The electricity conversion coefficient applied to the DPE has changed from 2.3 to 1.9 since January 1, 2026, following the decree of August 13, 2025. This technical modification alters the landscape for the energy assessment of a property heated by electricity: some properties gain a class without any physical intervention. Understanding this mechanism, and more broadly mastering the parameters of a reliable diagnosis, is essential for any coherent asset management strategy.
Electricity conversion coefficient and reclassification without work
The reduction of the coefficient from 2.3 to 1.9 mechanically lowers the calculated primary energy consumption for properties powered by electricity. A property classified as F with efficient electric heating can shift to E without any modifications to the building.
Previous DPEs remain valid. However, we recommend checking the status of each affected unit via the DPE-Audit Observatory of Ademe, which allows in certain cases for a label update without a new visit. This approach is particularly relevant for landlords whose property was close to the rental prohibition threshold.
The stakes are clear: a property classified as G can no longer be rented since January 1, 2025. Owners who operate properties heated by recent electric convectors or air-to-air heat pumps should have their label recalculated before undertaking potentially unnecessary work. To delve into the regulatory implications of this reassessment, the Protect Habitation site for owners details the scenarios for each property.
Collective DPE in co-ownership: schedule and impact on individual assessment
The Climate and Resilience Law has mandated collective DPE for co-ownerships of 50 to 200 units in 2025, and then for those with fewer than 50 units in 2026, for buildings whose building permit is dated before January 1, 2013. This diagnosis focuses on the building envelope and common equipment, not on each apartment taken in isolation.
The distinction is structural. The collective DPE assesses overall thermal losses (roof, facades, collective heating network), while the individual DPE incorporates the specifics of the unit (joinery, ventilation, hot water production system). The two documents coexist and do not replace one another.
Link between collective diagnosis and renovation project
An unfavorable collective DPE directs the co-ownership towards a multi-year work plan. For the owner of a unit, this means that external insulation or the replacement of the collective boiler falls under the vote in the general assembly, not an individual initiative.
We regularly observe owners undertaking costly interior insulation while the co-ownership plans an external insulation project within two years. Waiting for the result of the collective DPE before launching a private project avoids this type of duplication.
Regulatory energy audit: scope and sales obligations
The regulatory energy audit does not apply to all properties. Its scope is limited to individual houses and buildings owned by a single owner, classified E, F, or G. The sale of an apartment in co-ownership is not subject to it solely based on its label.
- Classes F and G: audit mandatory since April 1, 2023, for any sale
- Class E: obligation extended since January 1, 2025
- Class D: deadline set for 2034
The audit must be provided to the prospective buyer at the first visit. It offers costed scenarios for energy renovation work, but does not impose any execution before the transaction. The seller has no obligation for results, only for information.
Difference between audit and DPE: what changes in practice
The DPE produces a label and an estimate of consumption. The audit goes further: it models several renovation pathways with a priority order, estimated gains by category (insulation, ventilation, heat production), and a projection of the class achievable after work.
A certified diagnostician performs the DPE. The audit requires complementary skills, particularly mastery of dynamic thermal simulation software. The choice of professional determines the quality of recommendations, not just the compliance of the document.
Rental bans and schedule for landlords
The regulatory schedule creates increasing pressure on landlords:
- Since January 1, 2025, properties classified as G are prohibited from being rented
- In 2028, the ban extends to properties classified as F
- In 2034, properties classified as E will be affected
A landlord who re-rents a property or renews a lease must ensure that the property meets the current energy performance threshold. The energy assessment is therefore no longer a one-time exercise linked to a sale: it becomes a recurring rental management tool.
Anticipate rather than suffer the downgrade
The new conversion coefficient may be sufficient to move some electric properties out of the G zone. For others, thermal insulation work (attics, ground floors, joinery) remains the most effective lever before intervening on the heating system.
We recommend having the energy performance diagnosis carried out at least twelve months before the targeted regulatory deadline. This timeframe allows for consulting multiple companies, preparing a renovation aid file, and absorbing construction delays without losing rental income.
The convergence between the recalculation of the electric coefficient, the mandatory collective DPE, and the tightening of rental thresholds reshapes how an owner must manage their assets. The energy assessment becomes a regular management act, not an administrative formality triggered at the time of sale.
