Reader’s experience of france’s dpe energy rating: ‘nonsense’

THEY BELIEVE THEIR LOW RATING IS INACCURATE AND DEVALUING THEIR STONE PROPERTY I was quoted in an article in your May issue regarding the energy-efficiency (DPE) score of my Dordogne

farmhouse. Having challenged the rating, it has moved from a G to an F, so there is some improvement. However, it still seems extremely unfair that someone who does little more than tap the

walls with his knuckles can ruin the value of a property. Our walls are 1.4m thick, stone and blocks either side. We have lost two buyers due to this totally false report. It says the house

has no protection from the sun but this is complete nonsense. We have wood for heating and cooking and use very little of it. Another point to mention is the cost. We paid €850 for the DPE

certificate and another €720 for an [obligatory] energy audit. A friend with twice the space paid only €750 for his DPE, so shop around. I understand the aim of the exercise is to reduce

emissions, yet ours came out at a high C. It is ruining the value of stone properties. Soon there will be a shortage as no one will be able to sell at a reasonable price. _Connexion reader

Terry Scates, by email_ RELATED ARTICLES HOMEOWNERS IN FRANCE ADVISED HOW BEST TO PREPARE FOR ENERGY RATINGS IS FRANCE’S DPE PROPERTY ENERGY RATING BASED ON ACTUAL BILLS? ‘NO SENSE’ TO

EXEMPT OLD STONE HOMES FROM EU ENERGY RULES, SAYS MEP