Energy Efficiency Certificate in Spain: When It’s Required and Why It Matters

Selling or renting a property in Spain? Learn why an energy efficiency certificate is mandatory, when it’s required, how long it’s valid, and which properties are exempt.

If you are planning to sell or rent a property in Spain, there is one legal requirement you must be aware of: the Energy Efficiency Certificate (CEE).

The Energy Efficiency Certificate became mandatory on June 1st, 2013, under Royal Decree 235/2013. Since that date, all homes and commercial properties that are being sold or rented must have a valid certificate.

The certificate rates a property’s energy performance on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It includes information on:
Estimated energy consumption
CO₂ emissions
Recommendations for improving efficiency

The certificate is required in the following situations:
Selling a property
Renting a property, short or long term
Listing a property for sale or rent on websites or platforms
Signing of a sales or rental contract
Sellers and landlords must make the certificate available from the beginning of the process. Buyers and tenants have the right to receive a copy of the certificate before the contract is signed.

The Energy Efficiency Certificate is valid for 10 years. It can be renewed earlier if the property is renovated to improve energy efficiency.

Yes, in some cases the certificate is not required. These exceptions include:
Isolated properties under 50 square metres
Buildings used less than four months a year
Officially protected buildings (e.g. historic or religious structures)

Having a certificate is not only a legal requirement but also a valuable selling point. A higher energy rating can increase the attractiveness and even the market value of your property. It also helps potential buyers or tenants better understand their expected energy costs and environmental impact.

Absolutely — here's a clear and professional explanation in English of how to get the Energy Efficiency Certificate (CEE) in Spain, specifically designed for foreign property owners, buyers, or landlords.

If you are planning to sell or rent your property in Spain, obtaining an Energy Efficiency Certificate (CEE) is a legal requirement. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get it, what it involves, and what to expect.

Only a qualified technician — such as an architect, engineer, or certified energy efficiency specialist — can issue the certificate. They must be officially authorized and registered in the autonomous community where the property is located (e.g., Andalusia).
You can:
Hire one directly
Ask your real estate agency (like Livingstone Estates) to coordinate the process
Use a certified local provider specializing in energy assessments

The technician will schedule a visit to inspect your property in person. During the inspection, they will take note of:
Orientation and layout of the home
Type of construction materials and insulation
Windows, glazing, and air tightness
Heating, cooling, and ventilation systems
Lighting and energy-consuming appliances
This step typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the property.

After the visit, the technician will use certified software to analyze the data and assign an energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). They will generate a full report, which includes:
The energy label
Estimated energy use and CO₂ emissions
Improvement suggestions to increase efficiency

The completed certificate must be registered with the regional government (in Andalusia, this is done online through the Junta de Andalucía's system). This process is usually handled by the technician.
Once registered, the property receives:
An official registration number
A downloadable and printable energy label

You must provide a copy of the certificate to:
Prospective buyers or tenants during the negotiation
The notary on the day of the sale or rental agreement
The advertising platform (it is legally required to include the energy label in listings)

The entire process generally takes 2 to 5 working days from inspection to delivery of the certificate and registration.

The cost depends on the property’s size, location, and provider. On average:
Small apartments: €100 – €150
Medium to large homes: €150 – €250
Villas or large estates: €250+
Livingstone Estates works with trusted local technicians and can coordinate the entire process for you.

If you're selling or renting your property, we’ll make sure all legal documents are in place, including the Energy Efficiency Certificate.
Contact Livingstone Estates:
📧 info@livingstone-estates.com
📞 +34 952 806 417

 Register today to our Guadalmansa Insider Newsletter and get all the latest updates & news about the Guadalmansa area in your inbox.