Residential energy efficiency: what property owners should know
EU rules are accelerating the energy renovation of Europe’s building stock. For owners in Spain, the key is to distinguish EU-wide targets from the specific obligations that Spanish legislation ultimately introduces.
Important: there is no general “E by 2030 and D by 2033” rule for every home
Directive (EU) 2024/1275 does not generally require every existing home to reach EPC E by 2030 and EPC D by 2033. For the residential building stock, Member States must follow a national trajectory reducing average primary energy use by 16% in 2030 and 20–22% in 2035 compared with 2020, with a strong focus on the worst-performing buildings.
What improvements may be useful?
- Upgrade windows and external envelope elements.
- Improve wall, roof or floor insulation where technically appropriate.
- Replace outdated heating, cooling or hot-water systems with more efficient alternatives.
- Install renewable energy solutions such as photovoltaic or solar thermal systems where viable.
- Reduce overall consumption through efficient equipment and better controls.
Why plan ahead?
- Understand the property’s starting point through its EPC or an energy assessment.
- Allow time to compare quotations and phase improvement works.
- Check grants and public funding that may be available at the relevant time.
- Improve comfort and potentially reduce energy bills.
- Help protect the property’s future marketability and value.
DOMUS recommendation
If your property currently has a low EPC rating —for example F or G— it is sensible to consider a technical energy assessment before renovation demand increases. DOMUS can help coordinate the administrative side and information on possible grants, working alongside the relevant technical professionals.
Frequently asked questions
Must every home have an EPC E rating by 2030?
No. The EU Directive sets a trajectory for reducing average energy use across the residential building stock, not a general EPC E requirement for every existing home.
Is it worth improving a home rated F or G?
It can be advisable for comfort, energy savings and future value, but specific works should be technically assessed and checked against applicable rules.
Official sources
- European Commission · Energy Performance of Buildings Directive →
- European Commission · Energy renovation of buildings →
General information. The rules that apply in practice depend on the circumstances of each property and taxpayer.