Renovating with vision
24. November 2025
Expert talk. Increased environmental awareness is having a major impact on the housing sector – renewable energy concepts are on everyone’s lips. But which renovations really make sense and which subsidies are available? We talk to housing expert Jasmin Überbacher and solicitor Stefanie Werinos.
What subsidies are currently available for private housing construction?
Stefanie Werinos: The federal government, state and local authorities support thermal energy renovations, climate-friendly heating systems, boiler replacement and renewable energy generation systems such as photovoltaics or biomass. It is important that cost estimates are available and that the project is submitted on time and before the work is carried out.
What are the advantages of building renovation apart from increased energy efficiency?
Jasmin Überbacher: Renovations also increase property value. Since an energy performance certificate is mandatory, buyers and tenants are increasingly paying attention to operating costs. When replacing fossil fuel heating systems, the condition of the system and the building envelope should always be taken into account, as simply changing the fuel without insulation measures will hardly result in any efficiency gains.
When is the consent of other owners required for renovations in condominiums?
Stefanie Werinos: That depends on the scope of the measure. For larger projects such as new heating systems, façade insulation or PV systems, a two-thirds majority representing one-third of the shares is sufficient. For many smaller residential measures, the presumption of consent applies: unless there is an objection, the measure is considered approved. This makes it easier to install electric charging stations, security doors or shading, for example.
In your opinion, does it always make sense to replace a fossil fuel heating system?
Jasmin Überbacher: Definitely if it is no longer state of the art and high repair costs are to be expected. The heating system should therefore be serviced at least once a year to identify this in good time. It makes little sense to replace a functioning oil heating system with a biomass heating system or heat pump if other measures, such as the building envelope, are ignored. In that case, energy consumption will remain the same, only the fuel will be more environmentally friendly.
How are PV systems regulated in the private sector under building law?
Stefanie Werinos: Styrian building regulations do not distinguish between private and commercial installers. Small systems up to 100 kWp, 600 m² collector area and 3.5 m height do not require a permit, but must be reported. Larger systems require a building permit and must comply with nature conservation, tax, trade and fire protection laws. New buildings with a gross floor area of more than 100 m² are required to install PV or solar thermal systems.
Over what period of time should renovations be financially viable in order for them to be worthwhile in your opinion?
Jasmin Überbacher: Amortisation calculations compare investment and energy costs, and the time periods vary greatly: Attic insulation pays for itself immediately, window replacement after around 20 years, and the replacement of a heating system or PV system after around seven to ten years. However, a pure amortisation calculation can be misleading, as the oversized PV systems of many households have shown – if grid fees increase, for example, the balance sheet quickly deteriorates. Furthermore, the increase in property value, which becomes apparent at the latest when the property is sold or rented out, is not taken into account. Nor can the gain in comfort and living convenience, which play a decisive role for many people, be quantified.
First published in: Moments Magazine Steiermark 24.11.2025
Editor: Nadja Tanzer