The Spanish housing sector could face significant challenges under the EU’s new energy efficiency plan. The draft Energy Performance of Buildings Directive would require all homes to have an E rating or better by 2030 and a D rating by 2033. The aim is to increase the value of energy-efficient properties while devaluing those that are less efficient. There is even talk of making a minimum rating a legal requirement for property transactions. While some resist the directive, experts say that making homes more energy-efficient is necessary to meet the decarbonisation target of net zero by 2050. However, compliance with the plan will require a significant investment by owners, particularly those with older homes. The draft directive does not establish penalties for non-compliance, leaving this to the member states. The Green Building Council of Spain estimates that over 80% of buildings in Spain have a current rating of E or below, so complying with the directive would impose significant costs on the vast majority of owners in Spain.
