GEG 2024 in practice: what owners need to know now

Heating act, renovation obligations, energy certificate classes – we explain the key impacts for existing properties.

The Buildings Energy Act (GEG) has long affected more than just new builds. Owners of existing properties also need to know which deadlines and obligations apply to them – and what this means for a potential sale or letting.

The heating rules at a glance

New heating systems must run on at least 65% renewable energy. Existing buildings benefit from transition periods tied to municipal heat planning – existing, functioning systems may generally continue to run and be repaired.

• Minimum renewable share: 65 %
• Existing, functioning systems: may continue running
• Transition periods: tied to municipal heat planning

Renovation obligations for owners

• Insulating the top-floor ceiling: Mandatory in many cases, unless the ceiling already meets the minimum standard.
• Replacing old boilers: Constant and standard boilers older than 30 years are generally subject to a replacement obligation, with some exceptions for owner-occupiers.
• Pipe insulation: Freely accessible hot-water and heating pipes in unheated rooms must be insulated.
• Energy certificate: Must be presented when selling or letting – the efficiency class is increasingly becoming a price factor.

Making use of available subsidies

Subsidies from KfW and BAFA are available for many modernisation measures – from heating subsidies to building insulation. Checking available funding early on can significantly reduce the actual financial burden.

What happens in case of non-compliance

If mandatory measures such as insulating the top-floor ceiling or replacing boilers on time are not carried out, fines can follow. More important than the sanction itself is usually the loss of buyer trust when such issues only come to light during sales negotiations.

Relevance for a sale

Buyers today ask specifically about heating type, insulation standard and energy certificate. An honest, well-documented account of these points builds trust and prevents price discounts caused by uncertainty.

• Energy efficiency class: increasingly price-relevant
• Documented modernisations: build trust
• Unclear renovation status: leads to price discounts

Our assessment

The GEG 2024 is less dramatic for existing owners than often portrayed – but the details matter. Checking early which obligations and subsidies apply to your property means selling or letting with far more confidence. We advise you on what's relevant in your case as part of the valuation.

We give you an honest assessment – with no pressure to sell.