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A change in the energy calculation method that may alter how certain properties are perceived on the Paris market
Published on January 8, 2026. Since January 1, 2026, the calculation method for the energy performance diagnosis (DPE) has been adjusted. Behind this technical change lies an evolution that could affect several hundred thousand homes in France. For some properties, the energy rating may improve without any renovation work. This evolution may change how a property is perceived by buyers and investors, especially in large cities where many apartments are heated with electricity. In Paris, where the housing stock is made up largely of older buildings and individually renovated apartments, this reform deserves to be analysed from a real estate market perspective. Fairway Luxury Real Estate, specialist in high-end real estate in the Plaine Monceau, Villiers, Ternes and Parc Monceau districts in Paris.
The energy performance diagnosis has become a structuring element of the real estate market.
Since the 2021 reform, this diagnosis has been legally enforceable and influences several aspects:
However, the calculation method applied until now had one particular feature: it strongly penalised homes heated with electricity.
The primary energy coefficient applied to electricity did not fully reflect the structure of the French energy mix, which is largely decarbonised thanks to nuclear power.
The 2026 reform therefore aims to correct this situation.
The change concerns the primary energy coefficient used to convert electricity in the diagnosis calculation.
| Before the reform | 1 kWh of electricity consumed was counted as 2.3 kWh of primary energy. |
| Since January 1, 2026 | 1 kWh of electricity is now counted as 1.9 kWh of primary energy. |
This evolution brings the French method closer to European standards and changes the energy rating of certain homes.
The reform mainly affects homes using electricity as the main source of heating or hot water production.
These include in particular:
In major cities such as Paris, this type of installation is common, particularly in:
According to public estimates, around 850,000 homes could move out of the F and G energy classes thanks to this calculation change.
In some cases, the evolution may be as follows:
| Current rating | Possible rating |
|---|---|
| F | E |
| E | D |
| G | F |
This improvement is not automatic for all homes, but it can change the energy assessment of many properties.
For several years now, a home’s energy rating has gradually been integrated into buyers’ analysis.
In some regions, homes rated F or G may suffer a significant discount.
The gaps observed at national level are generally estimated between:
| Energy rating | Observed discount |
|---|---|
| E | 3% to 5% |
| F | 6% to 10% |
| G | 10% to 20% |
These figures should nevertheless be interpreted with caution in major metropolitan areas.
In Paris, the impact of the DPE generally remains more limited than in outlying real estate markets.
The value of an apartment depends above all on fundamental real estate criteria:
In sought-after areas such as Plaine Monceau, Villiers or Parc Monceau, these elements often remain the priority in the purchasing decision.
However, the DPE is gradually becoming an arbitration criterion, especially for investors.
Studios and one-bedroom apartments make up a significant share of the Paris rental market.
For these properties, the energy rating may play a more decisive role.
An apartment rated F or G may raise questions for some buyers because of the regulatory constraints linked to rental.
In this context, an improvement in the energy rating can:
Let us take the example of an apartment located in a Haussmann-style building in the 17th arrondissement.
After renovation, the property may be equipped with modern electric radiators.
Before the DPE reform, this type of property could be rated F, despite a complete renovation.
With the new calculation method, the energy rating may sometimes shift to E, which changes how the property is perceived by certain buyers.
In a highly competitive market such as Paris, this evolution may improve the liquidity of the property.
Diagnoses carried out before the reform remain valid until their expiration date.
However, in some cases, having a new DPE carried out may be relevant.
This can make it possible to:
The relevance of a new diagnosis depends in particular on:
Does the DPE change automatically in 2026
No. Existing diagnoses are not automatically recalculated. A new diagnosis may be necessary in order to benefit from the new method.
How many homes are concerned
Estimates mention around 850,000 homes likely to move out of the F and G energy classes.
Does the DPE really influence the value of an apartment
Yes, especially for properties intended for rental or requiring energy renovation work.
When an owner is considering selling an apartment, energy performance is now part of the elements analysed by buyers.
However, the real value of a property still depends on a precise analysis of the local market.
The Fairway Luxury Real Estate teams provide detailed valuation opinions based on:
This approach makes it possible to determine a price positioning consistent with the reality of the Paris market.
Key takeaway
"This approach makes it possible to determine a price positioning consistent with the reality of the Paris market."
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