In the Flemish government agreement 2024-2029, several important changes have been announced regarding the renovation obligation. This obligation plays a crucial role in the region's energy policy and aims to improve the energy efficiency of the Flemish housing stock. However, the new adjustments give owners a bit more breathing room. Below we provide an overview of what exactly changes.
Renovation obligation limited to EPC label D
The renovation obligation remains, but is limited to achieving EPC label D. Where there was previously talk of further tightening from 2028 (such as achieving label C or even better), this is now being scrapped. This means that owners of energy-consuming homes will not have to renovate further after achieving label D for the time being.
More time for renovation: deadline extended to 6 years
Another adjustment is that owners will now have 6 years to carry out the necessary works, instead of the current deadline of 5 years. This extension provides more flexibility to plan and carry out renovations without immediate pressure.
In addition, the deadline for providing the necessary documentation for Major Energy Renovations (IER) is also extended to 6 years.
Nuanced enforcement framework for residential buildings
For residential buildings, a more nuanced enforcement framework will be introduced. Although the details of this still need to be worked out, we can expect that this will lead to a more tailored approach for owners who have difficulty meeting the renovation obligation. This could, for example, mean that inspections become more flexible or that more room is given for exceptions.
Current regulation: who needs to renovate?
Currently, the renovation obligation applies to new owners of homes with an EPC label E or F. When a home is sold or transferred through leasehold or building lease, the new owner is required to energetically renovate the home to at least EPC label D within 5 years of the purchase or transfer. This obligation applies to both single-family homes and apartments, but not to collective parts such as roofs or common heating installations.
If the home is sold again within these 5 years, the new owner inherits the remaining term and renovation obligation from the previous owner. This system ensures that the energy renovation of the housing stock is gradually increased, without burdening owners with high costs all at once.
What does the future hold?
From January 1, 2030, the energy standard will be further tightened for rental properties. Owners who want to rent out their property must ensure that it meets a maximum EPC label. This will then become part of the minimum quality standards for homes. Row houses and apartments will have a stricter standard than detached and semi-detached houses, as they have less energy loss due to their more compact structure.
A property that does not meet these requirements can be declared unfit from 2030 and may no longer be rented out. This means that owners should plan and carry out their renovations in a timely manner to avoid future problems.
Conclusion
The announced relaxations in the renovation obligation give owners of energy-consuming homes more time and space to carry out the necessary works. By limiting the obligation to EPC label D and extending the deadline to 6 years, the pressure on owners is relieved. At the same time, the long-term objectives remain unchanged, and homes will have to evolve to label A by 2050.
For owners planning to rent out their property, it is important to look ahead to the stricter requirements that will come into effect from 2030. Timely renovation remains the message to be prepared for future regulations and to avoid possible sanctions.
It is important to emphasize that these changes have not yet been officially incorporated into legislation. The current rules will therefore remain in effect for the time being.
