Energy Labels A–G for Renters & Buyers: What They Mean for Bills, Comfort, and Money (2026)

Everyone shopping for homes in the Netherlands focuses on one number: rent or purchase price. They miss the second number that matters more: the energy label.

A property listed at €1,200/month might cost €1,370 with utilities (label G) or €1,280 with utilities (label A). The €90/month difference = €1,080/year that no one notices until the bill arrives. For buyers, the energy label directly impacts how much you can borrow—potentially €10,000–€75,000 of borrowing power. This guide shows renters and buyers what energy labels actually mean, and how to use them to make smarter choices.

What Is an Energy Label (and Why It Matters)

The Simple Definition

An energy label is a rating system (A++++ to G) that shows how much energy a home uses to stay warm, cool, and lit. It’s mandatory for every rental and purchase in the Netherlands since 2015. Think of it like MPG for cars—a measure of efficiency that directly affects your monthly costs.

The scale:

A++++: Energy-producing (solar panels, heat pump, net-zero or better)
A through A+++: Highly efficient (modern, well-insulated, low bills)
B through D: Average (some insulation, typical older homes)
E through F: Poor (leaky, outdated, high bills)
G: Very poor (old, single-glazed windows, bad insulation, expensive to heat)

What it measures:

Quality of insulation (walls, roof, floors, windows)
Heating system efficiency (boiler type, age, condition)
Estimated annual energy consumption (in kWh/m² per year)
CO₂ emissions
Suggested improvements to upgrade the rating

It’s not about your habits. Even if you save energy aggressively, a label G home will cost more to heat than a label A home. The label rates the building, not the occupant.

Energy Labels Explained: A++++ to G (With Real Costs)

The Energy Efficiency Scale

Label	kWh/m²/year	What It Means	Real Monthly Utility Cost (1 person)	Real Monthly Cost (5+ people)
A++++	<0	Energy-producing (solar, self-sufficient)	€0–€30	€0–€50
A+++	0–75	Extremely efficient, advanced systems	€30–€50	€50–€100
A++	75–105	Excellent insulation, modern heating	€50–€70	€100–€140
A+	105–160	Very efficient, modern systems	€60–€80	€140–€180
A/B	160–190	Good efficiency, well-maintained	€80–€120	€180–€240
C/D	190–290	Average, typical older homes	€120–€160	€240–€290
E/F	290–380	Poor, inefficient, high bills	€160–€220	€290–€350
G	>380	Very poor, very expensive to heat	€220–€300+	€350–€450+

Translation:

A to G difference (1 person): €90–€220/month = €1,080–€2,640/year
A to G difference (5+ people): €200–€400/month = €2,400–€4,800/year

Real example from property data: Identical 1930s homes in Amersfoort—one with label E, one with label A (renovated with insulation, solar, heat pump). The A-label home sold for €75,000 MORE (14.3% premium), largely because of lower lifetime energy costs.

For Renters: What You Need to Know About Energy Labels

The Legal Reality

Landlords must provide you with an energy label. Since January 1, 2015, it’s mandatory. If your landlord doesn’t provide a copy, they can be fined €405. You have a legal right to know the rating before signing.

However: The energy label does NOT directly set your rent. Your rent is determined by supply/demand, landlord discretion, and local market rates. That said:

In the private (non-regulated) sector, some landlords factor energy efficiency into rent pricing
Energy-efficient homes may rent higher in desirable areas
Inefficient homes may rent lower or stay vacant longer

What Renters Should Calculate

When comparing two apartments, don’t just look at rent. Calculate total monthly housing cost:

Total monthly cost = Rent + Estimated utilities

Example 1: Amsterdam, 1-bedroom apartment

Option A: €1,200/month rent, label A–B → Utilities ~€90/month → Total: €1,290/month
Option B: €1,100/month rent, label E–F → Utilities ~€180/month → Total: €1,280/month

The label B apartment costs more despite lower rent. This is the hidden cost.

Example 2: A different scenario

Option A: €950/month rent, label D → Utilities ~€130/month → Total: €1,080/month
Option B: €900/month rent, label G → Utilities ~€240/month → Total: €1,140/month

Same thing: the cheaper rent isn’t cheaper overall. Energy label reveals the truth.

Questions to Ask Your Landlord (Renters)

“What is the energy label, and can you show me the certificate?”
- They MUST provide this
- Valid labels show “valid until” date (typically 10 years from issue)
“What are typical monthly utility costs?”
- They may not know exactly, but should give a range
- Cross-check against the energy label rating
- If label is G but they claim €100/month, that’s suspicious
“What heating/cooling systems are included?”
- Central heating (efficient) vs radiators vs individual AC (variable)
- Does rent include heating? Or is it separate?
“What improvements could raise the energy label?”
- Energy advisors provide suggestions with every label
- Insulation, window replacement, boiler upgrade, solar panels
- Knowing what’s needed helps you understand future maintenance/costs
“Has the label been recently updated?”
- Labels older than 10 years are invalid
- If your apartment is pre-2015, the label might be provisional/old
- Ask if they plan to update it

Important: Legal Changes Coming in 2029

From 2029, rental homes will require a MINIMUM energy label D to be legally rented. This is a massive policy shift.

