Immowelt: 2026 to Bring New Real Estate Rules and Rising Costs
Immowelt anticipates a pivotal year for the real estate market in 2026, marked by new regulations and expiring transition periods that will increase costs and uncertainty for property owners.
New regulations concerning meters and building heating, alongside the expiration of transition periods, will significantly shape the real estate market in 2026, according to the property portal Immowelt. CEO Dr. Robert Wagner emphasizes that owners and buyers must prepare for escalating costs.
The CO2 tax on heating is set to increase, moving into a price corridor of 55 to 65 euros per ton in 2026. This will make heating with fossil fuels more expensive, with an approximate increase of 20.6 cents per liter for heating oil and 1.4 cents per kilowatt-hour for natural gas.
Costs associated with construction and renovation are also expected to remain high. While industrial electricity prices may decrease, the impact on construction expenses could be limited. Furthermore, the feed-in tariff for new solar energy systems will be reduced in 2026, affecting the profitability of such installations.
Immowelt calls for greater clarity and predictability in the real estate market for 2026. Dr. Wagner highlights the need to reduce bureaucracy in construction and expedite the implementation of heating planning. The aim is to establish more stable frameworks that encourage investment and promote the availability of affordable housing.