DPE and Energy-Inefficient Homes: What's Changing for Paris Buyers in 2026

The DPE (Diagnostic de Performance Énergétique, or energy performance rating) has, within a few years, gone from an administrative formality to a decisive buying criterion. And for good reason: the rules are changing, the obligations are increasing, and poorly rated properties are losing value.

The current regulatory timeline

What is already in place

• Since August 2022: Homes rated G with consumption above 450 kWh/m²/year are banned from being let
• Since January 2023: Rents on energy-inefficient homes (rated F and G) are frozen — they cannot be increased at renewal or on a new letting
• Since January 2025: All homes rated G are banned from being newly let

What's coming next

• January 2028: Homes rated F will be banned from letting
• January 2034: Homes rated E will be banned from letting

⚠️ Red flag: If you buy a property rated F today to let it out, you have less than 2 years to renovate before the letting ban takes effect. Without renovation work: no letting = lost rental income.

The impact on prices in Paris

The discount on energy-inefficient homes

Notaries estimate the discount on a home rated F or G at between 10% and 25%, depending on the city. In Paris, where land values are high, the discount is often smaller in relative terms, but it is progressively increasing as the deadlines approach.

In concrete terms: a €500,000 apartment rated F in the 11th arrondissement could show a discount of €30,000 to €50,000 compared with an equivalent property rated C.

An opportunity for the savvy buyer

These discounted properties can represent an opportunity if:

• The cost of renovation work is lower than the discount
• You have the cash available to fund the work
• The property has other strengths (location, layout, character)
• You're buying it as your main residence (less exposed to the letting bans)

How to read a DPE before buying

The 3 indicators to look at

• The letter grade (A to G): a starting point, but not enough on its own
• Consumption in kWh/m²/year: gives an idea of actual heating costs
• Recommended works: lists what would need to be done to move up one or two grades

The limits of the DPE

The DPE remains a theoretical document. It does not replace:

• A full energy audit (mandatory for properties rated F or G sold since 2023)
• A tradesman's quote to estimate the real cost of the work
• A careful reading of the AGM minutes to check what insulation work has already been approved

The Paris buyer's DPE checklist

• Check the date of the DPE (valid for 10 years, but before 2021 = old, unreliable method)
• Compare the rating with asking prices on similar properties
• Request the energy audit if the rating is F or G
• Get quotes for the work from 2-3 tradesmen before making an offer
• Check available grants (MaPrimeRénov', interest-free eco-loan)
• Factor the cost of the work into your price negotiation

APPARTE assesses the DPE and the works for you

Before any offer, our team evaluates the real impact of the DPE on the property's value and your obligations. Book a discovery call with our experts.