Disables EU sales and rentals of houses, what is poorly managing energy? How is it really

Will the EU really ban the sale of old houses?

Have you read it too? In the last few months, it has been spreading on social networks and media reports that the European Union has disabled and rental of real estate with low energy efficiency, or with an energy label F or G.

However, this information is quite old and often incomplete. Any trekin inlaid in any other way. So what does that mean?

Real estate with energy label f ​​and g

PENB or energy performance certificate ranks buildings according to their energy intensity in seven categories. So it is about how the building manages energy. The buildings marked with the letter A are the most economical, F and G the least economical.

So if we talk about buildings with an energy label F or G, they are the least effective. These buildings have large heat losses, which most often means that they are unstable or have old windows. Typically, these are buildings from the 50s that have not undergone renovations. It can also be buildings with inefficient heating and outdated wiring. Often these are country houses, cottages or other less used objects.

What category of a particular house falls into is evaluated by an authorized energy specialist who focuses on PENB.

You don’t have to worry about the EU Directive

It is true that in April last year the European Union approved the last changes in the directive concerning buildings and their energy intensity. This is quite logical because we have been trying to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Europe in the long term and at the same time increase energy efficiency. According to the Directive, EU Member States are intended to improve the energy efficiency of buildings by 2030. And after that date, the newly built real estate must meet the condition of zero emissions. By 2050, older houses should also meet this condition with gradual renovations.

However, it is important to recall that the EU directive does not say anything about the ban on the sale or renting of these buildings. It calls for Member States to focus on the problem of the energy performance of buildings, set their own minimum standards and to support the support of the renovation of these types of buildings.

It is assumed that states will motivate and support the owners of these properties in various ways, who are, especially in the medium and low -income group, to renovate these buildings and improve their standard. On each state, it will then be how it will want to do this, whether accessible counseling, financial relief, subsidies or other ways.

Therefore, the reports of a flat ban are more than misleading. Although it is a new directive, which may not be joyfully accepted by all and especially the owners of energy -intensive buildings will not be enthusiastic. If you are one of them, follow up as the situation will evolve. The aim is primarily to kick the renovation work that will lead to gradual improvement. These are already happening today, but so far too slowly.

Sources :,,,