The Growing Risks Associated with the Increased Use of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) by Some Diagnosticians in 2025
Faced with the growing popularity of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) in the real estate sector, the government is sounding the alarm. For several years, demand for these assessments has grown significantly, creating a lucrative market that is also vulnerable to certain abuses. Unscrupulous diagnosticians are taking advantage of this trend to increase the number of EPCs, often to the detriment of the reliability of the results. In 2025, this alarming situation highlights the lack of transparency in a key sector for the energy transition. The ease of obtaining certification without rigorous oversight fuels a climate of abuse that undermines the credulity of buyers and tenants.
Aware of the problem, public authorities have decided to strengthen their oversight. Drastic measures are being prepared to limit these abusive practices and ensure the reliability of the certificates. The proliferation of abusive energy performance certificates (EPCs) dilutes trust in a document that should play a vital role in the fight against thermal sieves. The question then arises: how can the government stand up to these unethical practices?
The regulatory context: the rise of the EPC in real estate in 2025
The DPE (Energy Performance Certificate) is now a must-have in the French real estate landscape. Its importance continues to grow with the ambition to reduce the energy footprint of buildings. Initially introduced as a condition assessment, it quickly became a decision-making tool in real estate transactions. By 2025, its presence is almost systematic, particularly in the context of the sale or rental of a home.
This document classifies a home on a scale from A to G, much like household appliances. The challenge? Specifying energy consumption and guiding buyers toward energy-efficient homes or, conversely, energy-sucking ones. According to a study by the Fédération du Diagnostic Immobilier (Fédération of Real Estate Diagnostics), more than 4 million diagnostics are performed each year in France, demonstrating their central role.
But this great importance has also attracted some bad actors. Some unscrupulous diagnosticians have realized they can take advantage of this demand without any real oversight. Whether through indulgence or ignorance, some people do not hesitate to multiply DPEs, sometimes in defiance of regulations. The natural consequence: results that are sometimes unrepresentative of the energy reality of homes, which can compromise the fight against thermal sieves.
- The DPE as a legal requirement for sales and rentals
- Certification and expertise criteria (training, experience)
- Challenges for the energy transition: reducing consumption and GHG emissions
| Aspect of the DPE | Objective | Expected impact |
|---|---|---|
| Certification of diagnosticians | Guarantee the competence of professionals | Reduce fraudulent DPEs |
| Strengthened controls | Increase the reliability of reports | Limit abusive practices |
| Automated authentication | Quickly verify legitimacy | Automatically detect anomalies |
Reinforced Controls: The State’s Response to Abuses by Some Diagnosticians
In 2025, the State is taking action against the proliferation of unreliable DPEs. Since the beginning of the year, a range of measures has been deployed to crack down on those who excessively manipulate or multiply these diagnoses. Among the tools highlighted, certification has been strengthened with more rigorous controls to verify the true competence of diagnosticians. Initial and ongoing training is now systematically reviewed to assess compliance.
Among the major advances is automatic monitoring via a QR code system, which each diagnostician must present during each visit. This helps prevent false identifications or duplicates. In addition, a series of algorithms scan in real time for suspicious behavior, such as abnormally high rates of DPEs performed by the same professional or in areas dominated by unfair competition. Discover essential information on diagnostics, from assessment methods to analytical tools, to improve decision-making in your projects. Explore our resources to understand the importance of diagnostics in various fields.
Automatic suspension for any diagnostician performing more than 1,000 DPEs in one year, unless justified
- Automatic blacklisting for those suspected of fraud or non-compliance Unannounced inspections and regular audits to verify the accuracy of diagnostics Requirement to use a unique QR code for each visit
- Specific sanctions: fines, suspension, and withdrawal of certification
- Measure
- Description Objective Systematic suspension
- For diagnosticians exceeding an annual threshold
| Limit diagnostic abuse | Automated blacklist | Identification of questionable behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Protecting Market Quality | Regular Audits | Unannounced On-Site Inspections |
| Verifying Compliance Live | Major Challenges: Maintaining the Reliability of Energy Performance Certificates in a Tight Real Estate Market | The challenges related to the reliability of energy performance certificates go far beyond the regulatory framework. Combating thermal sieves, which will be very prevalent in 2025, requires a rigorous and transparent approach. The proliferation of improper diagnostics undermines the credibility of the results and complicates the implementation of concrete environmental policies. |
| The impact on owners and tenants must also be considered. When an energy performance certificate is unreliable, it can give a false impression of a home’s actual energy consumption, misleading crucial renovation or investment decisions. Public trust is then severely tested, which can hinder the transition to greater energy efficiency. | Finally, the issue of certification is a crucial safeguard. Adhering to strict standards and increasing transparency is crucial to preserving the legitimacy of the real estate market in the face of unfair competition that plays second fiddle. Vigilance must remain essential to ensure the sector does not become a breeding ground for abuse. | Discover our specialized diagnostic services for a precise assessment of your needs. Whether for healthcare, construction, or automotive, we offer reliable and tailored solutions. Take care of your projects with in-depth analyses and recognized expertise. |
The government’s strategies to stand out from abusive practices
The context in 2025 requires addressing the regulatory challenge while maintaining a dynamic sector. The key lies in the ability to establish a framework that discourages fraudulent behavior without stifling innovation or growth. The government is relying on a three-pronged strategy: strengthening certification, increasing controls, and promoting impeccable professional ethics.
One of the key measures is to deploy a digital platform where every diagnostic performed must be recorded. Complete traceability allows for the rapid identification of anomalies and the learning of lessons from questionable practices. At the same time, the government is also focusing on continuing education: mandatory sessions for diagnosticians to ensure their full mastery of regulations and new techniques.
Add to this a communications campaign aimed at raising awareness among professionals and the public. Transparency must become the norm to restore trust. Collaboration with stakeholders in the real estate sector, particularly agencies and property managers, must also strengthen the fight against abuse, ensuring a sincere and effective assessment at every stage. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyOwiQxksek
⭐ Real estate agencies must verify the compliance of DPEs before finalizing a sale
🔎 Training of appraisers is becoming a key issue to ensure their legitimacy
📈 Transparency in communication is a differentiating factor against unscrupulous professionals
💼 Certified professionals are responsible for providing a reliable appraisal, otherwise they may face sanctions
How to recognize a reliable appraiser in 2025?
- A certified professional with solid credentials who complies with regulations, including the presentation of a QR code during each visit.
- What are the risks of using a non-certified diagnostician?
- Inaccurate or even falsified results can lead to penalties for the owner or buyer and harm the credibility of the real estate market.
- How will the government guarantee the reliability of energy performance certificates (EPCs) in 2025?
Through enhanced monitoring, mandatory certification, and digital traceability of each diagnostic performed.
- Should we fear penalties if we don’t comply with regulations?
- Yes, fraudulent diagnostics are subject to fines, suspension, or withdrawal of certification, which can harm the careers of unscrupulous diagnosticians.
- Source:
- www.lindependant.fr
