InspectOS - When is an EPC required in Portugal

DL 101-D/2020, Art.º 18.º · Mandatory vs. exempt

When is an EPC required in Portugal?

✓ EPC required Mandatory

✓

All property sales - CE must appear in listing before advertising

✓

All rental agreements - CE number must appear in contract

✓

Financial leases (locação financeira)

✓

New buildings - required before habitation

✓

Major renovations (cost exceeds 25% of building value)

✓

Buildings pre-1951 - not automatically exempt if placed on market

✓

Commercial/services buildings ≥1,000m² (or 500m² for certain types)

⊘ EPC not required Exempt

Properties with área bruta privativa ≤50m²

Buildings in state of ruin or intended for confirmed demolition

Industrial, livestock, or agricultural non-residential premises

Religious buildings

Non-onerous transfers: donations, inheritances, legacies

Sales in insolvency or enforcement proceedings

Landlord's own primary residence rented for less than 4 months

Common misconception: Pre-1951 buildings are NOT automatically exempt. The exemption depends on the transaction type, not the building's age. Any pre-1951 property placed on the market for sale or rental requires a valid EPC.