BUILDING ENERGY ACT: THESE CHANGES WILL APPLY FROM 2024

The Building Energy Act (GEG) will bring important changes from January 2024. The aim is to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and thus make a sustainable contribution to climate protection. We will give you a brief overview of the most important changes and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

What is the Building Energy Act?

The GEG is an important set of regulations that first came into force in November 2020 and will be reissued in January 2024. It combines various existing regulations on the energy consumption of buildings and sets clear standards for new buildings and renovations.

It obliges building owners to comply with certain energy requirements in order to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions. The GEG is therefore of great importance for the housing market and sustainability in the real estate sector.

What changes will there be from 2024?

From 2024, the Building Energy Act (GEG) will undergo significant changes that will initially affect new construction areas. For properties that are built in new development areas and for which the building application is submitted from January 1, 2024, the obligation to use at least 65% renewable energy for heating will apply. Outside of new development areas, this regulation will apply from 2026 at the earliest.

For existing buildings, there will initially be no significant changes: If the existing heating system works or can be repaired, there is no obligation to replace it. However, if the heating system is defective and needs to be replaced anyway, transitional solutions will apply. In this case, the switch to a heating system with a share of at least 65% renewable energy is subsidized. This approach is intended to facilitate the switch to more sustainable heating systems and enable faster progress towards climate protection.

Incidentally, people over the age of 80 are generally exempt from the GEG regulations. This means that they do not have to meet the requirements of the GEG. However, as soon as the property changes hands, the new owner is obliged to meet the requirements of the GEG.

What does this mean for prospective buyers?

When viewing a property, prospective buyers should pay particular attention to the heating system. Check or ask whether the heating system meets the requirements of the GEG or whether it will need to be replaced in the foreseeable future. If the latter is the case, you should take this into account in your calculations and planning. Considering the modernization of the heating system in good time can help to avoid later replacement costs and at the same time improve the energy efficiency of the building.

Get professional support

In view of the upcoming changes to the Building Energy Act (GEG), it is advisable to seek advice from an expert. An expert can help you find out which measures are relevant to your specific situation and what steps you need to take to meet the requirements of the GEG. Our experienced real estate experts at Victor Investment are available in and around Berlin to provide you with comprehensive information and advice. Contact us for more information and a personal consultation on the GEG.