Energy Performance Certificate 2026: Why Property Owners on Fuerteventura Must Act Now
- Oliver Schlolaut
- Jan 5
- 4 min read
The EPC becomes a decisive factor for property value, marketability, and LAU rental strategies
Awareness around the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is no longer a formality. It has become a strategic factor for safeguarding property value, ensuring marketability, and maintaining long‑term usability across the Fuerteventura real estate market.
With the updated EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD 2024) and Spain’s national regulations, pressure on inefficient buildings will increase significantly — starting in 2030. This brings energy efficiency, renovation obligations, and energy classes into sharp focus.
The Energy Performance Certificate Fuerteventura 2026 is therefore becoming a central orientation point for owners who want to protect value and maintain long‑term market relevance.
Why the Energy Performance Certificate Fuerteventura 2026 Matters for Property Owners
1. EU Framework: A New Reality from 2030
The EPBD sets a clear path toward climate neutrality by 2050. For residential buildings, this includes:
–16% primary energy consumption by 2030
–20–22% by 2035
Even with more flexibility for member states, the goal remains unchanged:
Inefficient buildings will be pushed out of the market.
Consequences for Property Owners
Resale risk: Buyers deduct expected renovation costs directly from the purchase price.
Rental risk: Countries like France already restrict rentals for the lowest energy classes. Spain will need similar mechanisms to meet EU targets.
2. Financing: Banks Penalise Poor Energy Classes
Since August 2025, banks assess the energy class before commissioning an appraisal.
This directly affects:
Interest rates
Loan conditions
Financing approval, especially if the bank expects future renovation obligations
Energy performance is now a financing factor that will reshape the Fuerteventura property market.
3. Brown Discount vs. Green Premium
The real estate sector already recognises:
Brown Discount → Value loss due to poor energy efficiency
Green Premium → Value gain due to high energy efficiency
Studies (e.g., Tinsa) show:
A–C class properties sell faster
… and at higher prices
… while E–G class properties increasingly become “problem assets”
Fuerteventura’s Specific Situation
Due to the island’s climate:
high solar exposure
rising electricity costs
increased cooling demand
A class‑G property becomes too expensive to operate — and risks becoming a stranded asset.
4. Spanish Regulation: Real Decreto 390/2021
Spain has already tightened EPC rules.
Advertising Obligation
Every commercial listing — including online portals — must display the energy label.
Missing labels can result in €300–€6,000 fines, often applied to the agent as well.
Validity Period
Classes A–F → 10 years
Class G → 5 years only
This pushes owners to update certificates more frequently.
The EPC is no longer paperwork — it is a legal requirement that directly affects marketability.
5. Fuerteventura’s Unique Challenges
The Canary Islands’ climate zone (A/α) differs significantly from mainland Europe.
Key factors include:
Preventing Heat Gain
Shading
Insulation
Efficient cooling systems
Solar Requirements
The Código Técnico de la Edificación (CTE) often requires solar hot water systems for major renovations — essential for owners considering upgrades.
Holiday Rentals (VV)
A valid EPC is mandatory for tourist rental licensing.
Without it, the licence can be denied or revoked.
6. EPC as a Strategic Factor for LAU Rentals
With stricter EU and Spanish energy regulations, one rental model gains importance: long‑term LAU rentals for digital nomads (Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos).
On Fuerteventura, where many new‑build and off‑plan projects face a 10‑year VV restriction, LAU becomes a strategic alternative.
Why Energy Efficiency Matters Here
Digital nomads prioritise:
low running costs
efficient cooling
modern building technology
sustainable features
stable electricity and internet
A property with class A–C is significantly more attractive — and achieves higher monthly rents.
Competitive Advantage
For owners, this means:
better LAU rental performance
higher yields despite VV restrictions
stable demand from remote workers
reduced vacancy risk
stronger positioning in the premium segment
Ideal for New‑Build & Off‑Plan
New developments typically offer:
modern insulation
efficient air‑conditioning
solar‑ready infrastructure
improved building standards
This naturally leads to better energy classes — ideal for:
primary residence
second home
LAU rental for digital nomads
7. What Property Owners Must Understand Now
From 2030 onwards, inefficient buildings risk becoming stranded assets — properties that lose value and market relevance.
Put simply:
“A class‑F home is already a leaking piggy bank. From 2030, it becomes a stranded asset.”
Owners who act early secure:
property value
rental potential
financing options
attractiveness for buyers and digital nomads
8. How AMV INTERNATIONAL REALTY Supports Property Owners
AMV INTERNATIONAL REALTY supports property owners on Fuerteventura at every step:
Assessment of the current energy class
Advice on meaningful improvement measures
Preparation for sale or rental
Legally compliant marketing with complete documentation
Optimisation for primary/secondary residence or LAU licensing
Positioning as an energy‑efficient premium investment
A strong Energy Performance Certificate is not paperwork — it is a strategic value lever.
Conclusion
The combination of EU regulations, Spanish law, banking requirements, and local energy costs makes the EPC a decisive factor for property value on Fuerteventura.
Those who act now protect their assets. Those who wait risk value loss — and miss the opportunity to position their property as a future‑proof LAU investment.
Comments