EPC in Belgium: understanding the energy performance certificate

What is the EPC certificate?

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is an official document that evaluates a building's energy consumption. Mandatory for every sale or rental in Belgium, it assigns a label from A (very efficient) to G (very inefficient).

The EPC has become a decisive factor in the Belgian real estate market: it directly influences the selling price and resale ease. Check the energy performance by municipality to see EPC distributions in your area.

EPC labels explained: from A to G

Label	kWh/m2/year	Description	Price impact
A	< 86	Very efficient, passive or low-energy house	+15% to +25%
B	86 - 170	Good performance, recent energy renovation	+5% to +15%
C	170 - 255	Average performance, current standard	Reference
D	255 - 340	Below average	-5% to -10%
E	340 - 425	Low performance	-10% to -20%
F	425 - 510	Very low performance	-15% to -25%
G	> 510	Very insufficient performance	-20% to -35%

In Brussels, nearly 60% of dwellings have a label D or lower, representing an immense renovation potential.

Impact of EPC on property prices

• A property with label A sells for an average of 20% more than label D in the same municipality.
• In Liege, the gap between label B and F can exceed EUR 50,000.
• Banks offer reduced rates for well-insulated properties (green mortgages).
• In Flanders, registration rights drop from 3% to 1% for labels A and B.

For the full financial picture, see our notary fees guide.

Obligations by region

Wallonia

• EPC mandatory for every sale or rental
• Target: minimum EPC D for all dwellings by 2030
• Check prices and EPC in Mons and Charleroi

Brussels

• EPC mandatory for every sale or rental
• Regional target: carbon neutrality by 2050
• Renolution subsidies for energy improvement
• Since 2025: rental ban for class G dwellings

Flanders

• EPC mandatory for every sale or rental
• Target: minimum label C for all dwellings by 2030
• Renovation obligation within 5 years of purchase for labels E, F, or G
• Tax advantage: 1% registration rights for labels A and B

How to improve your EPC

1. Roof insulation (biggest impact)

• Cost: EUR 30 to 60/m2
• EPC gain: 1 to 2 labels
• Payback period: 3 to 7 years

2. Heating system replacement

• Heat pump: EUR 8,000 to 15,000
• Condensing boiler: EUR 3,000 to 6,000
• EPC gain: 1 to 3 labels

3. Wall insulation

• External: EUR 100 to 180/m2
• Internal: EUR 40 to 80/m2
• EPC gain: 1 to 2 labels

4. Window replacement

• Cost: EUR 500 to 1,000 per window
• EPC gain: 0.5 to 1 label

5. Solar panels

• Cost: EUR 5,000 to 10,000
• EPC gain: 0.5 to 1 label
• Payback period: 6 to 10 years

Subsidies by region

Wallonia — Housing subsidies

• Roof insulation: up to EUR 6/m2
• Wall insulation: up to EUR 12/m2
• Heat pump: up to EUR 4,500

Brussels — Renolution subsidies

• Roof insulation: up to EUR 50/m2
• Heat pump: up to EUR 4,500
• Windows: up to EUR 120/m2

Flanders — Mijn VerbouwPremie

• Roof insulation: up to EUR 8/m2
• Wall insulation: up to EUR 8/m2
• Heat pump: up to EUR 5,000

EPC and property investment

For investors, the EPC is a key factor. A poorly rated property can be purchased at a significant discount. After energy renovation, the added value can reach 20-30%. Calculate your return with our rental yield calculator. Also read the home buying guide.

Conclusion

The EPC certificate has become essential in the Belgian property market. Use our price pages per municipality to cross-reference EPC data with market prices, and check our neighborhood scores for a complete picture.