Surprising Insights: Which Properties Are Currently Increasing in Value

The appeal of a cozy fireplace remains strong, even as new regulations regarding wood-burning stoves loom on the horizon. Recent analyses reveal that properties equipped with modern fireplaces are experiencing a notable increase in market value.

According to a recent evaluation by real estate portal Immoscout24, homes featuring a fireplace command an average premium of 16 percent compared to similar properties lacking such amenities. The findings indicate that houses with a fireplace have a square meter price of EUR2,980, in contrast to EUR2,576 for those without.

Experts in property valuation assert that an energy-efficient fireplace, particularly one that utilizes sustainable fuels and integrates seamlessly into the overall heating system of the home, tends to enhance the property's market value. This trend is reflected in the growing number of homeowners opting to install fireplaces; the proportion of homes listed with fireplaces has more than doubled over the past decade. In 2014, only nine percent of homes featured a fireplace, while in the first half of 2024, that figure rose to 22 percent.

Regions with the highest concentrations of homes boasting fireplaces include:

• Starnberg (District), Bavaria: 42 percent of homes
• Harburg (District), Lower Saxony: 41 percent of homes
• Osterholz (District), Lower Saxony: 38 percent of homes
• Herzogtum Lauenburg (District), Schleswig-Holstein: 38 percent of homes
• Stormarn (District), Schleswig-Holstein: 37 percent of homes

Interestingly, the trend is not limited to rural areas; urban centers are also witnessing an increase in properties with fireplaces. Among major cities, Hamburg leads with 30 percent of available condominiums featuring a fireplace, followed closely by Munich at 28 percent and Berlin at 23 percent.

Even with the impending regulations set to take effect in 2025, which will enforce stricter emissions limits that may phase out older models of fireplaces, the demand for modern wood-burning stoves continues to rise. Analysts note that particularly in regions experiencing high energy costs or harsh winters, a fireplace can significantly add to a property's value.

While older models may face challenges due to stricter standards and changing consumer preferences, the overall market trend indicates a robust interest in properties with contemporary heating solutions. The data underscores a shift in buyer preferences, with an increasing number of homeowners recognizing the aesthetic and practical benefits that fireplaces offer.