DPE: how to transform your home into an energy champion

Faced with these progressive bans, renovation becomes essential to preserve the value of your property.

But before starting work, it is important to remember that two categories of housing can evolve without major intervention:

• Housing of less than 40 m², which benefits from a revision of the calculation criteria,
• Those heated by electricity, which have seen their evaluation method corrected.

These developments are already integrated into the ADEME website, making it possible to anticipate a possible automatic improvement in the ranking.

Understanding the DPE: beyond a simple label

The DPE (Energy Performance Certificate) assesses a home's energy consumption and its environmental impact. It assigns a rating from A (very efficient) to G (very energy-intensive). This assessment influences the property's valuation, the amount of rent, and ultimately the possibility of renting or selling it.

Levers for improving your DPE

A study of 120 26 m² apartments revealed that 47% of applications required two renovation measures to earn two DPE letters. The most effective renovations include:

• Thermal insulation: attics, walls or floors,
• Window replacement: high-performance double glazing,
• Efficient heating: heat pump or condensing boiler,
• Improved ventilation: double flow CMV.

These actions allow you to gain an average of two letters on the DPE, for an average cost of €9.940 including tax, of which €3.157 can be covered by financial aid.

The importance of comprehensive renovation

For a significant impact, a comprehensive renovation is recommended. This involves simultaneously addressing insulation, heating, windows, and ventilation. This approach can save up to three or four letters on your energy performance certificate, with a cost of between €55.000 and €70.000 excluding VAT.

Financial aid available

• MaPrimeRénov': state aid for low-income and very low-income households,
• Eco-PTZ: zero-interest loan to finance work,
• CEE: subsidies from energy suppliers.

These devices make renovation more accessible, even for households with limited incomes.

The impact on the valuation of the property

A property with a higher DPE rating rents for more, sells faster, and attracts more buyers. Conversely, thermal sieves are losing value and becoming less and less attractive. According to a study by Notaires, properties with a poor DPE rating (either E, F, or G) sell for between 2% and 19% less than properties with a D rating.

An investment for the future

Energy renovation isn't just a regulatory requirement; it's an opportunity: enhance your property, reduce your bills, and contribute to the energy transition. Every step counts when it comes to improving your home's energy performance rating.

In conclusion, the DPE is not just an administrative formality. It's a strong signal about the future of your property. Waiting means risking losing value and missing out on available assistance. Acting today turns an obligation into an opportunity: for your finances, for your comfort, and for the planet.

Tribune by Eric Houdet, Founder of Homapi (LinkedIn).