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The most frequent renovation measures carried out by Germans - These areas are renovated particularly often
Refurbishments have become an integral part of German households. Whether to improve energy efficiency, repair damage or modernise - refurbishment measures play a key role in increasing living comfort and property value. A current Study by the Bonn-based market research institute B+L sheds light on which measures are particularly in vogue and which target groups are increasingly investing in renovation. In the following sections, we will take a closer look at which renovations are currently particularly popular with the Duetschen and the reasons why homeowners and tenants are investing in their properties.
Which refurbishments are the most common?
The most common refurbishment measures relate to classic renovations and energy-related improvements. According to the B+L refurbishment study 2024 folgende fünf Maßnahmen:
- Bathroom renovationBathroom refurbishment is the number one priority, having been carried out in over 40 per cent of households. This measure is often undertaken for aesthetic or functional reasons, be it to renovate sanitary facilities or to create a modern room concept.
- Replacement of floor coveringsDespite a slight decrease compared to previous years, replacing floor coverings remains one of the most common measures. Over 30 per cent of those surveyed stated that they had replaced their flooring in one or more rooms. Materials such as laminate, vinyl and designer flooring, which are characterised by easy installation and low maintenance, are particularly popular.
- Replacement of windows and doorsReplacing windows and exterior doors is the third most frequently carried out measure. Around 20 per cent of renovators opted for this measure, as it is often carried out both for aesthetic reasons and to improve energy efficiency. New windows and doors make a significant contribution to reducing heat loss and lowering energy costs.
- Installation of photovoltaic systemsThe installation of photovoltaic systems has increased significantly in recent years. With an increase of almost 6 per cent, this measure is one of the fastest growing in the renovation sector. Many homeowners see this as an opportunity to reduce their energy costs and at the same time make a contribution to sustainable energy generation.
- Replacement of heating systemsReplacing heating systems remains a frequently carried out measure, particularly in the context of energy modernisation. Even though the number of heating system replacements has fallen slightly compared to previous years, many homeowners are still opting for this measure in order to benefit from more efficient and environmentally friendly heating systems.
Who renovates and why?
The target groups for renovations have changed considerably in recent years. In the past, it was often younger families who renovated after buying a property. Today, older homeowners dominate the renovation activities. The baby boomer generation in particular is increasingly carrying out energy-efficient renovations and modernisations. Many of these homeowners have lived in their properties for several decades and are now carrying out fundamental renovation work.
There are many reasons for refurbishments. In addition to improving energy efficiency and reducing operating costs, general wear and tear and technical defects also play a key role. Almost half of those surveyed cited defects as the main reason for refurbishment. However, the desire for modernisation and a higher quality of living also remains a driving factor.
Budgets and trends
Budgets for refurbishments have risen continuously in recent years. This is mainly due to increased material and labour costs. Measures such as the insulation of façades or the installation of photovoltaic systems are particularly cost-intensive, but allow savings to be made in the long term.
One of the most interesting findings of the study is that, despite the increased costs, many homeowners are willing to invest in energy-efficient refurbishments. This is not only due to the potential savings, but also to the various subsidy programmes that make it easier to implement such measures.
However, not all refurbishment measures recorded a high frequency of implementation in 2023. Visual and cosmetic measures in particular, such as replacing floor coverings, recorded a decline of around eight per cent. This is due to the fact that many homeowners prioritise in uncertain times and focus on measures that offer immediate financial benefits or long-term savings, such as energy-efficient refurbishment.
Conclusion: Replacing floor coverings is often a personal endeavour
The B+L refurbishment study 2024 shows that energy-related and time-critical renovations due to defects and wear and tear are the most common measures in German households. The replacement of heating systems, the installation of photovoltaic systems and the improvement of insulation are in the foreground. These measures not only offer immediate financial benefits through savings in energy and operating costs, but also contribute to increasing the value of properties. Cosmetic refurbishments, such as replacing floor coverings or minor renovations, often take a back seat, but can still make sense as part of larger measures.
Interestingly, the replacement of floor coverings is more frequently carried out by homeowners themselves than other renovation measures. In over 50 per cent of cases, homeowners and tenants lay the new flooring themselves, especially for easy-to-lay materials such as laminate or floating parquet. In the case of complex materials such as bonded parquet or tiles in the bathroom, however, the proportion of professionals predominates.
Carry out cosmetic renovations yourself at low cost with CERAMIN®
If you are looking for a floor covering that is both easy to install and durable, sustainable and easy to maintain, CERAMIN® an ideal solution. Thanks to the innovative Megaloc click system, installation requires no special knowledge and saves a lot of money if you do it yourself. Particularly advantageous: CERAMIN® can be laid directly on existing tile mirrors or other substrates without having to remove the old coverings.
Whether in the bathroom, on underfloor heating or in the living room - with CERAMIN® anyone can lay a new floor in a short time and without professional help and benefit from the modern designs and high durability.
