With approximately 9.3 million apartments, homeowners' associations (HOAs) account for about 22 per cent of Germany's building stock, yet their renovation rate is significantly below the national average. One reason for this is that energy-saving renovations in homeowners’ associations often fail due to the complex interplay of legal separation between common and individual property, as well as the high degree of heterogeneity in ownership structures regarding financial capabilities and usage interests. Additionally, energy advisors often lack specific knowledge regarding the facilitation of these decision-making processes as well as tailored financing options.
For this reason, researchers at the Wuppertal Institute develop a practical guide. The main objective of this guide is to empower multipliers (energy advisors, property managers, and planners) to provide individualised information to homeowners’ associations and guide them safely through the financing process. To this end, the Fin.WEG project team considers technical, legal, and financial aspects in an integrated manner: The researchers employ systematic document analyses, cost-benefit analyses and guideline-based interviews with practitioners, such as financing institutions, energy advisors, and property managers, to ensure practical applicability. Drawing on real-world examples, the project team identifies success factors as well as decision-making criteria and compiles best practices.
The practical guide summarises the information concisely and clearly, providing concrete guidance for action. Furthermore, the results are communicated to the target group in an online seminar. The engagement of owner-occupiers and private landlords is crucial for a socially responsible heating transition. By enhancing advisory capabilities and providing clear decision-making frameworks for complex financing issues, participation is encouraged and a foundation is established to facilitate consensus on sustainable investments, even within heterogeneous homeowners’ associations.