The prices for electricity and gas are rising. Lucky are those who can now call an energy-efficient property their own. Energy efficiency leads to an increase in the value of houses and apartments.
Location and amenities are increasingly becoming the most important valuation criteria for properties in Mallorca. In the meantime, it is other values that count. And they show their financial advantages every month when you pay your bills. We are talking about energy efficiency.
Tenants focus on sustainability
This is not only an interesting feature for property owners and investors. More and more tenants now also prefer energy-efficient properties. This is because low bills and the awareness of contributing to environmental and climate protection are a significant incentive. The portal Inviertis, which specializes in investments in rental apartments, concludes that energy-efficient properties are easier to rent out in the medium term.
Lower taxes are an important reason for tenants to look for energy-efficient properties. But that's not all. Energy-efficient properties are usually newer or newly renovated and therefore better insulated, which significantly increases living comfort, especially on an island like Mallorca. Here, winters can be cold and summers can be hot. Energy-efficient houses and apartments make your stay a real pleasure.
Environmental awareness is attractive and sensible
In addition, there is a growing need for sustainability. Energy-efficient properties are designed for the intelligent use of natural resources. This leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduced water consumption, which plays a major role on the island, especially in summer.
Competitive advantage of energy efficiency
Being able to offer an energy-efficient property has become a real competitive advantage for owners - both in terms of selling and renting. Appropriate properties increase quality, become more attractive to prospective tenants and provide an additional decision-making factor. Quite a few tenants are also prepared to pay a slightly higher rent if the property meets the relevant requirements. This now also applies to investors who view energy-efficient properties as an interesting capital investment.
Recognize and eliminate weaknesses
The energy efficiency of a house can be improved by first identifying the "leaks". These are the places through which heat escapes. Studies have shown that a third of the energy is lost through the roof and another third through the walls. The floor and windows each account for around ten percent. Finally, there are the so-called heat bridges. These are, for example, shutter boxes, but also pillars that interrupt existing insulation.
Think about insulation
Walls and thermal bridges can be insulated most effectively with insulation, for example with composite systems or ETICS (in Spanish SATE), which surround the house like a buffer. According to experts, this can save around 30 percent of the usual costs, and even up to 90 percent in passive houses.
Take advantage of government funding
Proper advice should be a prerequisite for property owners. The Spanish government offers various subsidies for energy-efficient refurbishment. Tips are available, for example, from the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE) online at www.idae.es.
Marc Fischer
