Residential EPC certificate: everything you need to know

A residential EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) is an official document that reflects the energy efficiency of a dwelling. It is mandatory for every sale or rental of a residential building in Flanders — whether it concerns an apartment, studio, terraced house, detached house or villa. The certificate assigns an energy label from A+ (very energy efficient) to F (energy guzzler) and contains personalised recommendations to improve energy performance. During our inspections, we find that many property owners do not realise the impact a good EPC label has on property value. Properties with label A or B sell on average faster and at a higher price than those with label E or F.

Our certified type A energy expert carries out a thorough inspection of your property according to the official inspection protocol IP2025. Specifically, the following elements are measured and checked:

• Building envelope — walls, roof, floor, basement ceiling: material, thickness and insulation value
• Windows and doors — glazing type (single, double, HR++, triple), frame material, airtightness
• Heating system — boiler type, brand, year of manufacture, efficiency, controls (thermostat, thermostatic valves)
• Hot water production — appliance type, storage volume, distribution losses
• Ventilation — system type (A, B, C or D), grilles, ducts
• Renewable energy — solar panels, solar boiler, heat pump
• Lighting — lighting type in common areas

Since July 2025, photo documentation is mandatory as evidence for all insulation and installation measures. During our inspections, we therefore systematically photograph every relevant element.

The more supporting documents you can provide, the more accurate your EPC score will be. The following documents are particularly useful:

• Invoices for insulation work (roof, walls, floor)
• Technical data sheets of insulation materials
• Building plans or floor plans
• Invoices or certificates of the heating system
• Solar panel inspection certificate and power rating (Wp)
• EPB declaration (for new construction or major renovation)
• Post-intervention file (PIF)

No supporting documents? No problem. Our expert will base the assessment on visual observations, but the score may be lower as non-visible insulation cannot always be verified. Check our preparation tips for a complete checklist.

The on-site inspection takes on average 1 to 2 hours for an apartment or terraced house, and 2 to 3 hours for a larger home or villa. After the site visit, you typically receive the EPC certificate within 48 hours by email. Need it sooner, for example for a notary appointment? Mention it in your request.

Our prices for residential EPC certificates start from €195 excl. VAT for an apartment or studio, from €260 excl. VAT for a terraced house or duplex and from €295 excl. VAT for a family home. A villa (over 400 m²) is on request. The exact price depends on the surface area and complexity of the property and is stated upfront in your quote. It includes the site visit, drawing up the certificate, registration in the Energy Performance Database and travel within our service area. See our full pricing page or request a free quote.

An EPC is required as soon as you publicly offer a home for sale or for rent. The certificate is valid for 10 years. Without a valid EPC, VEKA can impose a fine of €500 to €5,000. If you buy a home with label E or F, you must, according to vlaanderen.be, renovate it to at least label D within a fixed period after the deed (that period depends on the date of the deed; check yours on vlaanderen.be). The EPC plays a role here: it shows your current energy label. Last checked: 14 October 2026.