Hopes of permanently falling energy prices have been dashed for the time being. It is already clear that many households will have to expect significantly higher heating costs for the 2024 billing year – even though last winter was comparatively mild. Households that heat with district heating or gas are particularly affected.
District heating: Price driver despite stable consumption volumes
District heating has seen a particularly significant increase. For an average apartment with 70 square meters, the annual costs will rise from around EUR 860 to around EUR 1,100 – an increase of over 27%. This is mainly due to the end of the state energy price brakes at the end of 2023 and the return to regular VAT on energy products in March 2024. In addition, there are often delayed price adjustments to district heating supply contracts, which will now have a noticeable impact in 2025.
Gas will also become more expensive – more moderately, but noticeably
Heating costs will also rise for gas customers – albeit less drastically. Anyone who paid around €1,000 for gas in 2023 can now expect to pay around €1,070 – an increase of around 7 percent. Price decreases from recent years are therefore increasingly being offset, which has a direct impact on the operating cost bill.
Oil heating as an exception
The only ray of hope: Users of oil heating benefit from lower oil prices. Savings of up to 10 percent are possible here – however, this trend is unlikely to last in view of rising CO₂ prices and political requirements for decarbonization.
Focus on administrations: more complaints, more information
For property management companies and owners’ associations, the current development means one thing above all: an increasing need for communication. Additional payments and higher advance payments understandably lead to uncertainty or resentment among tenants. This makes it all the more important to provide information at an early stage, provide comprehensible invoices and use transparent consumption data. Studies show: Over half of tenants would change their heating behavior if they were regularly informed about their energy consumption.
Saving remains possible – with technology and behavior
Despite rising energy prices, the savings potential remains high. According to Heizspiegel 2024, targeted measures such as insulation, efficient heating systems and adapted usage behavior can save up to 1,100 euros per year – depending on the condition of the building and the initial situation. However, many renovation projects remain challenging – whether for financial, structural or organizational reasons. This calls for a strategic approach and sound advice.
Conclusion: Be well prepared for rising heating costs
Heating costs are rising – especially for district heating and gas. While external price factors are difficult to influence, it is up to owners and managers to make smart decisions to counteract this: through technical modernization, targeted consumption control and clear communication with users.
Recommendation: FOCUS Immobilien GmbH
FOCUS Immobilien GmbH is your reliable partner when it comes to the sustainable development and economic optimization of real estate. In times of rising heating costs and growing demands for energy efficiency, FOCUS supports owners, investors and property managers with sound advice and tailor-made concepts.
Whether it’s an energy analysis of existing properties, the development of modernization strategies or interface communication between managers, tenants and service providers – FOCUS has the necessary expertise, market knowledge and implementation strength to make properties future-proof. With a clear eye for efficiency potential and a deep understanding of the regulatory framework, FOCUS supports real estate projects far beyond mere brokerage.
If you want to be successful in the long term in an increasingly demanding market, you need advice based on partnership, transparent communication and professional excellence – this is exactly what FOCUS Immobilien GmbH stands for.