Diagnostic reports to provide
The list depends on the property's age, location and installations. The core requirements include the energy performance certificate (DPE), the risk and pollution report, floor-area measurement for a co-owned building, and electrical and gas inspection reports for installations more than fifteen years old.
- Energy performance certificate (DPE) — valid for 10 years (except older DPEs subject to revised validity rules)
- Risk and pollution report — valid for 6 months
- Asbestos — building permits issued before July 1997
- Lead — homes built before 1949
- Electricity and gas — installations over 15 years old
- Termites — depending on the prefectural order covering the area
- Private drainage — inspection less than 3 years old
The impact of the energy performance certificate (DPE) on value
Properties rated F and G sell at a significant discount and are gradually being banned from the rental market. By contrast, a C rating or better is now a measurable selling point.
In Corsica, the climate reduces the importance of heating, but air conditioning, insulation, windows and doors weigh heavily in the rating. An energy audit is mandatory when selling energy-inefficient homes.
Island-specific considerations
Private drainage systems serve a large proportion of rural properties: a failed inspection requires the buyer to carry out work within a year of purchase, which is systematically factored into price negotiations.
The risk report includes forest fire risk, with legal obligations to clear vegetation around buildings. Failure to comply makes the owner liable and may result in a formal notice to comply.