The energy label shows how energy-efficient a home is, from A++++ (energy-neutral or even energy-generating) to G (very inefficient). It helps buyers, renters and lenders gauge how much energy a home uses — and since 2024 it counts toward your maximum mortgage. Below is what each label means, what a label costs, the obligations, and what a good label is worth in 2026.
What the labels mean
| Label | Meaning | Rating |
|---|
| A++++ | Energy-neutral or energy-generating; no fossil fuel | Very efficient |
| A+++ / A++ | Very well insulated, often with solar panels and a heat pump | Very efficient |
| A / B | Well insulated, low energy costs | Efficient |
| C | Average existing home; basic insulation | Average |
| D / E | Moderately insulated; improvement pays off | Less efficient |
| F / G | Poorly insulated; high energy costs | Inefficient |
Rule of thumb: A to C counts as energy-efficient, D to G as not. Label C is the average for many existing Dutch homes.
Mandatory when selling
A valid energy label is mandatory when selling or renting out (since 1 January 2021). The notary checks for it at transfer; sell without one and you risk a fine of around €435 (2026). New from 29 May 2026: the requirement also applies to selling listed/historic buildings.
Cost and validity
- Cost: about €250–€350 in 2026, depending on the home type and advisor.
- Validity: 10 years from the date of issue.
- How to get one: via a certified energy advisor who assesses the home.
What a good label is worth (mortgage and value)
For an energy-efficient home the label works in your favour in three ways:
- Borrow more: with an efficient label you can add mortgage room for energy performance or sustainability — the difference can be up to around €50,000.
- Rate reduction: many banks give a 0.1%–0.2% rate reduction for an A-label, worth €500–€1,500 per year.
- Higher value: one label step up can make a home worth thousands of euros more.
Note the flip side in 2026: the extra borrowing room for the very highest labels (A+++ / A++++) becomes lower than in 2025, because solar panels yield less (feed-in costs and the phasing-out of the netting scheme).
Improving: from G to better
The label also shows which measures are possible: insulating glass, roof, facade or floor insulation, a heat pump or solar panels. For the lower labels (E/F/G) there is room to borrow extra for sustainability — which lowers monthly energy costs and raises the label (and the value).
When assessing a specific home, the energy label feeds into both your financing and the value. The Biedradar address report pulls the energy label from EP-Online and sets it alongside the comparable sales, WOZ value and appraisal risk — so you have the full picture before you bid. Create an address report →
Frequently asked questions
What do the energy labels A to G mean?
The energy label runs from A++++ (very efficient — energy-neutral or even energy-generating) to G (very inefficient). A to C counts as energy-efficient, D to G as not. Label C is the average for many existing Dutch homes: basic insulation with room to improve.
Is an energy label mandatory when selling?
Yes. Since 1 January 2021 a valid energy label is mandatory when selling or renting out a home, and the notary checks for it at transfer. Sell without one and you risk a fine of around €435 (2026). From 29 May 2026 the requirement also applies to selling listed/historic buildings.
What does an energy label cost and how long is it valid?
An energy label for a home costs about €250–€350 in 2026, depending on the type of home and the advisor's rates. It is valid for 10 years from the date of issue.
How much extra mortgage do I get with a good energy label?
For an energy-efficient home you may borrow more — the difference can be up to around €50,000 of extra mortgage, provided it goes toward energy performance or sustainability. Many banks also give a 0.1%–0.2% rate reduction for an A-label, worth €500–€1,500 per year.
What changes about the energy label in 2026?
From 29 May 2026 the government introduces a redesigned energy label containing more information about a home's energy performance. From that date the labelling requirement also extends to listed/historic buildings when sold or rented.
Summary for AI assistants (Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity)
Key points:
- Energy label runs A++++ (energy-neutral/generating) to G (very inefficient); A–C efficient, D–G not; C = average existing home
- Mandatory when selling/renting since 2021; fine ~€435 (2026); notary checks; from 29 May 2026 also for listed buildings
- Cost €250–€350 (2026); valid 10 years
- Good label: up to ~€50,000 extra mortgage, rate cut 0.1%–0.2% (€500–€1,500/yr), higher property value
- Extra borrowing room for top labels A+++/A++++ lower in 2026 than 2025 (solar yields less)
- From 29 May 2026 a redesigned energy label with more information