What this means now:

Homes with labels E, F, or G will eventually become ineligible for rent
Landlords will face pressure to renovate or exit the market
Tenants in E/F/G homes today may see rent pressure (upgrades) or eviction (market exit) within 3 years
New rental properties must already meet this standard

If you’re in a label E, F, or G home: Start planning your exit or negotiating with your landlord about improvements now.

For Buyers: How Energy Labels Affect Your Mortgage and Property Value

Energy Labels Directly Boost Borrowing Power (2026)

Here’s what most buyers don’t know: your mortgage amount is partly determined by the energy label. The logic: lower energy costs = more room in your monthly budget for mortgage payments.

2026 Mortgage boost by label (in addition to income-based maximum):

Energy Label	Extra Borrowing Capacity	Example
A++++	€40,000	Max mortgage €375k → Becomes €415k
A+++	€25,000	Max mortgage €375k → Becomes €400k
A++	€15,000	Max mortgage €375k → Becomes €390k
A+	€12,000	Max mortgage €375k → Becomes €387k
A	€10,000	Max mortgage €375k → Becomes €385k
B	€10,000	Max mortgage €375k → Becomes €385k
C & below	€0	No extra borrowing capacity

Real example (from a Dutch lender):

You earn enough to borrow €375,000
You find a €390,000 home with label B
Your lender adds €10,000 bonus for the B label
Your maximum mortgage becomes €385,000
You can now buy a home €10,000 above your income limit

Important note (2026 change): In 2025, label A++++ got €50,000 extra; in 2026, it dropped to €40,000. Why? Solar panel feed-in rates are declining, and the net-metering subsidy scheme ends in 2027. The government recalibrated how much “green bonus” is realistic.

Energy Labels Impact Long-Term Property Value

Energy-efficient homes appreciate differently than inefficient ones.

Real data: Two identical 1930s homes on the same street, same size. One renovated to label A (new insulation, solar panels, heat pump). The label A home sold for €75,000 MORE—a 14.3% premium—largely because of lower lifetime energy costs and future-proofing.

Why this matters: When you buy, you’re not just paying for square meters. You’re paying for 30 years of energy bills. A label G home at €400,000 might actually cost €480,000 over 30 years (purchase + energy premium). A label A home at €475,000 might cost €420,000 over 30 years. The A label wins financially.

Questions to Ask When Buying (Buyers)

“What is the energy label, and when was it issued?”
- Labels are valid 10 years
- Verify on EP-Online.nl (national registry)
- If it’s near expiration, budget €300 for renewal
“What would it cost to upgrade the label (e.g., from D to B)?”
- Insulation: €10,000–€30,000
- New boiler/heat pump: €5,000–€15,000
- Windows: €5,000–€20,000
- Solar panels: €8,000–€15,000
- Some upgrades pay for themselves in energy savings
“What are realistic annual utility costs?”
- Match against the label (label A should be ~€90/month for 1 person, not €150)
- If claimed costs don’t match the label, investigate
“Has the heating system been recently upgraded?”
- Boiler age directly affects label
- New heat pump vs old radiators = big difference
“Does the valuation/appraisal account for the energy label?”
- Better labels are worth more
- Appraisers now factor this in
- Negotiate price based on label, not just square meters

Check the Label Yourself (Both Renters & Buyers)

Go to EP-Online.nl or Energielabel.nl:

Enter property address
View official label
See “valid until” date
View improvement suggestions
Verify landlord/seller gave you the real label (some fake old copies)

If label is expired or missing:

Renter: Ask landlord to renew (they’re required to)
Buyer: Negotiate for renewal before signing (typically €300 cost, paid by seller)

The Bigger Picture: 2029 Policy Shift

The government is forcing the market to improve. Starting January 1, 2029, rental homes must have a MINIMUM energy label D to be legally rented.

What happens to current E/F/G rentals?

Existing tenants can stay (grandfathering), BUT
Landlords face pressure to upgrade within 3 years or exit the market
Rent may increase to cover renovation costs
Some properties will be converted to owner-occupied or sold

Implications:

Affordable rentals may disappear (renovation costs push them out)
Tenants should plan accordingly
If in an E/F/G home, negotiations about upgrades become urgent
Buyers: E/F/G properties will face downward pressure (less attractive to own if can’t rent out after 2029)

The Bottom Line: Use Energy Labels to Make Smarter Choices

For Renters

✅ Always get the energy label certificate before signing
✅ Calculate total monthly cost = rent + utilities (don’t ignore the label)
✅ Ask specific questions about efficiency (heating, windows, improvements)
✅ Understand that from 2029, your E/F/G rental may become problematic; plan accordingly
✅ Verify label on EP-Online.nl (official database)

For Buyers

✅ Factor energy label into borrowing power (up to €40,000 extra for A++++)
✅ Calculate 30-year cost (purchase price + energy bills), not just upfront price
✅ Know that energy-efficient homes appreciate faster and hold value better (€75k+ premiums documented)
✅ Consider upgrade costs (insulation, heat pump, solar) and payback period
✅ Verify label on EP-Online.nl; budget €300 for renewal if expired

The Key Insight

Energy labels are not just eco-friendly buzzwords. They’re direct measures of your long-term costs.

For renters: €90–€200/month difference in utilities between labels. For buyers: €10,000–€75,000 difference in property value + mortgage capacity.

When choosing between two homes, comparing rent/price alone is like comparing car prices without checking MPG. The energy label is the MPG equivalent. Use it.