Energy certificate when selling property in Portugal

Key points

The energy certificate describes the property's energy performance and may include improvement recommendations. Before listing, check whether the property is covered, whether the certificate matches it and remains valid. Exclusions and specific certificate types have their own rules and should be confirmed for the individual property.

1. Understand what the energy certificate shows

The certificate is issued within Portugal's Energy Certification System by a qualified expert. It identifies the property, states its energy performance class and may include measures to improve efficiency, comfort and consumption.

The class is not a property valuation or a guarantee of future energy use. It is technical information that must match the building or unit and be read alongside its characteristics and use.

• Check the property identification and address.
• Distinguish the energy class from improvement recommendations.
• Do not present recommendations as completed works.

2. Check whether the property is covered

The obligation depends on how the building falls within the current legal scheme. The law contains covered situations, exclusions and specific rules. Age, size or condition alone should not be used to assume that a certificate is required or exempted.

If in doubt, confirm the case through the SCE with a qualified expert and, where needed, the professional handling the transaction. Keep documentary support for any exclusion or special treatment.

• Correctly identify the building or unit being sold.
• Confirm any exclusion under the applicable rules.
• Do not advertise an exemption without verifiable support.

3. Obtain it through a qualified expert

The SCE provides a public search for qualified experts. After selecting one, gather the requested documents, provide access for the inspection and confirm the registration and issue process.

Ask in advance about fees, required documents and likely timing. MoradaClara does not issue certificates and the owner chooses the expert directly.

• Choose a qualified expert registered with the SCE.
• Provide plans, tax records and technical information when requested.
• Review the certificate details after issue.

4. Check validity before listing

A standard energy certificate is generally valid for ten years. Other certificates and circumstances can have different periods. Also check that the document is registered, has not been invalidated and matches the property being sold.

If the property has materially changed since issue or the details appear wrong, ask the expert whether it should be updated. Never reuse another unit's certificate.

• Check the number, date, status and property match.
• Do not assume ten years for every certificate type.
• Clarify significant changes made after issue.

5. State the energy class in advertising

For a covered property, the class shown in a valid pre-certificate or certificate must appear in sale advertising. Prepare this information before publication and keep it consistent across platforms and materials.

The certificate number does not replace the class in the listing. If valid information is not yet available, regularise the position before publicly marketing the property.

• Use the class exactly as shown in the valid document.
• Review listings published by you or an intermediary.
• Correct outdated energy information promptly.

6. Provide the certificate to the buyer

The owner must make the certificate available before the promissory contract and present the original before the deed or equivalent act, as applicable. The entities formalising the transaction record the certificate identification in the transaction documents.

Include this check in your sale documentation. Having the file and details ready can prevent delay but does not replace verification by the professionals involved.

• Provide the document to the prospective buyer at the required time.
• Bring the original or accepted format to completion.
• Confirm requirements with the entity handling the act.