An energy performance certificate shows the energy characteristics of a property and is an important document when selling or renting an apartment or house. Find out who can issue it, how long it is valid, when it is required and what buyers and sellers should check.
When buying or selling property, people usually focus first on location, price, size and the condition of the space. However, alongside ownership and other documentation, it is also important to check the energy performance certificate. It provides basic information about the energy characteristics of a building or an individual unit and shows its energy class.
For a seller, the certificate is part of preparing the property for the market. For a buyer, it can provide useful context about the building and possible heating, cooling and future energy-efficiency needs.
Below, we explain when an energy performance certificate is required, who issues it, how long it remains valid, what it shows and what is worth checking before buying or selling property in Croatia.
What is an energy performance certificate?
An energy performance certificate is a document that presents the energy characteristics of a building or an individual unit, such as an apartment. Based on an energy assessment and prescribed calculations, the property is placed in one of eight energy classes, from A+ as the most energy-efficient to G as the least energy-efficient class.
The certificate is not simply an indication of whether a property is new or old. Energy performance depends on factors such as thermal insulation, windows, heating and cooling systems and other building characteristics. Two properties of a similar size can therefore have different energy classes.
1. When is an energy performance certificate required?
The owner of a building or an individual unit that is subject to energy certification must obtain an energy performance certificate before selling, renting, leasing or granting it under a leasing arrangement. The certificate must be shown to a prospective buyer or tenant, and the certificate or a copy must be handed over when the transaction is completed.
There is also an important rule for advertising: the energy class must be stated in media advertisements for the sale or rental of a property when the certification obligation applies. For this reason, it is useful to obtain or verify the certificate before the property is actively marketed.
Croatian regulations provide certain exemptions for specific types of buildings and patterns of use. If you are unsure whether your property falls under the obligation, it is best to confirm this with an authorised energy certifier before advertising or signing a contract.
2. Who can issue an energy performance certificate?
An energy performance certificate cannot be issued by just anyone. It must be prepared by a person authorised to carry out energy certification of buildings, and the competent ministry maintains an official register of authorised professionals.
Before ordering the service, it is useful to check whether the certifier is authorised for the relevant type of building. The authorised professional carries out the required assessment, collects the necessary data and prepares the certificate and energy class.
3. What does the certification process look like?
The process usually begins by contacting an authorised certifier and collecting the available property documentation. Depending on the building and the information available, the certifier reviews the relevant characteristics, carries out the required calculations and prepares the energy performance certificate.
The owner should prepare any documents and property information requested by the certifier. If documents are missing or the actual condition of the property is more complex, additional checks may be needed. This is why it is better not to leave certification until the last few days before a planned sale.
4. What does the energy class tell you?
The energy class provides a standardised indication of the building’s energy characteristics. A higher class generally indicates more favourable energy performance, while a lower class can point to greater energy demand or room for improvement through better insulation, windows or more efficient heating and cooling systems.
A buyer should not make a decision based on the letter alone. It is also important to look at the actual condition of the property, the year of construction or renovation, the quality of the windows, heating and cooling systems and any work that may be needed in the future. For a broader checklist, see AB Adrion’s guide What to Ask When Buying an Apartment.
5. How long is an energy performance certificate valid?
An energy performance certificate is valid for ten years from the date of issue. This means that an owner does not need a new certificate for every new advertisement or change of tenant if the existing certificate is still valid and applies to the property concerned.
If major works have been carried out in the meantime and they significantly affect the property’s energy characteristics, such as a substantial energy renovation, it is useful to check whether a new certificate should be prepared so that the information reflects the current condition.
6. How much does an energy performance certificate cost?
There is no single price that applies to every apartment or house. The final cost can depend on the type and size of the property, the complexity of the building, the documentation available, the location and the amount of work required from the certifier.
It is therefore best to request a specific quote from an authorised certifier for the property in question. When planning a sale, this cost should be included among the other expenses connected with preparing and completing the transaction. You can find a broader overview in AB Adrion’s article on the Costs of Buying an Apartment in Croatia.
What should a seller check before advertising a property?
If you are planning to sell an apartment or house, it is best to check the energy performance certificate together with the rest of the documentation before publishing the advertisement. This reduces the risk of discovering that an important document is missing only after a serious buyer appears.
Before advertising, it is useful to check:
- whether there is a valid energy performance certificate for the property and whether it reflects the current condition,
- which energy class must be stated in the advertisement,
- whether ownership is clear and the documentation matches the property,
- whether an apartment is properly registered as an individual unit where relevant,
- whether there are other documents a buyer may request before signing the sale contract.
For the legal side of the purchase, it is useful to review the land registry and ownership rights and, for apartments, information about condominium registration. Once the purchase becomes more serious, it is also useful to understand the role of the preliminary contract and real estate sale contract.
What can a buyer learn from the energy performance certificate?
For a buyer, the certificate provides additional information about the building that may not be obvious during a viewing. Especially with older apartments or houses, it can be a useful starting point for questions about insulation, windows, heating, cooling and possible future investment.
The energy class does not guarantee the amount of future utility bills because actual consumption also depends on how the property is used, the number of occupants and personal habits. However, when combined with the technical condition and legal documentation, it gives the buyer a more complete picture before making a decision.
Buying or selling property in Makarska and the surrounding area?
When buying or selling property, it is important to check the documentation in good time and clearly define the steps leading to the contract. Browse the current AB Adrion property listings or contact the agency for guidance on buying, selling and property documentation in Makarska and on the Makarska Riviera.
Frequently asked questions about energy performance certificates
Is an energy performance certificate mandatory when selling an apartment?
For apartments and other individual units that are subject to energy certification, the owner must obtain the certificate before the sale, show it to a prospective buyer and provide the certificate or a copy when the transaction is completed. Croatian regulations provide certain exemptions for specific buildings.
Do you need an energy performance certificate for a house?
As a general rule, a house must also have an energy performance certificate when the certification obligation applies, for example before sale or rental. Certain buildings are exempt, so unusual or specific cases should be checked with an authorised certifier.
How long is an energy performance certificate valid?
The certificate is valid for ten years from the date of issue.
Who can issue an energy performance certificate?
It can be issued by a professional authorised to carry out energy certification of buildings. The competent Croatian ministry maintains an official register of authorised certifiers.
Does the energy class have to be shown in a property advertisement?
Yes. When the certification obligation applies, media advertisements for the sale or rental of a building or an individual unit must state its energy class.
Who pays for the energy performance certificate - the buyer or the seller?
The obligation to obtain the certificate before a sale rests with the property owner or seller. It is therefore a cost the seller should take into account when preparing the property for the market.
_(1)_123145.jpeg)
