Energy certificates: cost and who is responsible

The energy performance certificate is one of those papers easily lost in the pile. But it actually says a lot. Selling, it is legally required. Buying, it is one of the best ways to understand what the home costs to live in, not just to buy.

Here is what an energy certificate is, who arranges it, what it costs, and what the result means. No fuss.

What is an energy certificate?

An energy certificate (energideklaration) is a document showing how much energy a building uses. Heating, hot water, ventilation and building power, counted per square metre and year. The result condenses into an energy class from A to G.

It must be registered at Boverket, the responsible authority. And it also lists suggested measures. Meaning concrete things that would cut energy use, like better insulation or a new heating system.

Certifying is legally required selling many buildings. It covers houses, terraced houses, tenant-owner apartments and apartment blocks. Some buildings are exempt, for example smaller detached houses under 50 square metres and some holiday homes. Unsure whether your home is covered, ask your agent or an energy expert.

The seller’s responsibility for the certificate

Important to be clear here: the seller answers for a valid energy certificate existing. Not the buyer. Not the agent. The seller.

In practice the agent often helps arrange it, but responsibility stays with whoever sells. The certificate must be available at viewings and the buyer must be able to see it.

And if missing? Then the buyer holds the right to demand one be drawn up. If the seller fails within reasonable time, the buyer may have one made at the seller’s expense. So having it ready in good time pays.

Certificate cost: what you pay

An energy certificate is made by a certified energy expert. The expert surveys the building, eyes heating, ventilation and insulation, and calculates energy use. The visit usually takes a couple of hours, then the expert registers the certificate digitally at Boverket.

What does that cost? It depends on home size and type. For a house it usually runs a few thousand kronor. Prices vary between experts, so collecting a couple of quotes pays. Wanting just the figure, what an energy certificate costs answers briefly on a page of its own.

For a tenant-owner apartment it looks different. Then certification covers the whole building, not your single flat. The cost sits with the association, handled by the board. So selling a tenant-owner apartment, you rarely need to order your own.

An energy certificate lasts ten years. With no major building changes, it holds the whole period.

Energy class A to G: what the letters mean

Energy class runs A to G. A is very energy efficient. G is very energy hungry. Boundaries between classes differ by building type and where in the country the house stands.

As a rule: newly built houses often land in B or C. Older houses never renovated can land in E or F. That does not say the house is bad, but it says something about heating costs.

And that is the point for you buying. The gap between a low and a high energy class can mean thousands of kronor yearly in heating and power. It is a cost invisible in bidding, but paid every year you stay. Count it in.

What the buyer should do

Always ask to see the energy certificate before you bid. If old or missing entirely, ask the seller. You hold the right to demand one be drawn up.

A bad energy class need not stop a purchase. But it belongs in your calculation. Either in the price you will pay, or in a plan for what you need to renovate ahead. The certificate’s suggested measures are a good starting point.

Tips for you selling through SökHem

On SökHem buyers register a buying brief, and the system finds fitting sellers, sometimes before the home is even listed publicly. That means a buyer can appear early.

Then having the energy certificate ready feels good. The buyer gets the right information directly, and you skip a delay once things start moving. Unsure whom to call, ask your agent for a certified energy expert.

Considering selling the home privately, the certificate matters even more to hold ready in time, since no agent reminds you of it. It must be available by the viewing at the latest.