Building Energy Rating - BER

What buildings need a BER?

BER (Building Energy Rating) Certificate

The aim of the BER is to allow potential buyers or tenants to take into account the relative energy costs of different properties when they make their buying or renting decision. This can be important because according to figures from SEAI, a 2 bedroom apartment with a D2 rating could cost €800 more per year to run than a similar apartment with a C1 rating. In the case of a 3 bedroom semi-detached house, the energy required for a D2 rated home could cost over €1100 more per year than for a C1 rated home.


Since 1st January 2009 the law requires all properties (with a few special exceptions) to have a BER certificate at the time when they are offered for sale or rent. There is a fine of up to €5000 for non-compliance. Existing homeowners won't need a BER unless they decide to move.


A BER lasts for 10 years (unless material changes are made to the property in the meantime) and so the effective annual cost is very low. Furthermore, it can be used as selling advantage if your property has a good rating. It is also important to be re-assured that there is no target rating that a property has to achieve. An advisory report is issued with each BER certificate which suggests measures that can be taken to improve a property's BER rating. However, if a property gets a poor rating there is no obligation on the property owner to spend money to upgrade their property to any specific rating category, although they may choose to do so voluntarily to increase the property's desirability.