Mandatory since 2006, the DPE is a tool that assesses the energy consumption of a home and his impact on greenhouse gas emissions. It translates the actual consumption of electricity, heating and hot water into an energy class, ranging from A (very efficient) to G (very energy-intensive), in order to inform future buyers or tenants.
What changes from January 1? The electricity conversion coefficient in the calculation will be lowered from 2.3 to 1.9. A “technical” and automatic evolution which aims to better take into account the French energy mix, largely decarbonizedand to correct an unequal treatment which until now penalized housing heated with electricity in their energy classification. Result: almost 850,000 housing units currently classified F or G could see their rating improve, with some leaving the status of thermal strainers without work.
A technical change which makes the real estate market more fluid
By reclassifying certain housing, the new DPE allows banks to reconsider the associated risk to properties that have so far been poorly rated. Caroline Arnould, General Director of CAFPI, explains: “In practice, better classified housing opens up the possibility of simpler financing for the buyer. Banks assess less risk and can request a lower contribution, which restores the solvency of many households.»
This technical reclassification also reduces the number of accommodation prohibited for rental. As a reminder, since January 2023, very energy-intensive housing, mainly those classified G and some F, are no longer rentable. The Climate and Resilience law plans to gradually extend this ban to all F housing in 2028 and E in 2034.
A “good business” effect?
Be careful, however, not to make any confusion. If the ranking changes, “ electricity charges remain unchangedspecifies Caroline Arnould.The reform will not create a “good business” effect“. Better DPE does not transform energy-intensive housing into efficient housing. THE upgrading work (wall insulation, boiler change, double glazing) remain essential to sustainably reduce energy consumption and comply with legal obligations, in particular those of the Climate and Resilience law.
In 2024, almost 340,000 housing units have benefited from aid for energy renovation via MaPrimeRénov’. In the first half of 2025, almost 157,000 housing units were renovated thanks to the system, according to the National Housing Agency (Anah).
Despite everything, from a strategic point of view, explains the general director, “the better conditions for granting bank loans by banks will facilitate the carrying out of the necessary work”. So, a word of advice: if you had a real estate purchase project on a poorly rated property in the pipeline, wait until the beginning of January.
