Homeowners in Germany, Switzerland Face Complex Energy‑Renovation Rules

Rising energy costs and stricter climate regulations are prompting homeowners in Germany and Switzerland to undertake energy‑efficient renovations. Experts highlight that without independent planning and building supervision, owners risk overspending, missing savings targets, or violating funding requirements, as warned by Erik Stange of the Bauherren‑Schutzbund in Switzerland.

In Germany, the new Building Modernisation Act (Gebäudemodernisierungsgesetz) is expected to shrink the rental market, with housing associations forecasting a loss of up to three million apartments because many properties cannot meet the mandated shift to heat pumps or renewable‑energy‑based heating. At the same time, private owners struggle to navigate the Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG) programme, where complex eligibility rules, strict technical standards and multiple granting bodies (BAFA, KfW) cause many applications to be rejected. Professionals argue that expert guidance is essential to secure subsidies and avoid costly errors.