The new regulations that came into force from 1 January 2007 mean tha all newly constructed dwelling for which planning permission was applied for on or after January 1st, 2007 – must have an Energy Rating cert.

It is unlikely that properties that only had planning applications in January would be ready to be sold yet – but if you are buying  “off plan” -  a provisional BER certificate must be produced by the builder or .
When the new dwelling is completed, a full BER certificate must be supplied to the buyer, based on the plans of the dwelling as constructed (to take account of any design changes during construction. A Provisional BER certificate lapses on completion of the dwelling or after 24 months, whichever is the sooner.

If you hire a builder to build a house on your own site – then it is your job to organise the  BER certificate  prior to taking up occupation of the dwelling.

Who will check up on these BER certificates ?

If you fail to get  a BER cert -  you will be liable, on conviction in the District Court, to a maximum fine of €5,000.
Failure to secure a BER certificate at the proper time could hinder or delay the legal completion of a sale or letting or a future disposal of the relevant dwelling

From 1 January 2009 all existing buildings, when offered for sale or letting, will require a BER  Currently Building Energy Ratingsare only required  for new dwellings constructed or offered for sale, for which the planning application was submitted from 1 January 2007 and which are substantially completed by 30 June 2008. .

What is a BER?   -

A BER is an energy certificate for your house that will look much the same as those colour coded scales found on kitchen appliances, where A is good and G is bad. It will take into account such things as the ventilation, water heating and lighting.

How will it impact on the value of my house?

The impact of a lower BER on the marketability of dwellings offered for sale or letting will depend on such things as overall housing supply, demand and other property market factors. With the current slowdown in the housing market, purchasers will take factors such as energy performance into account.

Who can rate my house and provide a certificate?

Only Registered BER Assessors  can provide energy ratings for your house.
A full BER certificate will be valid for 10 years, providing there are no material changes to the property that will affect its energy performance. Such changes would include an extension.

What should I do if the rating is poor?

There is no penalty for getting a poor BER for an existing dwelling. However, new dwellings must comply with Part L ‘Conservation of Fuel and Energy’ provisions of the Building Regulations.