Real estate outlook 2025: The most important changes for tenants, landlords and owners

Renting and renting

More support for low-income households
The reform of housing benefit is set to benefit more households in 2025. Higher income limits and a simpler application process are aimed primarily at single parents and other financially burdened groups.

Discussion about the rent freeze
The rent freeze, which originally applies until 2028, remains controversial. While it allows tenants to challenge rent demands that are too high, critics do not see it as a solution to the housing shortage. It remains to be seen whether the government will extend the regulation.

Non-profit housing for affordable housing
The reintroduction of non-profit housing is intended to promote social housing construction. Non-profit housing companies receive tax benefits and can pass these on in the form of lower rents. The first pilot projects are being implemented in cities.

Energy and climate protection

Changes to the feed-in tariff
The feed-in tariff for surplus solar power is on the brink of collapse. One-off subsidies could be introduced instead. Critics fear that this change will inhibit the expansion of renewable energies. However, those who rely on self-consumption can continue to save costs.

New regulations on pipe insulation
The Building Energy Act (GEG) requires insufficiently insulated heating and water pipes to be retrofitted from 2025. The aim is to avoid energy losses and reduce operating costs. Violations of these requirements can be punished with fines.

Taxes and levies

Property tax reform comes into force
From 2025, property tax will be calculated according to a new model that takes property value, building type and location into account. While higher levies are often expected in urban areas, rural regions could benefit. Landlords may continue to pass on the costs to tenants.

Increasing CO₂ tax
The increase in the CO₂ tax makes fossil fuels more expensive. On average, households will have to expect additional heating costs of around 300 euros. Depending on the degree of modernization of the property, the costs are split between landlords and tenants.

New construction and building regulations

Efficiency House 40 becomes standard
From 2025, new buildings must meet the Efficiency House 40 standard. The higher construction costs will be partially offset by state subsidies. In the long term, building owners will benefit from lower operating costs. Experts advise planning in energy-efficient technologies at an early stage.

Building type E for more affordable housing
The new building type E is intended to reduce construction costs through less stringent requirements while maintaining essential standards such as fire protection. This measure aims to accelerate residential construction and create affordable housing.

Conclusion

The year 2025 will bring many changes and challenges for the real estate industry. Early information and planning are crucial in order to take advantage of the opportunities presented by these developments and comply with legal requirements.

Do you have any questions about the upcoming regulations or would you like support? We are at your side with expertise and advice!

Sources:

https://www.immowelt.de/ratgeber/mieten/wohngeld
https://www.immowelt.de/ratgeber/mieten/mietpreisbremse
https://www.immowelt.de/ratgeber/wohnen/wohngemeinnuetzigkeit
https://www.immowelt.de/ratgeber/news/darum-steht-die-solar-verguetung-jetzt-auf-dem-spiel
https://www.immowelt.de/ratgeber/wohnen/heizungsgesetz
https://www.immowelt.de/ratgeber/wohnen/grundsteuer-berechnung
https://www.immowelt.de/ratgeber/vermieten/co2-steuer
https://www.immowelt.de/ratgeber/wohnen/energieeffizienzklasse-haus
https://www.immowelt.de/ratgeber/news/gebaeudetyp-e-turbo-fuer-den-wohnungsbau-oder-ein-weiteres-buerokratiemonster