Since 1 April 2024, Poland has introduced crucial changes in real property regulations. Homeowners and housing owners are now required to own energy performance certificates erstwhile selling or renting their properties. The absence of this paper may consequence in a financial punishment to PLN 5 000.
What is an energy performance certificate?
The energy performance certificate is simply a paper indicating the energy efficiency of a building or a dwelling. Includes information on the yearly energy needs needed for heating, ventilation, hot water preparation, air conditioning and lighting. The intent of the work to have specified a certificate is to increase environmental awareness and to advance energy-efficient solutions in construction.
When is the energy certificate required?
From 1 April 2024, the energy certificate shall be compulsory in the following situations:
- Sale of real estate: Each owner selling a home or flat must supply the buyer with a current energy certificate.
- Real property rental: In the case of rental, the owner is obliged to supply the tenant with a copy of the certificate before signing the lease agreement.
- Receipt of recently built buildings: fresh facilities put into service must have an energy certificate at the construction stage.
It is worth noting that the certificate is valid by 10 yearsin so far as no modernisation has been carried out affecting the energy characteristics of the building.
How to get an energy certificate?
The energy certificate process includes respective steps:
- Selection of authorised specialist: The certificate may only be drawn up by a certified energy auditor with the appropriate powers.
- Audit: The specialist analyses the building, assessing thermal insulation, heating and ventilation systems.
- Preparation of the document: On the basis of the data collected, the auditor shall prepare an energy performance certificate which shall then be transmitted to the property owner.
The cost of obtaining the certificate depends on many factors specified as the size and kind of the building, as well as the location. Estimated prices scope from PLN 400 to even PLN 1,000.
Changes in short-term rental
The year 2025 besides brings crucial changes to property owners offering short-term rental:
- New taxation regulations: Persons renting properties for little than 30 days will be required to pay an additional tax, the amount of which is to be from 5% to 10% rent income.
- Local restrictions: In the centres of cities specified as Warsaw, Kraków and Gdańsk, regulations were introduced to limit the number of properties available for short word rental. The aim is to minimise negative impacts on local communities and to guarantee greater safety for both residents and tourists.
Consequences for property owners
The introduction of fresh rules imposes additional obligations on property owners, but besides opens fresh opportunities for them:
- Increasing the attractiveness of the property: Having a current energy certificate can become an asset erstwhile selling or renting, demonstrating transparency and care for ecological standards.
- Adaptation to fresh regulations: The owners offering short-term rental should be closely acquainted with local regulations and fresh taxation burdens in order to avoid possible penalties and adapt their business to the applicable standards.
In summary, 2025 brings crucial changes to the Polish real property market. The work to have an energy performance certificate and the fresh short-term rental regulations aim at improving the energy efficiency of buildings and protecting the interests of local communities. Real property owners should be thoroughly acquainted with the fresh rules and prepare for them in order to avoid adverse legal and financial consequences.
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