From 2030, buying, selling, or renting a home in Spain won’t just be about location, price or charm—it’ll also require a minimum level of energy efficiency.
Starting 1 January 2030, a new EU-driven legal requirement will be enforced across Spain, mandating that all residential properties entering the market—whether for sale or rent—must have an energy efficiency certificate with at least an ‘E’ rating. And this is just the beginning: by 2033, that minimum standard will rise to a ‘D’ rating.
Why this matters
This change is part of the broader European Green Deal and is rooted in the continent’s push for carbon neutrality by 2050. The real estate and construction sector is in the crosshairs, as buildings across the EU are responsible for more than one-third of emissions. Many of Spain’s homes—especially older ones—fall short of the standards, often lacking insulation, modern heating systems, or energy-efficient infrastructure.
The aim? To slash greenhouse gas emissions by modernising the property sector and encouraging both homeowners and investors to prioritise sustainability.
What’s changing?
Currently in Spain, a property must have an energy performance certificate (Certificado de Eficiencia Energética, or CEE) to be listed for sale or rent. However, there hasn’t been a minimum requirement tied to the rating itself. The CEE simply informs the buyer or tenant whether a home scores an A (excellent) or a G (woeful) in energy terms.
From 2030, this will no longer suffice. A property will need to achieve at least an ‘E’ rating to be eligible for legal transactions—and by 2033, a ‘D’. Properties that do not meet the new standards will be legally barred from commercial activity, meaning owners will not be able to sell or rent them until improvements are made.
Getting certified
To obtain the certificate, homeowners must hire an accredited technician—typically an architect or engineer—who will assess key aspects such as orientation, building materials, heating and cooling systems, and energy usage. The process costs between €50 and €200, depending on the size and type of property, and the certificate remains valid for 10 years.
Once issued, the certificate must be registered with the corresponding regional authority in order to get the official energy efficiency label.
A major financial hurdle for many
The implications of this regulation are particularly daunting for owners of ageing properties. According to recent statistics, nearly one-third of homes in Spain are over 70 years old, and nearly as many fall between 50 and 69 years. Consequently, about 85% of homes in Spain are not energy efficient under current standards and will require at least some form of renovation or upgrade over the next decade.
Insulation upgrades, more efficient windows, greener heating and cooling systems, or even rooftop renewables may now become essential investments for homeowners.
Support on the way
Aware of the potentially heavy financial burden, both the Spanish Government and the European Union have set up funding schemes to support energy rehabilitation initiatives. The Next Generation EU funds will play a pivotal role, with grants available to cover partial—or in some cases, full—renovation costs, especially for vulnerable households or projects that achieve major efficiency improvements.
Penalties for non-compliance
Failing to meet the required energy standard won’t just leave a property unsellable or unrentable—it might also cost landlords dearly. Draft laws discussed at regional level suggest fines could reach as high as €60,000 for violations, particularly for landlords trying to skirt the rules and lease non-compliant homes.
What owners should do now
With the clock ticking towards 2030, property owners—especially those with older homes—should begin assessing their homes’ energy performance now. Undertaking upgrades incrementally over the coming years, rather than rushing just before the deadline, could help spread costs, secure subsidies, and avoid falling foul of the law.
