DPE and short-term lets: what you need to know
The “Diagnostic de Performance Energétique” (DPE) is a mandatory indicator that ranks homes according to their energy consumption and environmental impact.
More than just a technical document, it influences the value of the property and its rental prospects. However, seasonal lettings are covered by a special scheme which, under certain conditions, allows you to avoid the constraints imposed on properties let on a year-round basis.
Partial exemption for holiday lets
A chalet intended for short-term rental may be exempt from DPE requirements if it is let for less than 120 days a year and is not the tenant’s principal residence.
This distinction is important for owners who wish to continue to offer their property without immediately carrying out renovation work. However, as soon as the number of rental days exceeds this limit, the property will be subject to the same requirements as standard rentals.
Working towards a ban on energy-inefficient housing
Homes with a DPE rating of G will no longer be able to be let starting from 2025, followed by F-rated homes in 2028 and E-rated homes in 2035. This deadline may seem a long way off, but it means that investments need to be made in advance to avoid a future rental ban. For a chalet in a ski resort, where rental demand is high in winter, failure to comply with these standards could result in a significant loss of income.
Why are chalets covered by the DPE?
Mountain chalets have particular characteristics that influence their energy performance. Built mainly of wood, they benefit from good natural insulation, but are often equipped with energy-guzzling heating systems. The extreme climate experienced in ski resorts increases energy consumption, particularly in a bid to maintain optimum comfort levels during the winter months.
According to a study carried out by My Sweet Immo, almost 50% of homes in ski resorts are rated F or G, which means that if no improvement work is carried out, the majority of them will gradually be excluded from the rental market. This alarming fact underlines the urgent need to adapt chalets to the new energy requirements.
How can I improve the energy performance of my chalet?
The main way to improve the DPE rating is through effective thermal renovation. Upgrading attic and wall insulation will limit heat loss and reduce energy consumption. Replacing windows with double or triple glazing is also an effective way of preventing heat loss.
From an energy point of view, it makes sense to opt for more efficient heating systems. Installing an air-to-water or air-to-air heat pump reduces electricity consumption while ensuring optimum comfort in winter. Pellet stoves and biomass boilers are also environmentally-friendly alternatives for chalets.
Finally, integrating renewable energies, such as thermal or photovoltaic solar panels, can be an interesting way of improving the DPE rating while reducing energy costs in the long term.
For more advice, read this article: “How to make your holiday rental property more sustainable”.
Energy renovation: a profitable investment
While the initial costs of energy renovation may seem high, it’s important to consider them as a long-term investment. For example, effective insulation can reduce a cottage’s energy consumption by 30-50%, saving several hundred euros a year on heating bills. Similarly, installing a heat pump can cut energy consumption by 65% compared with conventional electric heating, generating savings of over €1,000 a year depending on the size of the chalet.
According to Ademe (the French Environment and Energy Management Agency), the value of a well-renovated property can rise by 5-15% on the property market, making the investment profitable not only in terms of energy savings, but also in terms of resale value.
Find a certified professional and choose a company that specialises in energy renovation
Find a certified professional to carry out your DPE
Carrying out a reliable DPE that complies with legal requirements requires the services of a certified professional. You can find one via the website of the Ministry of Ecological Transition or the Ademe website. Specialist platforms such as AlloDiagnostic and Diagamter also offer diagnostic services tailored to mountain chalets.
How to find a company specialising in energy renovation
Finding a competent company to carry out the energy renovation of your chalet can be a challenge, but there are a number of criteria to help you make the right choice. It’s essential to give preference to RGE-certified professionals (“Reconnu Garant de l’Environnement”), as this certification guarantees that the work complies with ecological requirements and gives access to certain financial aid.
You can start your search via specialist platforms such as France Rénov’, which lists qualified companies in every region. It’s also a good idea to read customer reviews online and request several quotes to compare services and prices.
Using local companies has its advantages, as they usually have a better understanding of the specific climatic conditions of mountain chalets. Well-known companies in the field include:
- Klimat: specialising in energy-efficient renovations of high-altitude chalets, with solutions adapted to extreme conditions.
- Eco-Rénov’ Montagne: a network of qualified craftspeople specialising in insulation, heating and ventilation for mountain homes.
- Alpes Eco Solutions: experts in sustainable renovation at high altitude, with a focus on environmentally-friendly materials.
- Groupe ISERMATIC: a major player in energy-efficient home improvements in Savoie and Haute-Savoie.
- Local craftspeople: working with regional companies ensures a more personalised approach and a good knowledge of local regulations.
For more advice, read: “Everything you need to know about renovating your chalet in the Alps”.
Conclusion
Changes to the DPE regulations are forcing chalet owners to rethink their rental strategy. While seasonal lets still offer a degree of flexibility, energy requirements are set to become progressively more strict. So it’s crucial to anticipate these changes by undertaking energy improvement work now.
Do you want to optimise the energy performance of your chalet while keeping it attractive to the rental market?
Contact one of our experts for help.
With a portfolio of over 200 chalets under rental management, OVO Network can help you maximise your rental income and your occupancy rate.
Find out how much you can earn by renting out your chalet with our rental income calculator.
