With the ban on G-rated housing from January 1st and the acceleration of energy renovation laws, the real estate sector is facing major challenges. 68,4% of players in the sector are seeing an increase in interest in properties to renovate. The appeal of old real estate therefore continues to grow, but professionals must adapt to effectively support individuals in these transitions and meet growing expectations in terms of renovation.
Energy performance, a decisive criterion
Energy performance is now a determining factor in purchasing decisions. 84,2% of professionals consider that energy performance is "important" or "extremely important" in the purchasing decision. This trend is confirmed by the results of the latest transactions, 63,3% of respondents declare that energy performance criteria have been taken into account in at least 50% of their sales. The ecological awareness, associated with increasing energy costs, pushes buyers to look for housing offering better energy efficiency. In this sense, green value is emerging as an emerging motivation for purchase for 73,6% of professionals.
This trend highlights the growing importance of environmental considerations in real estate purchasing decisions. Thus, 55,5% believe that energy renovation work has an impact on the attractiveness of a property, compared to 16,7% of respondents mentioning architectural renovation. Buyers' expectations are evolving from an aesthetic criterion to an energy criterion.
However, despite the growing interest in renovation, 68,4% of professionals consider that properties requiring renovation are more difficult to sell. Also, in order to facilitate the purchase, 78,9% of professionals consider the proposal of quantified renovation to be effective in convincing buyers. By integrating these services, professionals can improve the perception of properties to be renovated while increasing their attractiveness and market value.
New regulations seen as a barrier to sales
These measures already influence the practices of 94,8% of professionals, to varying degrees. 57,9% of professionals perceive the new regulations (progressive ban on thermal strainers, mandatory energy audit) as an obstacle. While 42,1% consider them beneficial for the environment, investment and comfort. But 47,4% of professionals believe that buyers are rather poorly informed about the financial aid available to them.
In 44,5% of cases, financial aid is included in the financing of renovations, in at least 30% of transactions. However, when it is mobilized, aid is not always applied optimally: sometimes too long delays and the higher cost of RGE (Recognized Environmental Guarantor) certified craftsmen can be obstacles for buyers and professionals.
This study therefore highlights the evolution of the real estate market towards greater consideration of energy renovation. Professionals in the sector are adapting to this new reality, with 84,2% of them expressing the need for specific training to better support buyers on these issues. The most requested training concerns financial aid (31,6%), technical aspects of work and renovations (26,3%), and renovation costs (21,0%).
For over a year, Little Worker has been sharing its expertise in property hunting and property refurbishment with various market players (real estate agents, rental managers, architects, mortgage brokers, bank advisors, etc.), enabling them to meet the new expectations of buyers. They can thus offer complete renovation options and support their clients from the search for a property to the energy and architectural renovation.
For Nicolas Bletterer, co-founder of Little Worker: “The real estate market is undergoing a major transformation, driven by new regulations and the changing expectations of buyers. For professionals, investing in real estate refurbishment and strengthening their renovation skills appears to be an essential strategy for remaining competitive while meeting environmental challenges. By adopting a proactive approach, professionals can not only remain competitive, but also play a leading role in the energy transition.”
Methodology: study carried out among 1000 real estate professionals in November 2024.
Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.