Many factors play a role. The amount of the investment costs, changes in the residential area, the time factor, etc. What are the best overall consequences to expect?
How can I renovate my property to make it more energy efficient?
The Building Energy Act imposed an obligation on homeowners to retrofit outdated gas and oil boilers with a constant temperature boiler and a rated output of 4 to 400 kilowatts. However, even if this does not affect long-term owners of single-family and two-family homes who already lived in their property before February 2002, it is still worth upgrading the energy efficiency before changing ownership.
This is because new builds are now virtually unaffordable, prompting some prospective buyers to specifically seek out older and cheaper existing properties. Buyers will have to dig into their own pockets to pay for the energy conversion. To increase the sale price and make the old property more attractive, owners can take proactive measures and improve the energy rating with appropriate measures. To make energy-efficient renovations more affordable, the government is supporting the project through the KfW Bank with subsidies that vary depending on the measure.
Retrofitting boilers – check what is possible
Not all heating systems can be integrated into every property. It is therefore advisable to consult an expert beforehand to find out whether and at what cost a heat pump or pellet burner can be retrofitted. An independent energy consultant and a specialist tradesman can assist owners. Property owners can also use the "Heating Check 2.0" procedure, which is standardised in specialist companies, to evaluate their heating system. However, if for various reasons this is not convenient, local real estate agents can also help owners find a suitable expert. Most heating systems can also be combined with solar energy in a hybrid version.
Thermal insulation, replacing windows, generating sustainable electricity
Many older properties have either poor insulation or none at all. And the windows are sometimes not up to the latest energy efficiency standards. This means that too much heat is lost to the outside. Here, too, an expert should be consulted to assess the situation and determine what can be done to improve the heat transfer coefficient (U-value) of windows and insulation, for example. The lower the U-value, the less heat is lost. In addition to the usual insulation materials, seaweed can now also be used for insulation, as it offers many advantages as a material. Photovoltaic systems also ensure more climate-friendly electricity generation. Those who want to go even further can install green roofs or facades to provide heat protection in summer and additional thermal insulation in winter. In addition, the roof's service life is extended by around ten years due to protection from hail and other weather influences.
Would you like to renovate your house to make it more energy efficient, or do you have questions about selling? Then get in touch with us. We will advise you – with no obligation and free of charge.
Notes
For reasons of better readability, the generic masculine form is used in this text. Female and other gender identities are expressly included insofar as this is necessary for the statement.
Legal notice: This article does not constitute tax or legal advice in individual cases. Please consult a lawyer and/or tax advisor to clarify the facts of your specific case.
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