Since January 1, 2026, the calculation of the DPE (Energy Performance Diagnosis) has changed: the electricity conversion coefficient has been reduced from 2.3 to 1.9. What this can (or cannot) change for selling, and how to decide without stress.
DPE 2026: electricity goes from 2.3 to 1.9… should you review your sales strategy?
It's a well-known fact: the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) has become a sensitive issue. Some homeowners are worried, others wonder if they should carry out work "before it's too late," and many end up getting lost in conflicting information.
The good news is that in 2026, there is a clear, official, and fairly easy-to-understand change. And as is often the case in real estate, the goal isn't to react hastily, but to make a methodical decision, taking into account the market, your property, and buyers' expectations.
What has changed on January 1, 2026
Since January 1, 2026, the electricity conversion factor used in the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) has decreased from 2.3 to 1.9.
In other words, for the same energy consumption, electricity has a lower weighting in the primary energy calculation. The stated objective is to harmonize with a European standard and correct a calculation deemed unfavorable to electricity.
Does your "DPE" change automatically?
DPEs and audits issued from January 1, 2026, onwards automatically incorporate this new coefficient. Existing DPEs remain valid for 10 years, but if the new calculation method results in an improved rating, it may be possible to update the DPE free of charge, without a new site visit, via the ADEME's DPE-Audit Observatory (depending on the circumstances).
This is an important point: before considering any renovations, it can be helpful to check if your DPE rating has changed... without causing any major damage.
What this can change for a sale (without exaggerating)
In practice, this change doesn't transform an "average" property into a "perfect" one. However, it can influence:
- how some buyers review the property file (and their perception of the future budget);
- the comparison between two similar properties (especially if one is heated by electricity);
- and the decision to "renovate before selling vs. sell as is."
And this is where I advise you to avoid impulsive decisions. An DPE is not a definitive verdict: it's one piece of information among others, which must be integrated into a comprehensive strategy (price, presentation, marketing, buyer qualification, etc.).
There's no single answer. I often suggest asking yourself three simple questions:
1/ Is your home heated with electricity?
If so, this change might be particularly relevant to check.
2/ Is your DPE rating at a "borderline" level (where one notch can change the perception)?
Even a slight improvement can enhance the clarity of your application... but it needs to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
3/ Is your priority the timeframe or maximizing the sale price?
If your plans are already in place (moving, purchase afterward), the best strategy isn't always to delay listing to optimize the sale "on paper."
My approach: making stress-free decisions, taking the market into account.
When I work with you, the idea is simple: to make the right choices at the right time, without being dogmatic.
We look at your property, its energy performance certificate (DPE), your heating system, and your time constraints.
We choose a coherent strategy: sell as is, make some minor improvements, or undertake renovations if it makes sense.
And then, we work on the rest: valuation, marketing, quality of viewings… to generate qualified leads (and therefore a more favorable negotiation).
It's often more effective to focus on the visual aspects of your property to create a positive first impression and mitigate the impact of a poor energy performance certificate (EPC).
My article on minor renovations is available HERE.
If you wish, I can help you quickly complete this "strategic" assessment: the goal is not to add unnecessary steps, but to ensure your decisions are sound.
Contact me:
Caroline Herbert - Real Estate Advisor (particularly in Paris/Île-de-France and the French Riviera) - [email protected] - Tel +33 7 82 39 32 39
