Poor Energy Class (F/G/H)

What does it mean?

The listing's energy class is low, so heating costs are high now. The GEG does not force you to replace a working heating system — but any newly installed heating, or a replacement after an irreparable breakdown, must run on at least 65% renewable energy (§ 71 GEG), and fossil-fuel heating may not be operated after 2045 (§ 72 GEG). Older buildings can also carry retrofit duties (Nachrüstpflichten — e.g. top-floor and pipe insulation; constant-temperature boilers over 30 years old must be decommissioned). In a condo your share follows your Miteigentumsanteil; in a house you bear it in full.

Is this a problem when buying?

Something to clarify before buying. Not an automatic deal-breaker, but worth checking.

What you should do as a buyer

Ask for the full Energieausweis and the heating system's age and type — condensing and low-temperature boilers are exempt from the § 72 decommissioning rule, an over-30-year constant-temperature boiler is not. Budget for an eventual 65%-renewable heating swap and factor it into your offer.

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