remedy this, it is necessary to review the roof.
It should be noted that the roof accounts for up to 25 to 30 % of heat loss in the house. Therefore, its insulation must be improved, whether from the inside or the outside.
Besides that, 15 % of heat loss occurs through the windows. It is therefore essential to choose them well to avoid excessive energy consumption. Double or triple glazing are among the experts’ recommendations.
Similarly, the walls must be checked, as they also represent 25 to 35 % of heat loss. Also consider improving the sealing of floors or floorboards as well as the attic. Even if the work requires significant expenses, it will help you obtain a better selling price.
The heating system
A poorly maintained device is not only less efficient but also becomes energy-consuming. To avoid this, it is advisable to take care of it regularly.
If maintenance does not solve the problem, it is better to replace it once and for all. Depending on the technology and energy used, there are many options available to improve its efficiency.
By finding the best equipment, you can spend less energy but heat the home better. Some electric radiators, such as inertia models, are economical.
By the way, if this device interests you and you want more information, we invite you to read our article: What is the difference between a dry inertia radiator and a fluid radiator?
Back to our topic, it is advisable to replace your boiler with a more modern model. The biomass and condensing ones are among the most sought after on the market. They are valued for their energy savings.
Ventilation
Besides insulation problems and inefficient heating, poor air circulation in the home also causes significant heat loss.
To ensure the comfort of residents and maintain the house in good condition, it is essential to adopt better quality ventilation.
Many technologies are capable of renewing the air without climatic hazards affecting the indoor temperature. They provide optimal air renewal without warming the home in summer and without cooling it in winter.
Between Controlled Mechanical Ventilation or CMV, Forced Mechanical Ventilation or FMV, and Distributed Mechanical Ventilation or DMV, there is no shortage of choices. To avoid choosing an unsuitable product, it is recommended to seek advice from a professional.
In any case, try to remember that many financial aids are currently available.
They help reduce your expenses related to renovating your energy-consuming home. Once you meet the required conditions, you can benefit from them without any problem.
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The sales project is necessary because energy overconsumption causes huge financial waste.
How does the new DPE lead you to have to sell your energy-consuming home?
The document reveals whether your property is energy-efficient or wasteful. If you plan to sell it, the renovation work is essential.
3 tips for successfully selling your energy-consuming home
It is recommended to improve the insulation system. Likewise, consider replacing the heating equipment. If the ventilation is in poor condition, do not hesitate to use an efficient device.
