What sellers and buyers need to know about mandatory real estate diagnostics

‍1. Why are real estate diagnoses mandatory?

Les real estate diagnostics aim to secure the transaction by providing the buyer with an objective photograph of the property he is about to acquire. In particular, they allow:

• to assess the energy performances,
• To identify the presence of hazardous materials (asbestos, lead),
• to prevent health risks (gas, electricity, sanitation),
• to provide information about the environment (termites, soil pollution, noise, etc.).

Without these diagnoses, the seller is exposed to legal sanctions and disputes with the buyer that may result in a reduction in the selling price or even the cancellation of the transaction.

2. What are the mandatory diagnoses to sell a property?

2.1. The energy performance diagnosis (DPE)

The DPE is mandatory for all enclosed and covered housing with exceptions (temporary buildings (duration of use of less than two years, buildings for agricultural, artisanal or industrial use, historical monuments, independent buildings of less than 50 m2, places of worship, places of worship, unheated buildings, residential buildings intended to be occupied for less than 4 months per year.).

📌 Validity : 10 years. The DPE made between January 1, 2018 and June 30, 2021 are no longer valid.
❓ Why? It indicates the energy consumption And thecarbon impact of the home, with a label ranging from A (very efficient) to G (very energy-intensive).‍

💡 Good to know: since 2021, homes classified F or G have been considered as energy strainers. As of 2025, certain rental bans will affect these properties if they are not renovated.

2.2. The state of risks (ERP - ex-ERNMT)

THERisk status is mandatory for any property located in a risk zone (floods, seismicity, soil pollution, etc.):

📌 Validity : less than 6 months. No validity period for the state of soil pollution.
❓ Why? It informs the buyer of the natural and technological risks that may affect the property.

2.3. Asbestos diagnosis

The asbestos diagnosis is mandatory for homes built before July 1997.

📌 Validity unlimited if there is no asbestos, otherwise monitored every 3 years.
❓ Why? Asbestos, banned in France since 1997, is a carcinogenic material that may be present in old buildings.

2.4. The statement of risk of exposure to lead (CREP)

The Risk assessment exposure to lead is mandatory for : homes built before 1949.

📌 Validity :1 year if lead is present, unlimited otherwise.
❓ Why? Lead, which is present in old paints, is toxic, especially for children.

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2.5. Gas and electricity diagnostics

Les gas and electricity diagnostics is mandatory for any home with an electrical or gas installation of more than 15 years.

📌 Validity: 3 years.
❓ Why? They make it possible to detect dangerous anomalies that may cause domestic accidents.

2.6. The condition relating to the presence of termites

THEstatus relating to the presence of termites is mandatory for properties located in risk zone, defined by prefectural decree.

📌 Validity : 6 months.
❓ Why? Termites can weaken the building structure, leading to the risk of collapse.

2.7. The diagnosis of non-collective sanitation

The Diagnosis non-collective sanitation is mandatory for all or part of a residential building.

📌 Validity : 3 years.
❓ Why? It verifies the conformity of wastewater disposal systems.

2.8. The Loi Carrez surface area certificate

THECarrez law area certificate is mandatory for condominium lots.

📌 Validity: Unlimited unless the lot is changed.

‍2.9. The Noise Exposure Plan (PEB)

The noise exposure plan (PEB) is mandatory for any property located in an area exposed to airport noise.

📌 Validity : unlimited unless the PEB is amended.
❓ Why? It informs the buyer about airborne noise pollution that can impact the comfort of the property.

💡 How do I get it? It can be viewed on Geoportail.gouv.fr or at the town hall.

2.10. The Global Technical Diagnosis (DTG)

The global technical diagnosis (DTG) is mandatory for :

• Co-ownership of buildings older than 10 years for residential use.
• Some condominiums in difficulty by administrative decision.

📌 Validity : 10 years.
❓ Why? It provides a complete analysis of the condition of the building, including:

• the condition of the common areas,
• energy performance,
• the work required in the short and medium term,
• the estimate of the costs of the renovations.

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3. When and how should these diagnoses be provided?

Diagnostics should be appended as soon as the promise to sell and provided to the buyer before signing the authentic act at the notary.

🔍 Pro tip: Parlez-moi de Paris ecommends that diagnoses be carried out in advance to avoid any unpleasant surprises and speed up the sale.

4. What is the cost of real estate diagnostics?

The price varies according to several criteria:

• the surface of the property,
• the age of the installations,
• the number of diagnoses to be carried out.

💰 Estimated price range : between €150 and €600 for the full range of diagnoses of an apartment or a house.

5. What is the risk of a seller in the event of a missing or erroneous diagnosis?

If a mandatory diagnosis is absent or erroneous, the buyer can:

• require a price drop,
• cancel the sale,
• bring the seller to justice.

In addition, certain breaches (e.g. absence of a DPE) may result in a fine up to €15,000 for professionals.

6. Real estate diagnostics and legislation: what is changing in 2025

The Collective DPE is mandatory from 2025 for condominiums of 50 to 200 lots .

THEenergy audit is mandatory for listed single-property buildings E, F and G before they are put on sale.

In summary: selling well means preparing your diagnoses well!

✅ Carrying out its diagnostics beforehand allows smooth and secure sale.

✅ One High-performance DPE can be an asset to negotiate a best price.

✅ Tell me about Paris, expert in real estate hunting, accompanies you in the success of your real estate purchase!

Do you need personal advice? Contact our real estate hunters.