Frequently Asked Questions

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is an official document that shows the energy efficiency of a building. It has been mandatory for every property sale or rental in Flanders since November 2008. More information is available on the Flemish Energy and Climate Agency (VEKA) website.

For every sale or rental of a home, apartment or commercial property in Flanders. Also for new construction or major renovation (via EPB).

An EPC is valid for a maximum of 10 years.

An EPB (Energy Performance and Indoor Climate) is mandatory for new construction or major renovation. An EPC is for existing buildings during sale or rental.

You risk a fine of €500 to €5,000 from the Flemish government.

On average 1 to 2 hours, depending on the size and complexity of your property.

It's not required but recommended. You can also entrust the key to someone.

Usually within 24 to 48 hours after the inspection.

Make sure all rooms are accessible and prepare supporting documents (insulation invoices, plans, technical data sheets). The more evidence, the more accurate your score.

Our prices start from €195 excl. VAT for an apartment. Check our pricing page for details.

No. The stated price is all-inclusive. Only VAT (21%) is added.

The EPC contains personalised recommendations to improve the energy efficiency of your property, with indicative cost estimates.

On woningpas.vlaanderen.be (Flemish building passport) you can consult your EPC with your eID or itsme.

Through targeted renovations: roof insulation, high-performance glazing, condensing boiler or heat pump, solar panels. The recommendations on your EPC indicate priorities.

Since July 2025, photo documentation is mandatory as proof for insulation and installations. There are also new rules for basements and protected volume.

When purchasing a property with label E or F, you must renovate to at least label D within 5 years. This will become progressively stricter towards 2050.

A standard EPC inspection takes on average 1 to 2 hours for an apartment or terraced house and 2 to 3 hours for a larger home or villa. The duration depends on the surface area, number of floors and complexity of installations. Since the new inspection protocol IP2025, the inspection takes slightly longer as photo documentation is mandatory as evidence. Our certified energy experts work efficiently but thoroughly — we take the time needed for an accurate result. Prepare your supporting documents so the inspection runs smoothly. Check our preparation tips for a complete checklist.

No, your presence is not legally required. You can entrust the key to a neighbour, tenant, estate agent or family member. However, we recommend that someone is present who can answer questions about completed renovations and provide supporting documents. The more information our energy expert receives on site, the more accurate your EPC score will be. Invoices for insulation work, technical data sheets and building plans make a big difference. If no one can be present, leave the documents on the table with an explanatory note. Schedule your inspection at a time that suits you best.

At EPC Expert, we typically schedule the inspection within 3 to 5 working days of your request. In urgent cases — for example for a notary deed or last-minute rental — we offer an express service where the inspection takes place within 24 to 48 hours. After the inspection, you receive the official EPC certificate within 24 to 48 hours by email. The certificate is also submitted to the Flemish government's Energy Performance Database. In total, you can have your valid EPC within 1 week. Request a free quote and indicate your preferred date.

Our prices for an EPC certificate in Flemish Brabant start from €195 excl. VAT for an apartment or studio. For a terraced or detached house, the price is from €225 excl. VAT and for a villa or large property from €295 excl. VAT. These prices are all-inclusive: inspection, calculation, official certificate and submission to the Energy Performance Database are included. No surprises — only 21% VAT is added. We are active throughout Flemish Brabant: Leuven, Tienen, Aarschot, Diest, Vilvoorde, Halle and surroundings. View our complete pricing page for more details.

Yes, you can significantly improve your EPC score through targeted renovations. The greatest impact comes from roof insulation (average improvement of 1 to 2 labels), followed by high-performance glazing, wall insulation and an efficient heating system such as a heat pump or condensing boiler. Solar panels and a solar water heater also contribute to a better label. Each EPC contains personalised recommendations with indicative cost estimates and the expected label improvement per measure. We advise starting with the measures that offer the best ratio between investment and label improvement. After renovations, you can have a new EPC drawn up reflecting your improved score. Ask for advice from our experts.

