Panic grows in Italy over 2030 energy efficiency rule

From 2030, selling or renting out a home will require a minimum energy efficiency certificate. In Italy, prices are already falling on houses not worth renovating, and the antiestéticar is ending up like in Japan: paying taxes on a derelict property.

In **2030**, the first step of mandatory energy efficiency standards for selling or renting out a home comes into force. As with cars, the bar will rise over the years. Owners without the certificate will not be able to close the deal: they will have to invest in renovation before putting up the for-sale sign.

## The Italian market is already reacting

In **Italy**, discounts, sales and even withdrawals are starting to appear. Some would rather offload the property now, even at a reduced price, than face the renovation work. The antiestéticar of a Japan-style outcome is strong: either you pour in serious money, or you demolish and leave an empty lot, or you pay taxes forever on a ruin.

## Spain is lagging behind

In **Spain**, the issue is still lurking beneath the surface. The feeling going around is that, as so often before, loopholes will be found here, and the rule will arrive with nobody having prepared the housing stock. When the time comes to sell, many homes will become unsellable or unrentable overnight.

## Who pays for the renovation

The most controversial point is always the same: the burden falls on the owner. They will not be able to sell without the certificate, so they will have to invest in order to sell or rent out. In an ageing housing stock, that bill can swallow the value of the entire deal.