Germany updates building and energy regulations

Recent legislative changes in Germany are reshaping building and energy regulations. In Bavaria, modernization laws aim to reduce bureaucracy in construction law by easing procedures for attic conversions and changes in use. However, new notification requirements for certain projects may impact municipal planning sovereignty.

Regarding renewable energy, new regulations as of October 2024 have strengthened the rights of tenants and owners to install balcony solar systems (plug-in solar devices). These are now considered privileged measures, meaning landlords cannot issue blanket refusals, though prior consent is still required. Additionally, under the Solar Package 1, older electricity meters are permitted to run backward when surplus solar energy is produced, provided the system is registered with the Federal Network Agency.

The Building Modernization Act (formerly the Building Energy Act) has also introduced shifts. While certain heating mandates and bans on older boilers have been removed, insulation requirements for ceilings and heating pipes in unheated rooms remain in effect. In Nuremberg, real estate transactions have seen an increase in volume, with significant turnover in single-family homes despite slight price decreases.