Leinfelden-Echterdingen – November 03, 2026 -- Only 2.2% of surveyed real estate professionals in Germany report higher demand for renovation-needy properties after the political retreat from the previous heating law, according to a Remax Germany market survey of about 800 experts.

The opposite trend dominates. 31.1% of respondents say demand for older buildings needing refurbishment has fallen slightly since the latest amendment to the Building Energy Act (GEG). Another 26.7% report a significant decline, and 15.6% a sharp one. Together, those three groups make up 73.4% of respondents. A further 24.4% see no effect from the amendment.

Financing costs and economy outweigh looser energy rules

Industry observers had expected buyers to warm to poorer energy classes once statutory requirements eased. The survey does not support that thesis. High financing costs and the general economic situation have a considerable influence on demand, according to the findings.

Loredana Scirè, spokesperson for Remax Germany, said the amendment changed buyers' risk perception more than demand. She noted that a house with an oil or gas heating system and a poor energy standard can in theory interest more buyers again, but only if the price fully reflects future renovation needs.

Land values cut demand for 68.9% of experts' single-family listings

Land values add pressure, particularly for single-family homes on larger plots, which often reach the market unrenovated. 68.9% of respondents say demand for these properties has declined because of land reference values (Bodenrichtwerte).

Survey ran 15 July to 15 September 2026

The digital survey covered brokers from the Remax Germany network across all federal states. Remax has run the market barometer since 2021.