The Energy Performance of Buildings (EPB) certificate is mandatory in Belgium for any sale or rental of a property. It evaluates the building’s energy consumption and assigns a class from A++ (very efficient) to G (very energy-intensive).
Obligations differ slightly by region:
- Brussels: EPC certificate mandatory since 2011, mandatory mention in all listings
- Wallonia: PEB certificate mandatory since 2010, label must be displayed in the listing
- Flanders: EPC (Energieprestatiecertificaat) mandatory since 2008, with progressive minimum standards
Important — Since 2023 in Flanders, a minimum EPC label of D is required for new rentals. This requirement will be tightened to C in 2028 and B in 2035.
Articles in this chapter
- EPC Brussels — Obligations and procedure in the BCR · 6 min
- PEB Wallonia — Specific rules in the south · 5 min
- EPC Flanders — Minimum standards and timeline · 7 min
The EPC certificate classifies buildings according to their primary energy consumption in kWh/m² per year. Thresholds vary by region, but the principle remains the same: the closer to A, the better the performance.
| Class | Consumption (kWh/m²/year) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A++ | < 0 | Positive energy building |
| A+ | 0 – 45 | Very low energy |
| A | 45 – 85 | Low energy |
| B | 85 – 170 | Good |
| C | 170 – 255 | Average |
| D | 255 – 340 | Poor |
| E-G | > 340 | Energy-intensive |
Key figure — In Belgium, the average rental stock sits around class D-E, i.e. consumption of 300-400 kWh/m²/year. More than 70% of Belgium’s property stock has an EPC of class D or lower.
Articles in this chapter
- EPC scale explained — From A++ to G, what the classes mean · 5 min
- Average EPC in Belgium — Statistics by region and property type · 6 min
- EPC assessor — How to choose and average cost · 4 min
Energy performance has a direct and measurable impact on a property’s rental value. Studies show that a property with a good EPC score rents more quickly and at a higher rent. The difference can reach 5 to 15% between a B-rated and an E-rated property.
In Flanders, minimum rental standards make certain properties unlettable if they do not meet EPC requirements. This trend will extend to other regions in the coming years.
Good to know — In Brussels, the RENOLUTION grant can cover up to 70% of insulation works for landlords. In Wallonia, Housing grants can reach 70% of the amount of eligible works.
Articles in this chapter
- EPC and rental value — Quantified studies by region · 6 min
- Minimum standards Flanders — Timeline and consequences · 7 min
- Regional grants — Brussels, Wallonia, Flanders · 8 min
To improve the EPC score of a rental property, the most effective works are, in order of priority: roof insulation (average gain of 1 to 2 classes), window replacement (gain of 0.5 to 1 class), wall insulation and replacement of the heating system with a heat pump or condensing boiler.
The return on investment depends on the region and type of property, but generally, roof insulation offers the best cost-benefit ratio with a payback period of 5 to 8 years through increased property value and energy savings.
Key figure — Moving from EPC E to EPC B can cost between EUR 15,000 and 40,000 depending on the building’s condition, but increases the property’s value by 10 to 20% and reduces energy costs by 60%.
Articles in this chapter
- Roof insulation — Techniques and costs · 6 min
- Window replacement — Double vs triple glazing · 5 min
- Heat pump — Profitability for a rental property · 7 min
- Energy audit — Procedure and cost by region · 5 min