In recent months, headlines about the energy efficiency certificate in Spain have caused concern among homeowners and potential buyers: “From 2030 it will be forbidden to sell or rent homes with an energy efficiency rating lower than E.” If this were true, it would impact millions of properties across the country. However, the reality is far less dramatic.

The so-called ban does not exist, and Spain is not preparing to prohibit the sale or rental of homes with low ratings. Instead, the European Union has set long-term climate objectives that each country must pursue gradually. To clarify this debate, let’s explore what the energy efficiency certificate in Spain really means, what has changed in 2025, and what property owners and tenants should expect in the coming years.

What Is the Energy Efficiency Certificate in Spain?

The energy efficiency certificate (Certificado de Eficiencia Energética, or CEE) has been mandatory since 2013 for any property being sold or rented. It measures:

• The property’s estimated energy consumption under normal use.
• Its level of efficiency, ranked from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
• Recommendations to improve performance and reduce energy costs.

Traditionally, only architects and engineers were authorized to issue this certificate. Under the latest regulations, other trained professionals can now also provide certificates for existing buildings, provided they are accredited by their regional authorities.

Why the Confusion About 2030?

The European Union has adopted ambitious goals to achieve zero-emission buildings by 2050. This has led to speculation that countries will ban transactions of poorly rated properties by 2030.

Here is the truth:

• The EU does not require Spain or any other member state to ban the sale or rental of homes with low energy ratings.
• Each country has the discretion to impose restrictions if it chooses.
• Spain has explicitly confirmed it will not introduce such a prohibition in the near future.

What Spain will do is present Brussels with a roadmap of progressive improvements to reach the 2050 target, focusing on energy rehabilitation and incentives rather than punitive bans.

Spain Will Not Ban Sales or Rentals in 2030

Officially, the Spanish Ministry of Housing has stated it has no plans to prevent the sale or rental of homes with an energy efficiency rating below E.

Instead:

• Spain will implement gradual policies to encourage improvements.
• Homeowners can continue to sell, rent, or refinance their properties regardless of rating.
• The emphasis is on long-term transformation of the housing stock.

This should reassure millions of property owners and prospective tenants who feared being locked out of the market.

New Rules for Energy Certificates in Mortgage Valuations

While bans are not on the table, there has been a major change in 2025 that directly affects property transactions:

Since August 12, 2025, it is mandatory to have a valid energy efficiency certificate for any property that requires a mortgage valuation.

This means:

• Before buying, selling, or refinancing a home, the bank and appraiser will require proof of a current certificate.
• The certificate cannot be older than three months.
• If it is missing or expired, the transaction can be delayed or blocked.

In practice, homeowners should ensure their CEE is updated before signing deposit agreements (arras) or initiating financing procedures.

Completed Buildings vs. Properties Under Construction

The rules distinguish between two scenarios:

1. Completed buildings: the certificate must be registered and attached to the valuation.
2. New constructions or projects: the provisional certificate and registration request must be submitted, ensuring all data matches the final version.

This requirement strengthens the role of the CEE, elevating it from a mere formality to a key element of financial operations.

What Will Really Happen in 2030?

Contrary to sensationalist headlines:

• There will be no prohibition on sales or rentals of homes with low ratings.
• Property owners with a G rating will still be able to sell or rent their homes.
• The government will continue to promote rehabilitation programs, subsidies, and incentives to encourage upgrades.
• The CEE will remain mandatory for transactions and mortgage valuations, but the grade itself will not block the deal.

In short, 2030 will not bring bans—it will bring more emphasis on energy improvements.

Long-Term EU Objectives

The broader context is the EU’s climate roadmap:

• By 2050, all buildings—residential, commercial, and public—should reach net-zero emissions.
• Each member state must design its own strategy, balancing environmental goals with housing market stability.
• Spain has opted for a progressive, non-punitive approach that prioritizes renovation and financial support.

This ensures that property owners are not punished but instead encouraged to invest in efficiency.

Benefits of Energy Efficiency Improvements

Even though Spain will not ban low-rated homes, there are strong reasons to improve a property’s efficiency:

• Higher property value: homes with better ratings are more attractive to buyers and tenants.
• Lower energy bills: efficient homes reduce electricity and heating costs.
• Access to subsidies: EU and Spanish programs provide funding for insulation, windows, heating systems, and renewable energy installations.
• Future-proof investment: aligning with long-term environmental goals safeguards the property’s marketability.

Key Takeaways for Homeowners and Tenants

• You can still sell or rent your home in 2030 even if it has a low efficiency rating.
• What matters now is having a valid energy certificate, especially for mortgage valuations.
• Spain’s policy is based on incentives and gradual improvement, not bans.
• By 2050, all buildings are expected to be zero-emission, but the path will be progressive.

For owners, the smart move is to stay ahead: update your certificate, explore renovation options, and take advantage of subsidies while they are available.

Conclusion: No Need to Panic

The energy efficiency certificate in Spain has become a more central element in property transactions, particularly with the new rules on mortgage valuations. However, the feared ban on sales and rentals of poorly rated homes is unfounded.

Instead of restrictive measures, Spain is pursuing a strategy of gradual rehabilitation, financial support, and market incentives, aligned with EU climate goals. Property owners can remain calm: they will retain full rights to sell, rent, or refinance their homes in 2030 and beyond.

The focus should not be on fear of prohibition, but on the opportunity to enhance property value, reduce costs, and contribute to sustainability.

FAQs

What long-term EU objectives influence Spain’s energy policies for buildings?

The EU aims for all buildings to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and encourages member states, including Spain, to adopt progressive strategies that prioritize renovation and support rather than punitive bans.

How do the rules differ between completed buildings and new constructions regarding energy certificates?

Completed buildings must have a registered certificate attached to the valuation, whereas new constructions only need to submit a provisional certificate and registration request matching the final data.

What new requirement was introduced in 2025 regarding energy certificates and mortgage valuations?

Since August 12, 2025, it is mandatory to have a current, valid energy efficiency certificate for any property requiring a mortgage valuation, ensuring the certificate is not older than three months.

Is there a ban on selling or renting homes with low energy ratings in Spain by 2030?

No, there is no ban. Spain has confirmed it will not prohibit the sale or rental of homes with low ratings but will focus on gradual improvements and incentives.

What is the purpose of the energy efficiency certificate in Spain?

The energy efficiency certificate in Spain measures a property’s estimated energy consumption, efficiency level from A to G, and provides recommendations to improve energy performance.