A significant proportion of residential properties currently offered for sale in Germany lack a stated energy efficiency class. A study by Town & Country Haus, based on an analysis of over 12,000 Immowelt listings, confirms that 49.71 per cent of properties for sale nationwide do not possess an energy performance certificate. This situation poses potential risks for owners, especially with regard to impending legislative adjustments.
The new EU Buildings Directive, which is slated for transposition into national law by 29 May 2026, is currently in the legislative process in Germany. It is expected to establish stricter requirements for the energy assessment of properties. Even today, owners without a valid energy performance certificate face disadvantages in sales processes, when letting properties, or in securing financing.
Regional differences and need for action
The analysis identifies significant regional differences concerning the availability of energy performance certificates across Germany's 30 largest cities. In some metropolitan areas, the proportion of properties without an energy efficiency class is significantly above the national average. Leipzig leads this statistic with 70.93 per cent, followed by Bielefeld (67.11 per cent) and Mannheim (65.71 per cent). Dresden (64.85 per cent) and Wuppertal (63.24 per cent) also show high proportions. In Germany's three largest cities – Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg – more than half of the buildings, specifically 54 per cent, do not have an energy performance certificate.
In contrast, cities such as Bremen (25.74 per cent), Kiel (25.95 per cent), Hanover (31.63 per cent), Münster (33.33 per cent), and Stuttgart (37.92 per cent) show considerably lower rates. These diverging scenarios highlight the differing degrees of action required at the municipal level.
Importance of the energy performance certificate and recommendations for action
Benjamin Dawo, Managing Director at Town & Country Haus, emphasises the central role of the energy performance certificate: "Owners without a valid energy performance certificate not only risk delays in the sales process and legal uncertainties but also significantly weaken their negotiating position." He adds that the energy performance certificate should be regarded as a key mandatory document in property transactions, irrespective of future EU regulations.
In the face of expected stricter EU regulations, the pressure to assess properties will increase. Energy efficiency, CO2 emissions, and renovation requirements will gain greater significance in the valuation and marketing of properties in the medium to long term. Owners are advised to document their property early and check energy indicators, especially for older or unmodernised buildings. An early assessment of the energy status can be carried out through an energy performance certificate or an energy consultation, in order to precisely classify consumption data, modernisation status, and potential weaknesses, and to plan targeted renovation measures. This enables an adequate response to the requirements of buyers, banks, and investors.
