14/07/2025

How is an energy label determined for a house? (2025)

Want to sell, rent out or make your property more sustainable? Then a valid energy label mandatory in the Netherlands. But how is the energy label determined? And what exactly does an adviser look at?

In this blog you will read all about how an energy label is determined for a house in the Netherlands, what rules apply and what you can do to improve your label.

???? What is a residential energy label?

 

An energy label shows how energy-efficient your home is. The scale runs from A++++ (very economical) to G (very inefficient). The energy label indicates how much energy the house consumes per square metre per year (kWh/m².yr).

In the Netherlands, it is energy label mandatory at:

  • Sale of a property

  • Letting a property

  • New building (completion)

Don't have a valid label upon transfer? Then you risk a fine of €435 (for individuals). For businesses, this can be as much as €870. So it is important to take this obligation into account and apply for your energy label on time. Moreover, without a valid energy label, you are not allowed to offer your property on real estate platforms such as Funda.

???? Who draws up the energy label?

 

Since 1 January 2021, only a certified EP consultant (Energy Performance Advisor) issue an energy label. So you can no longer apply for the label yourself online, as you used to. But how is the energy label determined?

What does the EP adviser do?

  1. Will visit for a house survey (inspection)

  2. Measure surfaces, check installations and insulation

  3. Fills in all data in special software (such as Vabi or Uniec 3)

  4. Registers the label with EP-online.co.uk (the national database)

The consultant must work according to the NTA 8800 method, the official calculation method for energy performance in the Netherlands.

???? What exactly is the adviser looking at?

 

The consultant pays attention to several factors that together determine how energy-efficient your home is. Consider:

  • Insulation values of roof, floor, facades and windows

  • Type of glass (HR++, triple glazing or single)

  • Heating system (central heating boiler, heat pump, district heating)

  • Ventilation system (natural or mechanical with heat exchanger)

  • Solar panels or solar water heaters

  • Airtightness and airtightness

  • Area of the property (m² of living space)

This data will be entered into software that, according to the NTA 8800 calculates energy requirements and consumption. Based on this, a label rolls out.

???? What should you provide yourself?

 

To achieve the most accurate energy label possible, you can prepare the following documents:

  • Construction drawings or EPC calculation

  • Invoices from insulation, glass replacement or installations

  • Photos of technical installations (solar panels, heat pump, boiler)

  • Information on adaptations or conversions

???? Tip: Without evidence, an adviser may assume the minimum plausible scenario (e.g. single glass instead of HR++).

???? How is the energy label determined?

 

The energy label is awarded based on the calculated energy consumption per m² per year (expressed in kWh/m².yr). Below is an indication:

Energy label Energy performance (kWh/m²-yr)
A++++ ≤ 0
A+++ 0 - 50
A++ 50 - 75
A+ 75 - 105
A 105 - 160
B 160 - 190
C 190 - 250
D 250 - 290
E 290 - 335
F 335 - 380
G > 380

???? Why is a good energy label important?

 

A better energy label offers several advantages:

  • Lower energy costs

  • Higher home value on sale

  • Mandatory on transfer

  • More borrowing capacity with mortgage

  • Access to grants and funding opportunities

Banks in particular are increasingly giving interest rate advantage for an A-label. You can also apply for subsidies for insulation or a heat pump through the National Heat Fund or ISDE.

???? How can you improve your energy label?

 

  • Replace single glazing with HR++ or triple glazing

  • Insulate roof, floor and cavity wall

  • Install solar panels or a solar water heater

  • Opt for a heat pump or hybrid system

  • Provide balanced ventilation with WTW

 

???? Energy label home application?

 

Want to know what energy label your home has, or how to improve it?
Feel free to contact with us for a recording by a recognised EP consultant.

✅ Quickly settled
✅ Registration with EP-online
✅ Expert & independent advice

???? info@betaalbaarenergielabel.nl
???? +31 627 353 093
???? www.betaalbaarenergielabel.nl