Anyone buying or selling property today will find it hard to avoid one topic: Energy efficiency refurbishment. Not because every house needs to be completely modernised immediately. And also not because every measure is automatically sensible. But because energy, financing, funding and subsequent saleability are now closely linked.
In the 74th episode of Berliner Immobiliengespräche, Achim Amann talks with Anas Fattal, founder of Structuria, These are precisely the questions: What is worthwhile? What is excessive? Which measures actually increase the value of a property? And why buyers and sellers alike need one thing above all: a realistic assessment before making a decision.
Key takeaways from the discussion
- Renovation does not begin on the building site
But with consumption, budget, condition of the property, and an honest profitability assessment. - Not every energy efficiency measure is immediately worthwhile
A PV system can be worthwhile – but not on every roof and not with every consumption pattern. - Small measures can achieve a lot
Hydraulic balancing, valves, heat distribution, or roof insulation are often a better first step than a complete overhaul. - Funding is a crucial factor
KfW, BAFA and regional subsidies can significantly alter economic viability. - Sellers should not renovate blindly
Anyone who invests €100,000 before a sale does not automatically receive an additional €150,000. - Buyers can deliberately make use of old properties
A poor energetic condition can be an argument for price negotiation, subsidies, and long-term value appreciation. - Good advice prevents costly mistakes
Estate agents, energy consultants and financing advisors should be considered together from the outset.
Why energy-efficient refurbishment is viewed differently today
The past few years have been characterised by uncertainty: rising energy prices, political discussions, new laws, worried owners.
Many buyers are asking themselves today:
What can I expect when I buy an older house?
Many vendors wonder:
Do I need to renovate before selling?
The most important answer from the conversation is: there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Crucially, it always is:
- What is the electricity consumption?
- What is the heat consumption?
- In what condition are the roof, heating, windows, cellar, and facade?
- What funding is realistic?
- Should the property be occupied by the owner, rented out, or sold?
Only then can a sensible decision be made.
PV system: sensible, but not automatic
According to Enes Fatal, a typical PV system with around 10 kWp costs roughly €20,000 to €25,000 – depending on the equipment, storage, manufacturer, service, and roof.
Initially, that sounds like a lot. However, the investment can pay off in the long term, especially if the household consumes a lot of electricity, a battery storage system is incorporated, or a heat pump or wallbox is added in the future.
What's important, though, is that a PV system isn't a quick win.
It is a long-term investment in lower energy costs, greater independence and better marketability.
For sellers, this means: An existing PV system can support the purchase price.
For buyers, it means: if there is no existing investment, this can be a bargaining chip.
Heat pump, roof, windows: The order is key
A common mistake is to consider individual measures in isolation.
A heat pump needs electricity.
A PV system supplies electricity.
Better insulation reduces heating demand.
Lower heating demand allows for a smaller heat pump.
That's precisely why the refurbishment plan is so important.
Whoever implements the wrong measure first may have to pay double later. On the other hand, those who plan sensibly can modernise step by step.
A pragmatic approach could be:
- hydraulic balancing
- Checking radiators and valves
- Roof insulation from the inside
- Inspection of windows and heat loss
- After that, larger measures like a heat pump or PV system
What salespeople should learn from this
Sellers shouldn't renovate reflexively just to achieve a better price. This is because buyers have their own ideas. Kitchens, bathrooms, floor plans, fittings, and materials are often changed anyway. Therefore, an expensive renovation shortly before selling can be economically disappointing.
Often more sensible is:
- Process state transparently
- Represent the refurbishment potential
- Obtain a cost estimate
- Prepare possible funding
- to give the buyer a clear basis for decision
This builds trust and can facilitate sales without the seller unnecessarily tying up capital.
What buyers should learn from this
For buyers, there is currently an opportunity, particularly in older properties. If the purchase price realistically reflects the need for renovation, an older property can become attractive through funding, smart planning, and phased modernisation.
But only if the sums are done correctly beforehand. Anyone who buys without an energy consultant, without a financing comparison and without a structural assessment takes on risks that can become expensive later on.
The correct procedure is therefore:
- Check property
- Assess energy status
- Assess the need for renovation
- Clarify funding opportunities
- Align funding
- only then make a binding decision
Conclusion: Renovate yes – but not out of fear
Energy efficient refurbishment isn't a trend. It affects costs, financing, living comfort and the value of a property. However, it needs to be approached economically.
Not every measure makes sense.
Not every sponsorship is suitable.
Not every renovation pays off when selling.
The cleverest way is therefore not activism, but structure: first check, then calculate, then decide.
That's precisely where the value of talking to Enes Fatal lies: it's not about scaring property owners. It's about making properties future-proof – with common sense, expertise, and a clear view of costs and benefits.
