Enter your property's country, region, energy rating, size, age, heating type, and intended use to get an estimated retrofit cost adjusted for local labour rates and the property's era of construction, plus annual energy savings, payback period, regulatory restrictions, available incentives, and a sustainability score.
Your result now includes a "How this estimate was built" breakdown, so you can see exactly how region, age, and existing features moved the number. Take it to contractors and ask them to challenge it.
Once results are shown, use the Print Energy Risk Assessment button to save or print as a PDF to keep alongside your property file.
Energy regulations change frequently. Always obtain a professional energy audit and verify the current regulatory position with a local legal professional before making any purchase or renovation decisions.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Select your country: choose France, Italy, Spain, or Portugal.
- Select the region: renovation labour and material costs vary meaningfully within each country. A Paris retrofit and a rural Occitanie retrofit are not the same job at the same price.
- Pick the current energy rating: this is the EPC rating listed on the property (A to G). In France this is the DPE class; in Italy the APE class; in Spain and Portugal the CEE class.
- Enter the property size in square metres and the year it was built. The construction era now directly adjusts the estimate: pre-war solid-wall properties typically cost significantly more to retrofit than post-2000 builds.
- Choose the heating type: this adjusts the estimated annual savings (oil and electric systems have the most to gain; heat pumps and solar the least). Electric heating in France also benefits from the January 2026 DPE coefficient change.
- Select your intended use: primary home, long-term rental, or short-term holiday let. Rental properties face stricter regulatory deadlines than owner-occupied homes.
- Tick any existing features the property already has (insulation, double glazing). These now reduce the estimated retrofit cost directly in the calculation.
- Click Calculate Risk Assessment to generate your results.
Note: Retrofit costs are estimated central figures, not quotes. Get at least three quotes from local tradespeople before committing to a budget.
Methodology
Retrofit estimates start from a per-square-metre base cost for each country and rating band, then adjust for region (local labour and material rates), construction era (pre-1948 solid-wall properties cost more to bring up; post-2000 builds cost less), and existing features (insulation and double glazing already in place reduce the remaining scope). Annual savings estimates reflect each country's typical household energy prices and the property's heating system. Every result shows its own breakdown so nothing is a black box.
All regulatory data and cost benchmarks are reviewed against the sources below, accurate as of the date in the header. Energy regulations vary by country, region, and property type. Always consult a qualified local professional for property-specific advice.
Official & primary sources
France: ADEME & France Rénov'
The national energy agency's DPE observatory and the official renovation-aid portal: rating definitions, MaPrimeRénov' conditions, and typical renovation cost guidance. DPE Observatory · France Rénov'
Italy: ENEA & Agenzia delle Entrate
National agency for energy efficiency (Ecobonus reporting, APE framework) and the revenue agency's bonus deduction rules. ENEA · Agenzia delle Entrate
Spain: IDAE & Ministerio de Vivienda
The Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (CEE certificate framework, PREE programme) and national housing renovation funding. IDAE · Ministerio
Portugal: ADENE & Fundo Ambiental
The national energy agency operating the SCE certificate system, and the Environmental Fund's renovation subsidy programmes. ADENE · Fundo Ambiental
Supporting references
France: Energy Renovation Challenges and Market Data
Information on the 5.2 million energy-inefficient homes, the rental ban timeline (G from January 2025, F from January 2028, E from January 2034), renovation costs, and property value impacts. View source
France: Property Value Impact
Study showing F and G-rated properties in France can suffer price discounts of up to 30%. View source
Italy: APE Energy Performance Certificate Guide
Legal requirements for the APE in Italy, the A4-G rating scale, and fines for non-compliance when selling or renting. View source
Spain: EPC Guide
Obligations to hold an EPC, its 10-year validity (5 years for G-rated properties), and potential annual energy savings. View source
EU-Wide Context on Building Emissions
Buildings were responsible for over 17% of the EU's CO2 emissions in 2023, providing the broader context for energy efficiency regulations. View source
Property Details
Existing Features
Features locked after calculation. Reset to change.
Energy Performance
Estimated Retrofit Cost
Estimated Annual Energy Savings
Payback Period
- Commission two or three contractor quotes to support the estimate with real figures. A verbal claim is weaker than written evidence
- Present the cost schedule formally through your solicitor, not informally through the agent
- Request a price reduction equivalent to the retrofit cost, or agree remedial works to be completed by the vendor before exchange
- If the vendor rejects the reduction, use it as context for your final offer position
- Select a country above to see restrictions
- Select a country above to see incentives
Calculate your assessment to see your sustainability score.
Properties with electric heating assessed before January 2026 may be eligible for a free recalculation. The electricity conversion coefficient dropped from 2.3 to 1.9, potentially improving energy ratings without any renovation work.
- DPE dated after 1 July 2021
- Property must be electrically heated
- No renovation work completed since the original DPE
- Properties can only improve or stay the same, never downgrade
- Go to the ADEME DPE-Audit Observatory
- Click "Trouver un DPE ou un AUDIT"
- Enter your 13-digit ADEME DPE number (top right of the original certificate)
- Download the PDF attestation if available. It is legally valid for sales and rentals
Retrofit cost estimates are central figures adjusted for region, construction era, and existing features, but they are still estimates. Actual costs vary by property condition, access, contractor availability, and the scope a professional energy audit identifies. Always get at least three quotes from local professionals before committing to a renovation budget.
Regulatory information reflects the position as of the date shown in the header. Energy regulations across all four countries are subject to ongoing change. Verify the current position with a local solicitor or notary before making any purchase or rental decisions.
If you notice any errors or outdated information, please contact hello@thepropertydrop.com.