Are you planning to sell or rent out a listed building? Then, starting in May 2026, you'll be faced with an important change. While listed buildings were previously exempt from the energy labeling requirement, this will soon become mandatory. This change is part of the European EPBD IV directive, which aims to make buildings in Europe more energy-efficient. Want to know what this means for you? This article provides everything you need to know.
Starting in May 2026, the exemption for listed buildings from energy label legislation will expire. This means that as the owner of a national, municipal, or provincial listed building, you are required to submit an energy label when selling or renting it out. This energy label is prepared by a certified consultant and provides insight into the property's energy performance.
The current energy label system has now also been approved for monuments. This makes it easier to gain appropriate insight into energy efficiency while preserving cultural-historical values.
Homekeur Tip: Are you buying or selling a listed building? It's wise to have a building inspection performed. This way, you'll know for sure what condition the property is in and what energy-efficiency options are available.
Although listed buildings are not required to meet the strict energy requirements that apply to offices, for example, the government expects these buildings to be as sustainable as possible by 2050. In a recent letter to Parliament, the Minister of Housing indicated that she, in collaboration with the listed building sector, is working on better support for listed building owners in making their buildings more sustainable.
The existing DuMo (Sustainable Monuments) recommendations play a key role in this. These recommendations were specifically developed for the responsible sustainability of monuments and are increasingly being recognized by government agencies and subsidy programs such as DUMAVA.
A DuMo advisory report offers you, as the owner of a listed building, clear insight into how to make your property more sustainable without compromising its historic value. In 2020, ERM (Recognized Restoration Quality for Monument Care) developed a conceptual framework that serves as the basis for these reports. This framework carefully balances technical possibilities against the preservation of characteristic elements. An official implementation guideline for these reports is currently being developed. This should ensure greater clarity and quality in the approach to energy improvements for listed buildings.
By further developing and implementing the DuMo methodology, making monuments more sustainable becomes easier and more attractive. You'll benefit from a targeted, practical approach that combines energy conservation and heritage preservation.
Want to be sure about the technical condition of the listed building you're planning to buy or sell? With a building inspection by Homekeur, you'll know exactly what to expect. You'll receive a comprehensive building report with clear recommendations and cost estimates.
The energy label requirement for listed buildings will take effect in May 2026. So don't wait too long to start preparing. Be well-informed about sustainability options and have an energy label drawn up in a timely manner. Homekeur is ready to assist you with advice, energy labels, and building inspections. Contact us for more information and advice.
The cost of an energy label (up to 190 m²) is only €349 including VAT. A certified energy advisor will visit you, inspect the property, and officially register the energy label in EP-online. If the property is larger than 190 m², we charge €0.65 per additional square meter. Do you have any questions? We're happy to help and, if desired, can schedule an appointment with a certified advisor right away!