The price of a new EPC after renovation is the same as for a regular inspection — from €195 excl. VAT for an apartment. We recommend having a new EPC drawn up after major renovations (roof insulation, new windows, heat pump). Your improved energy label can significantly increase your property's value and is required as proof for the renovation obligation. Additionally, with a better label you may qualify for a label premium if you achieve at least 2 label jumps. Request a quote for your new EPC.

An EPC is valid for a maximum of 10 years. After that period, the certificate has expired and you must have a new EPC drawn up if you wish to sell or rent your property. An expired EPC may no longer be used in advertisements or at the notary. You risk a fine of €500 to €5,000 if you sell or rent without a valid certificate. Moreover, a new EPC can work in your favour: if you have carried out renovations in recent years (insulation, new windows, more efficient heating), your new score will probably be better than the old certificate. Request a new EPC in time to avoid surprises when selling or renting.

Yes, since November 2008, a valid EPC has been mandatory for every rental of a home, apartment or commercial property in Flanders. The energy label must be stated in the rental advertisement and the EPC must be available to the tenant when signing the lease. This applies to both long-term and short-term rentals. Without a valid EPC when renting, you risk a fine of €500 to €5,000. Additionally, the EPC is useful for tenants: it provides insight into expected energy costs. A property with a good energy label is more attractive on the rental market. View our prices and schedule your EPC inspection in time.

Since 2023, a renovation obligation applies in Flanders when purchasing a property with energy label E or F. The new owner must renovate within 5 years of purchase to at least label D. This will become progressively stricter: by 2032 every sold property must reach at least label D, by 2040 label C and the final target is label A by 2050. Non-compliance risks fines. The EPC plays a central role: it shows your current label and the distance to the required label. The EPC recommendations provide concrete steps to meet the obligation. Our experts are happy to advise you on the most cost-effective renovation strategy. Ask for advice.

No, an EPC may only be drawn up by a certified type A energy expert accredited by the Flemish Energy Agency (VEKA). The energy expert must have completed specific training, passed a central examination and hold a valid accreditation number. Self-made energy reports have no legal value and are not accepted for sale, rental or the renovation obligation. At EPC Expert, our experts hold accreditation numbers EP18784 and EP18782, ensuring you receive an official and legally valid certificate. Always verify your energy expert's accreditation number on the VEKA website.

Yes, for new construction or major energy renovation, an EPB declaration (Energy Performance and Indoor Climate) is mandatory. This is drawn up by an EPB reporter and submitted to VEKA. An EPC is only required when you later want to sell or rent the property. The EPB declaration serves as proof of energy performance as long as no EPC is required. At EPC Expert, we exclusively issue EPC certificates — for EPB declarations, we refer you to an EPB reporter.

Yes, if after renovation you achieve at least 2 label jumps (e.g. from E to C), you may be eligible for a label premium. You need an EPC from before and after the works. Check the VEKA website for the current premium conditions.

Yes, the label premium (for at least 2 label jumps) can in principle be combined with other Flemish renovation premiums such as Mijn VerbouwPremie for roof insulation, wall insulation or high-performance glazing. Check the current conditions on the VEKA website, as the rules are regularly updated. You will need an EPC from before and after the works as proof of the label improvement.

The energy expert checks all elements that influence energy performance: insulation (roof, walls, floor), windows and glazing, the heating system, hot water production, ventilation and any renewable energy systems (solar panels, heat pump). Since IP2025, everything is mandatorily documented with photos. The more supporting documents you can provide, the more accurate the result. Check our preparation tips.

Don't panic. A low EPC label does not mean your property is uninhabitable. The EPC actually shows concrete improvement points that allow you to renovate step by step. Check our tips to improve your EPC.

No, for new construction an EPB declaration is drawn up by an EPB reporter. An EPC is only required when you later wish to sell or rent the property. The EPB declaration serves as proof of energy performance as long as an EPC is not required.