Energy label: what the letters mean — and what's acceptable

Short answer: the energy label runs from A (very efficient, with variants up to A++++) to G (poorly insulated). The higher, the lower your energy bill is likely to be and the less you'll need to invest in insulation later. A definitive label is legally required when selling.

The modern label (NTA 8800)

Labels from 2021 onwards are calculated with the NTA 8800 method. The shown consumption is a calculated value per m² of primary fossil energy use — not your actual bill. It's meant to make homes comparable, not to predict your monthly costs.

What is 'acceptable'?

There's no hard line. A label A–C usually means little or limited insulation investment. With D–G it pays to ask about the structural state and insulation plans, and to weigh the expected upgrade costs into your offer. A low label isn't a deal-breaker, but it's something to factor in consciously.

You can look up the energy label of a specific address for free in the official register (EP-Online).

Sources: EP-Online (official register) · Energielabel.nl (RVO)