Poor energy efficiency reduces the value of a property - this has been a recurring theme in recent months. But is this true, asks the empirica Institute. In any case, the Building Energy Act (GEG) has had an enormous impact on public perception.
From mid-2028, new heating systems must be powered by at least 65 per cent renewable energy. Photovoltaic systems and heat pumps are considered suitable means of bringing homes up to a good energy standard. According to ImmoScout24, this equipment is already having a positive effect on property prices.
The property portal has derived the following statements from its listing data: "An average of 3,644 euros per square metre is asked for a house with a photovoltaic system. That is 20 per cent more per square metre than for a house without, which is offered for an average of 3,049 euros per square metre. In contrast, houses with a heat pump are offered for 4348 euros per square metre - a price that is 43 percent higher than for houses without a heat pump. If you combine both in the same house, you are asking an average of 50 per cent more". It should be noted that heat pumps are more frequently found in new builds, which have a higher purchase price than existing properties.
The empirica Institute is sceptical. Recently, there has been a lot of talk of price discounts for non-energy-efficient properties. Although there is such a discount, it is probably somewhat overestimated - at least it needs to be considered in a more differentiated way, the research institute emphasises. Anyone who wants to know how the energy crisis and the Heating Act are affecting existing property prices should not just look at the discount for energy efficiency.
The empirica analysis on energy efficiency-related price premiums and discounts entitled "Is the impact of energy efficiency on prices overestimated?" is available online at www.empirica-institut.de/fileadmin/Redaktion/Publikationen_Referenzen/PDFs/empi274rbjag.pdf.
Conclusion: The valuation of property is a task for qualified experts who take all factors into account.
Photo / Graphic: © Rosy Bad Homburg Germany, Pixabay
