Energy efficiency rating: how does it affect the price of a property?

A property’s energy efficiency rating has a direct impact on its sale price in Luxembourg. Given comparable features, a well-rated house sells for more than an energy-inefficient one, as the buyer anticipates lower bills and fewer renovation works. This guide explains the link between energy efficiency rating and price, and helps you take this into account before’buy or to sell.

What is the link between an energy efficiency rating and the price of a property?

The energy rating measures a property’s energy requirements. The higher the rating, the cheaper it is to heat the property and the less renovation work it requires. Buyers factor these savings and any necessary work into their offer. In practice, the energy efficiency rating is therefore one of the criteria that determine the price, alongside location, floor area and general condition.

1. What is the energy rating of a property in Luxembourg?

In Luxembourg, the energy class is shown on the energy performance certificate (EPC), also known as the energy passport or Energiepass. This document sets out the building’s calculated energy demand and its CO₂ emissions.

The CPE uses a grading scale ranging from A+, the highest, to I, the lowest. It actually comprises three categories:

• the energy performance class, based on primary energy demand; ;
• the thermal insulation class, which reflects the quality of the building envelope; ;
• the environmental performance class, based on CO₂ emissions.

For an existing building, the certificate also contains advice on how to improve its energy performance.

When is an energy performance certificate required?

The CPE is compulsory when selling, letting, building, extending or converting a residential property. It remains valid for 10 years. When a property is put up for sale, the energy efficiency rating must also be included in the property advert. Find the detailed rules at Guichet.lu.

2. How does the energy efficiency rating affect the sale price?

The impact of energy efficiency class on price is real and measurable. A STATEC study, published in 2016 and focusing on existing homes sold in Luxembourg, quantified this impact.

Source: STATEC, a study published in 2016 on existing homes sold. The figure given is an illustrative example, not an actual price.

These differences cannot be explained by energy efficiency alone. A property with a good energy rating is often newer or has already been renovated. The energy rating therefore reflects part of the property’s overall condition.

An increasingly effective range of products and services

The housing stock on the market has changed significantly since this study. According to Note 43 from the Observatoire de l’Habitat, published in October 2025 and focusing on the 2024 housing supply, the energy efficiency rating is included in 67 % of property listings in Luxembourg. Of these listings, 52 % of flats and 59 % of houses fall into the most energy-efficient classes (A and B).

However, this figure should be treated with caution. The Observatory points out that properties without a listed energy efficiency rating are likely to be older, less energy-efficient properties. The actual proportion of energy-inefficient homes on the market is therefore probably higher than the adverts suggest.

💡 atHome tip

On atHome, use the energy performance filter to compare properties in different energy efficiency classes within the same local authority area. You’ll quickly see the price differences in your area.

3. Why does an energy-inefficient property sell for less?

There are several reasons why a poorly rated property sells for less.

Work to be carried out. According to the same STATEC study, 57 % of buyers of homes classified as G, H or I were planning to carry out renovation work. This proportion fell to 16 % for buyers of high-performance homes. Buyers naturally deduct the cost of this work from their offer.

Energy bills. A poorly insulated home uses more energy for heating. This cost places a strain on the household budget every month, and therefore on the price they are willing to pay.

Comfort. Good insulation minimises draughts, the sensation of cold walls and overheating in summer.

Changes to the regulations. The European Union has set a target for the renovation of the housing stock by 2050. Buyers expect that energy-inefficient properties will have to be renovated sooner or later.

Energy efficiency class: what this means for you

4. Buying an energy-inefficient property: is it a good deal?

A poorly rated property can be a good opportunity, provided you work out its true cost. The correct approach is to add together the purchase price, the cost of the renovation work and the transaction costs, and then deduct any renovation grants.

Estimate the cost of the work before making an offer

Get some quotes or seek advice from an energy adviser before committing to anything. The CPE already provides suggestions for improvements, but it does not give a cost estimate for the work.

The Government supports energy-efficiency refurbishments through the Klimabonus scheme. The amounts vary depending on the work carried out, the materials used and the energy efficiency achieved. See the Klima-Agence to find out about the support available and get advice.

💡 atHome tip

Include the renovation budget in your project right from the start. The atHomeFinance simulator gives you an initial estimate of your borrowing capacity. This will tell you how much you have left to spend on the building work.

5. You’re selling: how can you highlight your property’s energy rating?

For a seller, the energy efficiency rating is a selling point when it is good, and a bargaining chip when it is not so good.

• Have an up-to-date CPE drawn up. It is compulsory, and a recent certificate reassures the buyer.
• State the class in your advert. An ad that lacks class often arouses suspicion.
• Showcase the work you have completed. Keep your receipts: insulation, windows, heating, solar panels.
• Set a realistic price. A European estimate helps you gauge the value of your property against comparable properties in your area.

6. What will change under the new European directive

European Directive 2024/1275 on the energy performance of buildings was due to be transposed by Member States by 29 May 2026 at the latest. It provides, in particular, for:

• a standardised grading scale from A to G, where A corresponds to zero-emission buildings; ;
• a renovation plan, which sets out the work step by step; ;
• an energy performance certificate with standardised content across the European Union.

Luxembourg is gradually bringing its framework into line with these rules. Before buying or selling, check the current rules at Guichet.lu.

What mistakes should you avoid when it comes to energy efficiency ratings?

To value a property accurately:

• Don’t just look at the letter; check the thermal insulation class as well; ;
• Check the expiry date of the CPE; it is valid for 10 years; ;
• Don’t assume that a tacky advert hides a high-performing property; ;
• don’t forget to include the building work in your overall budget; ;
• Find out about the financial support available before you sign, not afterwards.

Checklist before making an offer

Before you commit, make sure you have:

• ✔ checked the property’s energy performance certificate; ;
• ✔ checked the three categories: energy, insulation and the environment; ;
• ✔ read the recommendations for work set out in the certificate; ;
• ✔ obtains a quote for the necessary work; ;
• ✔ checked the grants available from the Klima-Agence; ;
• ✔ included the works in your funding plan.

How atHome supports you

At atHome, you can compare properties based on their features, including energy efficiency, and set up alerts so you’re notified as soon as a listing matches your criteria.

With atHomeFinance, you can work out your borrowing capacity before you get started.

Are you looking for an energy-efficient home? Discover the properties currently available for sale on atHome and filter by energy efficiency.

FAQ

What is the best energy efficiency class in Luxembourg?

The highest grade on the Luxembourg energy performance certificate is A+. The scale then goes down to I, the lowest grade. A property rated A+ or A has very low energy requirements, which keeps heating costs down and minimises the need for energy-efficiency work.

Is an energy performance certificate required when selling a property?

Yes. An energy performance certificate is compulsory when selling or letting a property in Luxembourg, subject to any exceptions provided for by law. It is valid for 10 years. The energy rating must also be included in the property advertisement.

Does the energy efficiency rating affect the price of a flat?

Yes, but the studies available in Luxembourg mainly focus on houses. For a flat, the energy efficiency rating also affects service charges and maintenance costs. You should therefore compare properties in different energy efficiency classes within the same neighbourhood to gauge the difference.

Is there any financial assistance available to improve a property’s energy efficiency rating?

Yes. The Klimabonus scheme supports energy-efficiency renovation work, such as insulation or replacing the heating system. The amounts vary depending on the work and the materials used. The Klima-Agence offers advice and a grant calculator.