Thinking about buying a house in Spain? Chances are, besides the cost of the house itself, you are also curious about energy costs. In Spain, energy labels are playing an increasingly important role, both because of European regulations and because of their impact on the value of a property. These labels not only provide insight into how energy efficient a property is, but also have direct consequences for renting, selling or financing a property.
In this blog, we explain what energy labels in Spain entail, what rules apply and what new obligations have been introduced since August 2025.
What is an energy label?
An energy label (Spanish: Certificado de Eficiencia Energética, CEE) shows how energy efficient a home is. This is determined based on factors such as:
- The insulation of the home
- The type of heating and cooling system
- The use of sustainable energy
The label ranges from A (very energy efficient) to G (very inefficient). Homes with a good energy label consume less energy, are more comfortable and more attractive on the market. Since 1 June 2013, it has been mandatory to have a valid certificate when selling or renting a home in Spain and to show it to the buyer or tenant.
Since August 2025: label required for mortgages
Whereas until now the energy label was often only arranged after the valuation, this has changed since 12 August 2025. From that date onwards, a mortgage in Spain can only be granted if a valid label is already available.
This means that the valuer and the bank must check the energy label before the financing is approved.
- For existing homes, the certificate must be officially registered and up to date.
- For new-builds or homes under construction, a provisional label is sufficient, provided that it matches the final registration later on.
This is an important change for buyers: without an energy label, the valuation cannot proceed, which means that the mortgage application will be delayed or even refused. Our advice is therefore to always check whether the label is available before signing a provisional purchase contract (arras). This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises during the purchase process.
Stricter energy labels in Spain from 2030
The European Union has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gases and achieve climate neutrality by 2050 with the EPBD (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive). For Spain, this means stricter requirements for home energy labels.
For existing homes, it means:
- From 2030, all homes must have at least energy label E.
- From 2033, this will be tightened to at least energy label D.
Even stricter requirements apply to new-build homes:
- From 2028, all new buildings in Spain must be fully energy-neutral.
What does this mean in practice? Many homes in Spain are old and poorly insulated, giving them a low energy label, often F or G. This makes modifications necessary to meet the new requirements. Without an improved energy label, a house may not be rented or sold from 2030.
Energy labels and the Spanish property market
The new energy label requirements bring both opportunities and challenges for homeowners and buyers.
- Opportunities:
- Homes with a good energy label will become more attractive to buyers. They will increase in value because of the lower energy costs and comfort they offer.
- Investing in sustainability, such as insulation or solar panels, can significantly increase the value of a home.
- Challenges:
- More than 80% of homes in Spain currently have energy label E, F or G. This means that a large proportion of homes need to be upgraded to comply with the new regulations.
- Timely action is crucial, because without the correct energy label, a property may not be rented or sold from 2030.
Making your Spanish home energy efficient? We can help!
At Dream Properties, we support not only the purchase of your dream home, but also its sustainability. We are happy to help you meet the new requirements for energy labels in Spain. This is what we can do for you:
- Renovation and construction: We work with reliable partners specialised in renovations and new construction.
- Sustainable solutions: Think solar panels, insulation and other energy-saving techniques. We put you in touch with the right specialists.
- Certification and advice: We help obtain energy labels and advise on improvements needed to comply with regulations.
Want to know more about energy labels and how we can help you? Contact our experts today for advice on buying, renovating or making your Spanish property more sustainable.
