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Green Homes Directive: National Plans Approved. What Changes for Homeowners and Buyers?

The European Commission has published the guidelines for national building renovation plans. Discover what they entail and how to prepare for the new green standards

author: Internal Editorial Team
18-06-2025
2 mins to read

The Future of European Construction Is Becoming Increasingly Green

On Wednesday, June 12, 2025, the European Commission published the guidelines for drafting national building renovation plans. This represents a crucial operational step in implementing the Green Homes Directive (EPBD – Energy Performance of Buildings Directive), which was officially approved last March.

European governments must now prepare detailed plans to bring the building stock to near-zero emissions by mid-century.

Key Objectives: Minimum Energy Performance and a Fossil Fuel Phase-Out

The Commission’s guidelines mandate the following:

Achieving at least energy class E for residential buildings by 2030 and class D by 2033;
Phasing out the use of fossil fuels in buildings by 2040;
Introducing Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) applicable to various property categories.

Concrete Impacts for Property Owners and Buyers

Property owners will need to:

Assess the current energy performance of their properties;
Undertake upgrades such as thermal insulation, heat pumps, and high-efficiency windows and doors;
Check eligibility for incentives such as green mortgages or local PNRR funding.

Even those looking to purchase a property at auction may soon need to estimate the costs of renovation to comply with the new standards.

What the National Plans Will Include

Each EU Member State must present:

Timelines with measurable intermediate milestones;
Structured financing tools;
Strategies to protect vulnerable households (to prevent so-called “energy poverty”).

An Ongoing Energy Transition for the Building Sector

The energy transition of Europe’s building stock is no longer a future prospect—it is already underway. The publication of the EU guidelines sets out an increasingly clear and actionable regulatory framework that affects everyone: from private citizens to industry professionals.

Complying with the new standards means protecting the value of your property, lowering consumption, improving living conditions, and accessing financial benefits.

In the coming months, national plans will provide more details—but preparing in advance will be a competitive advantage, especially for those investing in real estate today with the goal of enhancing its value tomorrow.

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