Interview With Dr. Elisabeth Bräuer On The Topic Of Sustainability And Energy Efficiency In The Vienna Real Estate Market

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• Property Valuation
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• Selling Guide – Property Sale

Question 1: How important is sustainability in the Vienna real estate market at present? Answer: Sustainability and energy efficiency are becoming increasingly important. The focus is on low operating costs, ecological construction methods and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. Buildings that meet ESG criteria are considered future-proof and often achieve higher prices or rents.

Question 2: What does the supply of energy-efficient apartments look like? Answer: Around 10% of owner-occupied apartments on offer in Vienna fall into energy efficiency classes A++, A+ or A. However, the majority of supply is in classes B (54%) and C (20%). There has been a slight increase in the top energy classes, reflecting the growing focus on sustainable construction.

Question 3: What is the situation regarding demand for energy-efficient properties? Answer: Although supply is growing, demand shows a degree of reluctance. Only 4% of apartment seekers are actively interested in properties in the highest energy efficiency classes. One third prefer class B apartments, while around 35% tend to opt for class C properties.

Question 4: Are there large price differences between the energy efficiency classes? Answer: Yes, the price differences are significant. Class A apartments cost an average of 7,239 euros per square metre, while class B apartments are at 6,081 euros – a discount of 19%. Class C apartments are even more affordable at 4,538 euros per square metre.

Question 5: What is driving the trend towards greater sustainability in the real estate market? Answer: In addition to legal requirements, ecological and economic factors also play a role. Sustainable properties benefit from lower operating costs and greater long-term value retention. Furthermore, innovative technologies such as smart building systems and improved insulation contribute to reducing energy consumption.

Question 6: What role do ESG criteria play in this context? Answer: ESG criteria (Environmental, Social, Governance) are a key driver for the development of sustainable properties. They increase the attractiveness of a property for investors and residents. Studies show that ESG-certified buildings tend to be able to achieve higher rents and purchase prices.

Question 7: How will the market develop over the next few years? Answer: Experts predict that sustainability and energy efficiency will become increasingly important in the coming years. Projects focusing on energy-efficient construction and sustainable urban development, such as the Seestadt Aspern, will be implemented on a larger scale. ESG-compliant properties are likely to become the preferred choice on the market in the long term.

Question 8: What challenges still exist in implementing sustainable construction projects? Answer: One of the greatest challenges is reducing the costs of energy-efficient construction methods in order to make them more widely accessible. At the same time, older existing buildings need to be retrofitted, which is complex and expensive.

Contact: Dr. Elisabeth Bräuer