Energy Certificate in Portugal

192-E Energy Certificate – Certificado Energética.

Some of you may have heard already that also Portugal has to comply with European legislation. One of them is new legislation related to energy and efficiency certificates.    

In fact this energy certificate has been introduced already on 1^st. of June 2007 which is called phase 1. As from that date it applied to new buildings over 800 m² in size.

As from 01-07-2008 the 2^nd. phase came into effect and applies to all new buildings irrespective of their size.

On the 1^st. of January 2009 the last phase will become effective and this applies to all buildings old and new irrespective of their size and age.  

Most of you will now already how the certificate looks like as it is already used for domestic appliances or cars.

It was the intention of the authorities that by the end of this year (2008) 3 to 4000 specialists would be available to carry out these inspections, however till today less than 500 are registered of which probably 10% in the Algarve.

Who needs the energy certificate:

As of 1^st. of January all new properties and all properties sold by Notarial deed need to have/produce this certificate. Also properties subject to a normal rental contract (for 5 years) need to have one. Contracts signed before January 1^st. are exempted. Also it seems that it is not necessary for short term rentals.  

When can the certified be applied for:

For the first 2 phases it is clear. For the first phase coming into effect on 1-1-2009 we still have to wait for an additional legislation (Portaria) which will indicate all technical requirements for existing buildings. As 1-1-2009 is getting close we may expect this to be issued soon.  

Who can carry out the inspection?

This only can be done by highly prepared technicians “Peritos Qualificados” (PQ) who have undertaken a government course and have obtained the required qualification. Qualified people can be found on the web site of ADENE.

What are the likely costs?

According to Portaria 835/2007 registry fees for DCR and CE are required for each autonomous dwelling.

Domestic dwellings will cost € 45 + IVA

Service buildings will cost € 250 + IVA.

Besides that Engineer’s fees to do the certification are due with an estimated cost of € 700+ IVA.

70% for het DCR label (Declaração de conformidade Regulamento do projecto)

30% for the CE label (Certificado do desempenho energético e da qualidade do ar interior nos edifícios).

How long is the Certificate valid?

The Certificate belongs to the building and not to the person just like the Habitation License and does not need to be renewed on a regular basis. However when the existing owner wishes to sell, the Certificate will need to be renewed to ensure that the correct information is presented to any potential purchaser.

The only exception to this is where substantial modifications are made to the property which is equal or greater than 45% of the building value.

In general and to resume:

Having an Energy Certificate will (for the time being) not have any influence on the amount of IMI (Rates) to be paid.

Also it will not have an effect on rental and sales prices.

Maybe that this will change in the future but in all objectivity there is of course quite a difference in energy cost for heating houses between properties located in Scandinavian countries or Mediterranean countries.

Sunday, 05 October 2008

Robert Snapper is makelaar o.g. in Lagos.

Tel. 282 768 821 of 917 566 931

This article is written and provided with permission by Robert M.L. Snapper, fully licensed real estate agent in Portugal.