The 2026 EU Renovation Passport: What Every European Household Needs to Know
Starting in 2026, a new tool will reshape how Europeans maintain and upgrade their homes: the EU Renovation Passport. Designed as a "health record" for buildings, it will become mandatory in many situations — selling, renting, or undertaking major upgrades. For millions of households, this is good news: clearer information about energy performance, easier access to subsidies, and a roadmap to cut bills. It also raises questions: How much will it cost? What will households need to change? And how can families prepare right now?
1) Why is the Renovation Passport coming now?
The Renovation Passport comes from the 2024 revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), adopted in 2025. The EU’s mission is clear: make all buildings climate-neutral by 2050.
Buildings account for around 36 % of Europe’s CO₂ emissions, much of it from poorly insulated homes built before 1980.
The passport is designed to:
- diagnose the home’s baseline performance;
- provide a realistic, staged renovation pathway;
- prioritise high-impact actions (insulation, ventilation, heating);
- cut energy bills and fossil-fuel dependence.
For the wider policy context, see The Great Eco-Upgrade Wave of 2026.
2) What does the passport contain?
The Renovation Passport is a digital document that will be gradually harmonised across EU member states. It typically includes:
- the home’s current insulation, heating, ventilation and humidity status;
- a step-by-step renovation plan (2026 → 2030 → 2035);
- estimated costs for each stage;
- expected savings in energy and emissions;
- an overview of national and local incentives you can claim.
Each time major works are completed, the passport is updated, building a full energy history of the home over time.
3) When will it become mandatory?
From 2026, the Renovation Passport will be required in several key situations:
- selling older homes;
- renting out energy-inefficient dwellings (depending on national rules);
- major renovations affecting more than 20 % of the building surface or project cost.
Cities such as Brussels and Paris are already exploring ways to extend it to all owners by 2030, starting with the least efficient homes.
For more details on these changes, explore Home renovation 2026: new rules, subsidies and strategies for homeowners.
4) Impact on energy bills
According to European estimates, upgrades recommended in a Renovation Passport can typically deliver:
- 30–70 % lower heating energy use;
- around 40 % lower CO₂ emissions;
- up to 80 % fewer damp and mould problems in the most degraded homes.
In practice, a renovated house can often save €400–1,400 per year, depending on climate and starting point.
For short-term tactics while you prepare bigger works, see Save on heating this winter and How to cut your electricity bill without losing comfort.
5) Which upgrades will be prioritised?
Most passports will follow a "fabric first" approach before changing the heating system:
- Roof and attic insulation – the strongest thermal return on investment.
- Wall and floor insulation.
- High-performance windows (double or triple glazing).
- Smart ventilation (for example double-flow systems).
- Low-carbon heating such as heat pumps, district heating or hybrid systems.
This order avoids oversizing heating systems and sharply improves comfort in each room.
To compare heating options, see Electric heating vs heat pumps: which is greener in 2025? and Eco heating 2026: the sustainable trends to watch.
6) How much will it cost?
The passport itself is expected to cost €200–450, depending on country and building complexity.
Renovation works vary widely:
- around €8,000 for a small flat with targeted upgrades;
- €30,000–35,000 for an older, energy-hungry detached house.
Most countries will combine:
- 30–70 % grants for high-performance works;
- zero-interest or subsidised loans;
- tax credits;
- extra bonuses for deep, whole-house retrofits.
In France, this often means combining MaPrimeRénov', energy-saving certificates and green loans, as detailed in France’s green home loans 2025: how to finance your eco-renovation.
7) Which countries will be strictest?
Countries already active on renovation are likely to move fastest on passports:
- France – mandatory upgrade trajectories for F and G rated homes;
- Belgium – passport pilots in Flanders;
- Germany – strong support for insulation and low-carbon heating;
- Netherlands – progressive phase-out of new gas boilers.
Others, including Greece, Bulgaria and Romania, may roll out obligations more gradually.
8) Why this is good news for the planet
The Renovation Passport is above all an anti-waste tool:
- less energy lost in poorly insulated homes;
- lower CO₂ emissions for the same comfort;
- healthier homes with less damp and mould;
- reduced dependence on imported gas;
- better comfort in winter and summer.
At EU level, the Commission expects emissions cuts of more than 70 million tonnes of CO₂ per year if renovation pathways are followed.
9) How to prepare now
You do not have to wait for 2026 to act. A simple roadmap already helps:
- Get an energy audit (even a basic one) to identify priorities.
- List key upgrades: roof, walls, windows, ventilation, heating.
- Apply for subsidies early, before rule changes and rush periods.
- Compare certified contractors and avoid high-pressure sales tactics.
- Schedule major works before 2027, when demand is likely to spike.
To decide between incremental upgrades and a full project, see Heat pump or full eco-renovation: what should you choose in 2025?.
10) Helpful GreenDailyFix reads
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Renovation Passport be mandatory for everyone?
No. It will first be required for sales, rentals and major renovations from 2026. Some countries may later extend it, especially for very inefficient homes.
How much does the Renovation Passport cost?
Typical estimates range from €200 to €450 depending on the country and building. The recommended works can then receive substantial subsidies when the project is well designed and carried out by certified contractors.
Which upgrades usually offer the best return on investment?
In most cases, roof and wall insulation deliver the strongest returns, especially when paired with appropriate ventilation and a low-carbon heating system such as a modern heat pump.
Conclusion: The 2026 Renovation Passport signals a new era of smarter, healthier, low-carbon homes across Europe. Rather than a burden, it is a roadmap toward lower bills, better comfort and a more resilient energy future. Better insulation means better living — for your wallet and the planet.
About the author:
Alexandre Dubois is a French sustainability enthusiast sharing practical tips for greener living. With years of experience in energy efficiency consulting, he helps households reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing comfort. Contact: info@greendailyfix.com
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