New Energy Certificate Regulations 2026

Energy Certificate 2026: Extended Requirements for Property Owners and Landlords

From the end of May 2026, far-reaching changes to energy certificate regulations will come into effect. Property owners and landlords who fail to act in time risk higher costs and increased bureaucratic effort. Those who familiarise themselves with the new rules, however, can prepare in a targeted way.

What Changes Regarding the Certificate Obligation?

Until now, a valid energy certificate was primarily required for the sale and new rental of properties. From the end of May 2026, the extended certificate obligation will also apply to lease renewals and comprehensive renovations. For landlords, this means significantly more administrative work – making early engagement with the topic strongly advisable.

Energy Classes: A+ to H Becomes A to G

The existing classification system for energy efficiency ratings is being fundamentally reformed. The familiar scale of A+ to H will be replaced by a new scale of A to G. The highest rating, Class A, will be reserved exclusively for so-called zero-emission buildings – in practice, this means almost exclusively new builds meeting current standards.

With the removal of Class H, some properties may automatically shift into better energy categories without any renovation having taken place. However, owners should not be too quick to assume an improvement – the new calculation method also brings disadvantages.

Higher Costs for Demand-Based Certificates

Another important aspect of the new regulations concerns the cost of energy certificates. The new certificates will likely be based on primary energy demand, requiring more complex and therefore more expensive demand-based assessments. While existing certificates often cost under €100, owners should expect to pay several hundred euros going forward.

Fossil-fuel-heated buildings are particularly affected: the new calculation method also evaluates environmental compatibility, leading to automatically worse ratings – even without any structural changes to the property.

Energy Class Increasingly Influences Financing Conditions

An often underestimated factor: banks are increasingly linking their financing conditions to the energy class of a property. Anyone looking to finance or refinance a property with a poor energy rating may face less favourable terms or additional restrictions in the future.

While existing energy certificates retain their ten-year validity, they may increasingly lose acceptance with financial institutions. The pressure to carry out energy-efficient renovations is therefore growing not only from a regulatory perspective, but also from an economic one.

Conclusion: Act Now and Seek Early Advice

The new energy certificate regulations for 2026 bring significant changes for property owners, landlords and buyers alike. Those who inform themselves early and seek professional advice will gain a clear advantage – both in terms of cost planning and financing.

Our tip: Have your energy certificate reviewed in good time and make use of professional consultation to be optimally prepared for the new requirements.