The different property diagnostics in France
In France, when you sell a property you have the obligation to provide different surveys of your property, the French call these “Diagnostics”. Depending on the age of your house and where it is situated, different diagnostics are necessary. You will need to contact an independent “Diagnostiqueur” to have these done. Feel free to contact your local Agence NEWTON agent to find out more.
For initially marketing your property you will need to have a DPE done on the property, the average cost is around 120-150 €, this test can be done separately to start with, then the others once the property subject to contract.
The different Diagnostics are as follows:
“Diagnostic de la Performance Énergétique”
In France, the DPE (Energy Performance Diagnosis) is a mandatory report for all property sales and rentals. It assesses a property's energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions, assigning it a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). As of July 2021, the DPE is legally binding, meaning buyers can rely on its results, and inaccurate reports may lead to liability. Properties rated F or G are considered “passoires thermiques” (energy sieves), and sellers must now disclose this status clearly in listings and promotional materials.
Furthermore, selling a poorly rated property now comes with added obligations. As from 1st April 2023, a full energy audit (audit énergétique) is required for houses rated E, F or G before they can be sold, applicable to individual dwellings. The DPE must also be conducted by a certified professional and remain valid for 10 years, unless major renovations are carried out. As environmental standards tighten, compliance with DPE rules is not only a legal requirement but also increasingly important for attracting serious buyers.
Electrical installation
If your property is over 15 years old, you will have to have the electrical installation controlled to see if it is up to spec. The validity of the one is 3 years
Gas Installation
If your property has gas central heating, a gas water boiler, even a gas cooker with any part of the connection tube which isn’t rubber or is fixed to a wall and the installation is more than 15 years old, then you will need this controlled too. Validity is 3 years
Plomb
The French also have a thing about lead paint, so if your property was originally built before 1949 then the expert will have to test the whole property for traces of lead paint. IF you have renovated a property and have full planning permission for this, then the property is considered as a new house, thus the lead is not necessary. Validity of 1 year if a “positive” result, unlimited otherwise.
Amiante
This test controls for the presence of Asbestos in/on the property. For any properties that date from before 1996. Only the presence in the liveable space is controlled, BUT the expert has the obligation to stipulate any other asbestos found in the roof or outbuildings. Validity is unlimited (depending on condition).
Termites
Although classified as a Termite test, it is in fact for all wood boring insects. This is only obligatory in certain departments/counties of France, our local agent can inform you if it is necessary in your area. Validity of only 6 months
Merule
As with the termite test, this refers to damp rot, but the test includes all fungi infestations in the property. Whether you need this on your property depends on whether there have been cases declares around your property, although certain notary’s will ask for one if you own an old house. Validity 6 months
Loi Carrez
This is an official surface calculation, but only applies to properties that share a common area in the construction, ie a flat with a shared stair well. Validity 3 years
To find an expert in your region, here is a link to the government listing (in French); otherwise talk to your local Agence NEWTON agent.
The two following tests are NOT done by the “Expert Diagnostiquer”:
ESRIS
This is a control done either by the agent or the notary at the time of the initial contract to verify if there have been any natural or technological disasters or risks in the area that might affect the property. The vary from floods and earthquakes to chemical factories and quarries and mines around the property.
CAA – Contrôle d’Assainissement Autonome
If your property is not connected to mains drainage, then normally you should have either a “Fosse Septic” or a “Fosse Toutes Eaux”, in any case, you will need to have it controlled by the local authorities. Normally speaking this should automatically be controlled every 4 years, BUT for a sale this need to be less than 3 years old for the time of the final signing.
If for sound of mind, you would like to have a UK style full survey of the property, this is possible. Please check our links page for more info. The UK style survey carry no legal value in France, and thus has to be agreed by the vendor.