BER Ratings and Home Value: Why Energy Efficiency Matters in Ireland

How lower BER ratings can affect buyer perception

Many Irish homes still fall into the D, E, F or G rating categories, particularly older properties. These homes may be solid and full of potential, but lower ratings can raise questions for buyers.

Concerns often centre around heating bills, cold rooms, draughts, and uncertainty about what upgrades might be required. When buyers are unsure, hesitation can creep in, sometimes leading to longer selling times or price negotiations.

The issue is not always the home itself — it is often the lack of clear information. This is where a Home Energy Assessment becomes valuable.

The role of a Home Energy Assessment

A Home Energy Assessment includes a BER, but it goes much further. It looks at how your home performs as a whole and explains why it behaves the way it does.

During the assessment, a qualified assessor examines insulation levels, heating systems, ventilation, and heat loss. This information is brought together into a clear, easy-to-understand report that shows what is working well and where improvements could make the biggest difference.

Importantly, the assessment provides a tailored upgrade pathway for your home. It helps you understand which changes could improve comfort, efficiency and BER, and outlines which SEAI grants may apply. There is no obligation to proceed — the purpose is clarity, not pressure.

Improvements that often support BER and value

Many homes improve their BER and overall appeal through relatively straightforward upgrades, such as improved insulation, better heating systems, upgraded ventilation, or the addition of Solar PV.

In some cases, window and door upgrades or more comprehensive retrofit measures may be suitable. The key point is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The right improvements depend on your home, its construction, and how you live in it which is why the assessment comes first.