Are you going to sell your house? Then you need to know this about the energy certificate!

Are you going to sell your house? Then you need to know this about the energy certificate!

If you're getting ready to sell your property in Portugal, there's one very important step you can't miss — and no, we're not talking about painting the walls or taking good photos (although that helps too!). We are talking about the energy certificate, a mandatory document that must be ready even before the ad goes live.

After all, what is the energy certificate?

Think of the energy certificate as a "label" that shows how efficient your home is in terms of energy consumption. It works similarly to a refrigerator label: it goes from A+ (very efficient) to F (not very efficient).

It is a specialized technician who makes this assessment, taking into account aspects such as insulation, windows, heating, among others. At the end, you receive a report with suggestions to improve the energy performance of the house — which can also be useful to increase the value of the property!

Why is it mandatory?

Since 2013, any property that is going to be sold or leased must need this certificate. And it's not just to show the buyer in the deed — he has to be ready before listing the house, whether on a website, in an agency window or even on a simple social network.

It is a rule designed to protect the buyer, ensure transparency and give confidence to the market. And yes, it applies to both apartments and villas — new or old.

What if I don't have the certificate?

Well... Then it can get complicated. Those who try to sell without a certificate can face fines ranging from €250 to €3,470. And in the case of agencies that advertise properties without this document, the penalties can be even heavier — up to €44,890 per property.

Therefore, nowadays, no serious agency will risk advertising a property without first ensuring that everything is in order. It's part of the work and commitment to a safe sales process for everyone.

The positive side: more confidence for those who buy and sell

Yes, it's another step in the process — but it's a step that helps make the market clearer and fairer. For buyers, it is useful information. For sellers, it is a way to show that the property is well prepared and within the legality.

And of course, if you're selling with a real estate agent, he or she can help you take care of everything — including scheduling the energy assessment with a certified technician.

The Role of the Real Estate Agent Goes Far Beyond Disclosure

Contrary to common perception, the work of a real estate professional is not limited to taking good photos and posting them online. Currently, agents have increased responsibilities, from strict compliance with legislation to documentary validation of the properties they represent.

The regulation of the sector has become more demanding, raising the quality and reliability of transactions. A clear example of this evolution is the tight control over the existence and validity of energy certificates in properties on sale. Real Easy undertakes to have all documentation organized at the beginning of the process. We cannot make it easy.

Quick summary:

• The energy certificate is mandatory to sell or rent houses in Portugal;

• It has to be done before the property is promoted;

• It is valid for 10 years;

• It can avoid high fines and speed up the sale;

• It shows the buyer the level of efficiency and possible improvements.