New Energy Standards Are Transforming the Real Estate Market
Actualités, Guide Immobilier - 22 October 2025
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Energy Transition: Renovate or Sell – A Strategic Choice for Property Owners
In the coming years, a large portion of buildings will need to be renovated to meet much stricter energy standards (limits on heat indices, CECB…). These requirements represent a major challenge: in Geneva as well as in the canton of Vaud, thousands of buildings are affected, and renovation costs can amount to millions of francs per property.
In practice, most of the real estate stock will require major works: insulation, switching heating systems (defossilization), window replacement, or even complete overhauls of building envelopes. For many owners, these investments far exceed their financial capacity.
Two scenarios emerge:
- Undertake renovations promptly to preserve the value and attractiveness of the property.
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Consider selling if upgrades are not feasible. This phenomenon, known as the “brown discount,” can lead to a loss of value of several hundred thousand francs for energy-inefficient properties.
Buyers now factor renovation costs into their negotiations: an energy-inefficient building sells for less and at a lower price, whereas a renovated property retains its value or even becomes more attractive thanks to High Energy Performance certifications.
Anticipation is key. The first step is to conduct an energy audit to understand the property’s actual condition. Next, it is important to establish a tailored renovation plan, taking into account available financial support, subsidies, and tax reliefs. The carbon impact of the proposed energy optimization should also be considered.
Failing to anticipate exposes owners to significant value loss and forced sales under unfavorable conditions. Conversely, renovating secures your assets, improves rental profitability, and keeps your property competitive on the market.
In summary: the energy transition is becoming mandatory. Every owner should start considering their strategy today: invest in renovation or sell before the property loses too much value.
Our Sustainability and Expertise & Transactions teams are at your disposal to:
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Transform energy renovations into a true value-enhancement lever for your properties.
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Anticipate and plan your works to secure your assets and maximize profitability.
CONTACT US
+41 22 319 85 90
ci-investissements@comptoir-immo.ch
To learn more, discover our concrete financial scenario integrating energy renovation and attic development.
