Before selling, the seller gathers a technical diagnostics file attached to the preliminary contract. Which diagnostics apply depends on the property, with the energy report in all cases, then asbestos, lead, electricity, gas, termites, the risk statement and measurement, according to age, location and type of home.
The energy report, in every case
The energy performance report is required for any home sale. It informs the buyer of the property’s consumption and energy rating, and it is now legally binding.
Diagnostics tied to the property’s age
Several diagnostics depend on the building’s date, since the asbestos diagnostic applies to properties whose building permit predates July 1997; the lead exposure risk report (CREP) applies to homes built before 1949; the electricity and gas diagnostics apply to installations over 15 years old.
Diagnostics tied to the location and the property
Others depend on location or type of home, since the termite diagnostic applies in zones defined by prefectural order; the risk statement (ERP) is required in the relevant zones; the Carrez Law measurement is mandatory for co-ownership lots; a check of non-collective sanitation is required when the property is not connected to the main sewer.
The special case of a luxury villa
On an exceptional property the diagnostics file carries particular weight. A pool comes with a safety requirement, a private sewage system must have been inspected, outbuildings such as a pool house, guest house or caretaker’s flat fall within the scope, and large surfaces call for careful measurement. A complete, recent file handed over as marketing begins is also a negotiation tool, cutting short last-minute discount requests.
- Pool, a certified safety device must be fitted
- Private sewage system, an inspection report must be produced
- Outbuildings, pool house, guest house or staff quarters are included
- Large surfaces, measurement and plans drawn up with particular care
In short
The file may therefore include, depending on the case:
- Energy report (always) and risk statement (ERP) in the relevant zone
- Asbestos (permit before July 1997), lead (before 1949)
- Electricity and gas (installations over 15 years old)
- Termites (order zones), Carrez measurement (co-ownership), non-collective sanitation
This guide sets out the general French framework for information. The applicable diagnostics and their validity depend on your property, so have them carried out by a certified diagnostician.