📋 Guide for Expats

EPC Certificate in Brussels: The Complete Guide for Expats

✍️ Expert-PEB 📅 June 2026 ⏱️ 5 min read

Moving to Brussels or renting a property in the Belgian capital? You'll quickly come across the term "certificat PEB" or "EPB-certificaat". This is Belgium's energy performance certificate — and it's mandatory for every property sold or rented in Brussels. Here's everything you need to know, explained in plain English.

What is a PEB/EPC certificate?

The PEB certificate (Performance Énergétique des Bâtiments) — equivalent to the EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) in the UK or Ireland — is an official document that rates the energy efficiency of a property on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).

It tells you how much energy the property theoretically consumes per square metre per year (kWh/m²/year), and gives you an idea of the expected heating bills.

Good to know: In Brussels, the certificate is called "certificat PEB" in French and "EPB-certificaat" in Dutch. It's the same document — just in different languages depending on who issues it. Expert-PEB is a bilingual (FR/NL) certified auditor, active since 2011.

Is the EPC certificate mandatory in Brussels?

Yes — it has been mandatory since 2011 for all properties of at least 18 m² used as housing. Specifically:

⚠️ Fines: Renting or selling without a valid EPC certificate can result in fines of €50 to €62,500 depending on the type of infringement.

How does the EPC audit work?

1

Book online

Choose your time slot on our Calendly agenda. Immediate confirmation, appointment available within 48 hours.

2

Prepare your documents

You'll receive an email with a list of documents to gather: building plans, renovation invoices, boiler certificate, purchase deed... The more documents, the better your score.

3

On-site visit

Our certified auditor visits your property, takes measurements, inspects insulation, glazing and heating. Duration: 30 min (studio) to 3 hours (large house).

4

Receive your certificate

Your official EPC certificate is sent by email within 3 to 4 working days after the visit, following payment.

EPC energy classes in Brussels

ClassConsumption (kWh/m²/year)Description
A≤ 45Excellent — Nearly zero energy
B46–95Very good — High performance
C96–150Good — Above average
D151–210Average — Standard performance
E211–275Poor — Renovation recommended
F276–345Bad — Energy sinkhole
G> 345Very bad — Severe energy sinkhole

The 2033 Brussels energy reform

Brussels has adopted a mandatory energy renovation roadmap: by January 1st, 2033, all residential properties must consume less than 275 kWh/m²/year (minimum class E). By 2045, the target drops to 150 kWh/m²/year (class C).

If you're buying a property in class F or G, budget for renovation works before 2033.

Need an EPC certificate in Brussels?

Expert-PEB — Certified since 2011 — 500+ certificates delivered. English-speaking service available.

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