BER Exempt: What It Means and Which Homes Are Exempt

BER exempt means a building doesn't need a BER certificate when it's being sold or rented. Very few homes are exempt. If you're selling or renting a house or apartment, you will almost always need a valid BER, and the rating must be shown in all ads for the property.

What Does BER Exempt Mean on a Property Listing?

If a property ad says "BER Exempt" instead of showing a BER rating, the seller or landlord is saying the building falls into one of the exempt categories set out in the BER regulations. For homes, this is usually because the property is a protected structure.

Which Buildings Are BER Exempt?

The SEAI lists the following buildings as exempt from needing a BER:

• National monuments
• Protected structures or proposed protected structures
• Places of worship or buildings used for religious activities
• Certain temporary buildings
• Industrial buildings not intended for extended human occupancy, with a low installed heating capacity (10W/m² or less)
• Non-residential agricultural buildings with a low installed heating capacity (10W/m² or less)
• Stand alone buildings with a useful floor area of less than 50 sq/m

Is My Home BER Exempt?

In most cases, no. The age of a property doesn't make it exempt, so an older cottage or period house still needs a BER unless it's a protected structure. Holiday homes are not on the exempt list either.

To find out if your home is a protected structure, check your local council's Record of Protected Structures or contact the council's planning department.

Can a BER Exempt Home Still Get a BER?

Yes. Being exempt means you don't have to get a BER, but you can still choose to get one. For example, you may want to show buyers or tenants how energy efficient the home is, or you may need a BER for an SEAI grant.

Buying or Renting a BER Exempt Home?

An exempt home won't come with a BER, so it's harder to judge what it will cost to heat. Ask the seller or agent why the property is exempt, and ask about heating costs and any energy upgrades that have been carried out.

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