The 2023 Air Climate Energy Plan (PACE) is being superseded: the Walloon Government adopted on 11 December 2025 a new energy roadmap imposing progressive obligations from 2028. Mandatory renovation on sale, minimum thresholds for all existing stock, phase-out of oil heating: the direction is set and the deadlines are closer than many believe. What Walloon buy-to-let landlords need to anticipate now.

What is the new Walloon energy roadmap?

The general framework adopted by the Walloon Government on 11 December 2025 replaces the renovation trajectory of the Air Climate Energy Plan (PACE) established in 2023. Note: the “EPB4” decree has only been adopted at second reading, and the renovation plan remains a draft with an indicative timetable, subject to European validation. The deadlines below are therefore not yet binding law. It defines a progressive framework for improving the energy performance of Walloon buildings, with a stated objective of EPC A by 2050, label B serving as the floor for the existing stock.

The reform takes inspiration from the Flemish model, which has already introduced mandatory energy renovation obligations on sale. It goes further by setting thresholds for the entire existing stock, not just transactions. For property managers handling Walloon portfolios, this is a major paradigm shift: energy renovation is no longer optional, it is a growing obligation that must be planned and executed.

Renovation obligation on sale: the complete timetable

How the mechanism works

From 2028, purchasers of a residential property will be required to improve its energy performance to a minimum level within five years of the notarial deed. The obligation falls on the purchaser, not the vendor, but the property’s EPC certificate directly influences its attractiveness and market value.

The table below summarises all the deadlines:

Year Post-sale obligation (within 5 years) Minimum threshold for existing stock
2028 Reach EPC D ,
2031 Reach EPC C EPC F minimum mandatory
2036 Reach EPC B EPC E minimum mandatory
2041 Reach EPC A EPC D minimum mandatory
2046 , EPC C minimum mandatory
2050 , EPC B as the floor for the stock; the decree’s stated objective is EPC A

What this means in practice for a rental portfolio

For a manager administering Walloon properties, this table requires a two-way reading:

On the sale side: if a property in the portfolio is likely to be sold after 2028, the purchaser will be required to renovate it to the required EPC level within five years. An EPC G property sold in 2028 will need to reach EPC D before 2033. This mechanically reduces the property’s value and investment attractiveness, a buyer will factor in the cost of works in their offer.

On the rental side: the minimum thresholds for existing stock apply regardless of transactions. An EPC F property that cannot reach the EPC F minimum by 2031 will be in breach. Penalties for non-compliance with these thresholds are not yet defined in the framework established in December 2025, but the direction is clearly towards a progressive ban on letting the most energy-intensive properties.

Oil and coal heating: the countdown has started

The three key dates

The Walloon energy reform includes a progressive ban on oil and coal heating systems, already in force for some situations:

  • Since 1 January 2026: installation of oil or coal boilers prohibited in new-build properties
  • Next announced step: the ban extends to deep renovations where a natural gas connection is available. The criterion is the scale of the renovation, not the existence of a planning permit, and the timetable is not yet settled.
  • From 2031: existing oil or coal boilers may no longer be replaced on a like-for-like basis when they break down

This last point is the most significant for buy-to-let landlords: if an oil boiler breaks down after 2031, a like-for-like replacement will be prohibited. The landlord will be required to switch to an alternative technology.

Which technologies can replace oil heating?

The alternatives available and recognised under the Walloon framework are:
– Air-to-water or geothermal heat pump: the most energy-efficient solution, but with high installation costs (EUR 10,000 to EUR 20,000 depending on the system and surface area)
– Condensing natural gas boiler: a transitional solution, still permitted after 2031 according to current indications, but on a future prohibition trajectory
– District heating network: available in certain municipalities, with subsidised connection
– Hybrid systems (heat pump + gas): recognised as a transitional solution

For landlords whose properties still have oil heating, anticipation is key: waiting for a breakdown before acting means facing an emergency and paying the full price. Planning replacement now means choosing the right moment, maximising available support, and preparing tenants calmly.

Financial support: what changes in 2026

The Habitation grant disappears on 1 October 2026

The current Habitation grant, which subsidises a wide range of energy works (insulation, glazing, roof, heating), is expected to disappear on 1 October 2026. Applications remain possible until 30 September 2026 for works already completed or under way.

For managers who have energy works planned in 2026, this is a deadline not to miss: works begun before this date can still benefit from the existing support.

The new mechanism: grant plus loan

To replace the Habitation grant, the Walloon government is announcing a new mechanism combining grant and loan. The exact terms are not yet finalised, but the direction is:
– The grant will be more targeted at real performance improvements (EPC class upgrades) rather than individual works
– The reduced-rate loan will be more integrated for households unable to advance funds

Renopack continues but evolves

The Renopack (0% interest loan for energy renovation) is being retained. It will, however, be refocused on works that genuinely improve the EPC class, rather than any type of renovation. This means a window replacement alone will no longer be sufficient to trigger eligibility, works must be framed within an overall energy improvement plan.

Why anticipating beats reacting

The market effect is already visible

Even before the obligations come into force, the market is already incorporating energy performance into valuations. Several indicators converge:
– EPC A-B properties sell faster and at higher prices than equivalent EPC E-G properties
– Tenants, increasingly sensitive to energy costs, favour energy-efficient housing
– Bank financing tends to favour energy-efficient properties (green mortgages, preferential terms)

Waiting for legal obligations means missing the window of competitive advantage, and ultimately bearing the double penalty of value erosion and emergency works costs.

The strategy for managers of Walloon portfolios

For a manager administering several dozen Walloon properties, a structured approach is essential:

Step 1, Portfolio EPC audit: identify the current EPC ratings for each property, heating sources, and estimated replacement dates for equipment. An energy dashboard by property is indispensable.

Step 2, Prioritisation by urgency: EPC F and G properties are in the frame for 2031 (mandatory minimum threshold). Those with oil heating are also in the frame for 2031 (replacement ban). These are the priorities.

Step 3, Works planning: coordinate works across multiple years, taking advantage of still-available support (Habitation grant until September 2026, Renopack retained).

Step 4, Communication with tenants: energy renovation works in occupied rental properties require advance communication, information about dates, temporary disruption, and expected benefits on energy bills.

Step 5, Archiving evidence: retain EPC certificates before and after works, invoices, and completion reports. These documents are essential in the event of inspection and enhance the property’s value in future transactions.

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