The electricity conversion coefficient in the calculation of the DPE changes from 2.3 to 1.9 on January 1, 2026. This technical change reshuffles the cards for any real estate project involving an electrically heated home, whether the goal is purchase, resale, or rental.
DPE Coefficient 2026: Recalculate the real value of a property before buying
The decrease in the electricity conversion coefficient mechanically improves the energy class of many homes. An apartment rated F with electric heating can shift to E without any work, simply due to the effect of the new calculation.
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We observe that this reclassification directly modifies the investment strategy. A property that exits the status of energy sieve regains the right to be rented, which changes the expected profitability of a rental purchase. Conversely, a seller anticipating this shift can wait until January 2026 to display a more favorable DPE and negotiate a better price.
Since autumn 2025, each DPE is equipped with a QR code verifiable on the ADEME website, which confirms the validity of the diagnosis and the certification of the diagnostician. Before any purchase offer, scanning this QR code should become a reflex. Cases of fraudulent DPEs or those carried out by non-certified operators are still documented, and this verification reduces the risk of discovering after signing that the displayed energy class was false.
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To cross-reference this data with the state of the local market, the real estate information on Trend Immo allows for assessing whether the DPE repositioning of a property actually translates into value in the targeted area.
Housing Recovery Bill: What changes with the rental of energy sieves
Since January 1, 2025, properties rated G are prohibited from being rented. The ban will extend to F in 2028, and then to E in 2034. This timeline weighs on the choices of rental investors.
The Housing Recovery Bill introduces an alternative. It plans to reopen the rental of F and G properties provided that the landlord commits contractually to carry out renovation work within a specified timeframe:
- Three years for a single-family home, with a requirement to exit the energy sieve status at the end of the work
- Five years for a condominium apartment, a timeframe that takes into account the complexity of collective decisions in general assembly
- Formalized contractual commitment, meaning that failure to meet the deadline exposes the landlord to penalties
For an investor, this mechanism changes the game. Acquiring a G-rated property at a discounted price becomes viable if the renovation plan is calibrated from the purchase. We recommend accurately estimating the cost of exiting the energy sieve status before making an offer, including available aids (MaPrimeRénov’, CEE) and the carrying cost during the renovation period.
Real Estate Purchase Strategy: Balancing between renovation and new in 2026
Renovated old properties and new ones do not respond to the same financial logics. The choice depends on the return/risk ratio that the investor or buyer is willing to accept.
Old with renovations: negotiation margin and project risk
A property to renovate is negotiated with a discount related to its DPE and the extent of the work. This discount represents the value creation margin. On the other hand, the risk of budget overruns on an energy renovation project remains the recurring weak point of this type of project.
The key lies in the technical diagnosis before purchase. Do not limit yourself to the DPE: have a complete energy audit conducted, check the condition of the roof, windows, and ventilation system. An RGE craftsman can provide a detailed estimate that will serve as a basis for negotiating the purchase price.
New: predictability and higher entry cost
The new offers immediate compliance with RE2020 standards, a DPE in class A or B, and builder warranties (ten-year, perfect completion). The additional cost at purchase is offset by the absence of work and by reduced energy charges from the moment of entry.
For a rental investment, the taxation of new properties (reduction of notary fees, depreciation schemes) can rebalance the price gap with the old. However, the gross profitability generally remains lower than that of a renovated old property in a tight market.
Market data and transaction security: the checks that protect the buyer
Too many real estate projects fail after the compromise, on elements that could have been identified beforehand. Three checks deserve particular attention.
- The title of ownership and easements: a notary analyzes them, but the buyer must explicitly request the cadastral survey and urban planning easements before signing the compromise
- The condominium regulations and the minutes of the last three general assemblies, which reveal the voted works, unpaid charges, and ongoing disputes
- The compliance of works already carried out by the seller: an unreported extension or a facade modification without authorization can lead to an obligation to restore at the buyer’s expense
The real estate market in 2026 remains marked by price adjustments according to geographical areas. Local data (price per square meter, transaction volume, average selling time) form the basis of any rational purchase decision. An investor relying solely on national averages risks overpaying in a correcting sector or underestimating a tense market.
The solidity of a real estate project relies less on market timing than on the quality of prior analysis. A verified DPE, a financing plan that includes the work, and a careful reading of the legal documents of the condominium remain the three pillars of a controlled acquisition.