EPC Obligations for Selling a House in Belgium: What Changes in 2026

The EPC obligations for selling a house in Belgium have been tightened in 2026, and owners who wish to sell must comply before even publishing their listing. Each region has its own requirements, and failing to meet them can delay or complicate the transaction. Here is a clear overview of what applies today.

What is the EPC certificate and why is it mandatory?

The EPC certificate (Energy Performance of Buildings) measures a property's energy consumption on a scale running from A (very efficient) to G (poor). In Belgium, this document has been mandatory for any property sale since 2009. Without a valid certificate, a notary cannot finalise the deed of sale.

The certificate must be drawn up by an accredited certifier before the property is listed. It must appear in all property advertisements - including online listings - with the energy label and the primary energy consumption in kWh/m² per year clearly stated. If you use an estate agent, they are required to verify that this information is correct from the moment the listing is drafted.

What changes in the Walloon Region in 2026

Wallonia introduced new requirements as of 1 January 2026. Owners selling a property rated F or G are now required to provide the buyer with a mandatory renovation plan, drawn up by an accredited energy expert. This plan sets out the priority works needed to reach at least energy class D by 2035.

This obligation does not block the sale, but the plan must be attached to the notarial deed. The buyer acknowledges receipt and signs a declaration confirming they have received the document. The aim is to ensure full transparency about the property's energy status and to help buyers anticipate the investment required.

In addition, EPC certificates issued before 1 June 2019 are no longer accepted in Wallonia for a sale. A new certificate is mandatory if the existing one is more than ten years old or was produced using the old calculation method.

The rules in the Brussels-Capital Region

In Brussels, the EPC certificate is valid for ten years, unless significant energy-related works have been carried out in the meantime. In that case, a new certificate must be produced to reflect the improvements made.

Since 2026, Bruxelles Environnement has stepped up checks on the accuracy of property listings. Estate agents and private sellers are subject to spot inspections. A listing that omits the EPC label or displays an incorrect one can result in an administrative fine of up to 5,000 euros.

Brussels has not yet introduced a renovation obligation linked to the sale of a property, but the regional government has announced a roadmap that could introduce minimum requirements for G-rated properties by 2028. Owners of poorly rated properties would therefore be well advised to get ahead of these developments before selling.

In Flanders: the renovation obligation is already a reality

Flanders is the most advanced region when it comes to EPC-related obligations on a sale. Since 2023, any buyer of a house or apartment rated E or F is required to carry out energy renovation works to reach at least class D within five years of the deed of purchase.

In 2026, this obligation still applies and the tolerance around deadlines has narrowed. The Vlaams Energie- en Klimaatagentschap (VEKA) carries out systematic checks and can impose fines for failing to meet the deadline. The buyer must demonstrate the works carried out by means of a new EPC certificate produced after the renovations are complete.

For the seller, this has a direct impact on price negotiation. A property rated E or F will often be marketed at a lower price to account for the cost of works the buyer must carry out. Stating the EPC label clearly in the listing and during viewings avoids misunderstandings and speeds up the conclusion of the sale.

How the EPC affects the sale price of your property

In 2026, the energy label has a real and measurable impact on a property's value. According to data from the Observatoire des prix immobiliers, a property rated A or B sells on average 10 to 15% more than a comparable property rated D in the same municipality. Conversely, a property rated F or G frequently suffers a notable discount, particularly since renovation obligations came into force in Flanders and Wallonia.

An experienced estate agent can help you position your property correctly by taking its EPC rating into account. Some buyers are willing to accept a lower rating if the price reflects the works required. Others - particularly those financing through a green loan - actively seek well-rated properties to benefit from preferential interest rates. In 2026, several Belgian banks are offering rate reductions of 0.20 to 0.40% for properties rated A or B.

For an accurate valuation of your property that takes its energy label into account, you can request a free estimate via ImmoMakelaarVergelijker.

Preparing your sale: the practical steps

Before listing your property for sale, here are the key EPC points to check:

• Check that your current EPC certificate is still valid - date, calculation method and region.
• If the certificate is more than ten years old or was produced before 2019, have a new one drawn up by an accredited certifier.
• In Wallonia, if your property is rated F or G, arrange for a renovation plan to be prepared before you list the property.
• In Flanders, make sure potential buyers are clearly informed of the renovation obligation that will fall to them.
• Include the EPC label in all your listings, including on online property portals.

Working with a local estate agent ensures that all these obligations are met from the outset. Compare estate agents in your area for free on IMV to find a professional who knows the EPC regulations that apply in your municipality.

FAQ: EPC obligations and selling property in Belgium