Real estate diagnostics aim to inform the buyer about the condition of the property being transacted. Various aspects of the property are checked, such as the presence of lead, asbestos, or the proper condition of electrical installations. Diagnostics also guarantee environmental preservation, notably through the energy performance diagnosis that assesses the housing's energy consumption.
As part of a sale, the seller is required to present these documents to the buyer. Today, there are 9 different diagnostics, applicable or not in certain cases.
1- Asbestos diagnosis: for housing built before 1997
If your property's construction permit was issued before July 1, 1997, you are required to carry out this diagnosis. Many buildings constructed before this date are likely to contain asbestos, especially in the composition of insulators. Note that since 2013, the asbestos diagnosis has been extended to exteriors like roofing, siding, facades, and conduits.
2- The EPC to define the energy consumption of your housing
The Energy Performance Diagnostic informs the buyer about the property's energy impact on the environment and future consumptions. It is based on the analysis of the dwelling according to its surface, orientation, type of window, and heating system used, etc. The EPC also mentions recommendations for improvements to make the housing less energy-intensive.
3- The Carrez Law Diagnostic mandatory in condominiums
If you wish to sell a condominium, you are required to carry out a Carrez Law diagnostic. It precisely determines the living area higher than 1.80 m². Note, balconies, terraces, cellars, and parking are not included in the Carrez area.
4- The termite diagnostic: certain areas defined by prefectural decree
Termites are small insects that can seriously damage homes and their foundations, which is why this diagnostic is mandatory in certain areas defined by prefectural decree. To find out if your home is in an affected area, you can contact your prefecture's services or your local real estate agent.
5- The lead diagnostic mandatory for housing built before 1949
This diagnostic is mandatory for any housing built before January 1, 1949. A specialist analyzes the presence of lead in the paints and coatings of each room. If too much quantity is detected, the owner may be required to carry out maintenance work or remove the concerned paints.
6- The ERP mandatory to prevent major risks
Mandatory, it informs the buyer about the potential risks identified to which the property is exposed. It covers:
- risks of natural disasters (floods, flooding, seismicity, ...) ;
- mining risks (collapse or subsidence of underground cavities) ;
- risks of technological disasters (toxic, nuclear products, ...) ;
- soil pollution degree ;
- the presence or absence of radon.
When transacting through our agency, this diagnostic will be offered to you.
7- The gas diagnostic for installations over 15 years old
The condition of the gas interior installation, valid for 3 years, protects buyers from risks of leaks, poisoning, or fires related to an aging or defective installation. It is mandatory for housing whose installation is more than 15 years old.
8- The non-collective sanitation diagnostic
This diagnostic concerns dwellings that are not connected to the public and collective sanitation network. It assesses the proper compliance of the installation, from collection to treatment and the evacuation of wastewater.
9- The electrical diagnostic mandatory for installations of 15 years and older
Like the gas diagnostic, the electrical diagnostic concerns installations over 15 years old. It informs the buyer about the conformity of the electrical installation and related risks.
It concerns the entire electrical installation of the housing: general control and protection device, connections adapted to water rooms, protection against overcurrent, etc.
What is the validity period for real estate diagnostics for the sale of a dwelling?
When to provide diagnostics to the buyer?
The complete file will be transmitted at the latest at the signing of the sales agreement. However, it is advisable to order the performance of diagnostics as soon as your property is put on sale for three reasons:
- firstly, the law requires the mention of the EPC in real estate advertisements,
- then, the information contained in the different diagnostics proves important for the real estate agent to provide quality advice to potential buyers,
- finally, the reports from the different diagnostics allow the owner to assess the condition of their property and correct certain defects if necessary (without any obligation).
