DL 101-D/2020, Art.º 18.º · Mandatory vs. exempt
When is an EPC required in Portugal?
Inspect OS
✓ 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
Standalone single-family buildings with gross floor area ≤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.