More specifically, with this decision the European Parliament imposes the abolition of boilers by 2040 in the majority of buildings as part of the green agreement which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.

However, as stated by the President of the Panhellenic Federation of Real Estate Owners (POMIDA) Stratos Paradias, this decision "constitutes a sharp turn, which will create significant problems for property owners as well as transactions in Real Estate"

First he points out the impact this change will have on the buying and selling and renting of real estate as it will result in a significant increase in costs. In the event of a sale, one of the contracting parties will have to bear the cost of the upgrade, while in the case of renting, the cost will be borne by the owner.

He estimates that it will not be an easy process and leaves cutting edges regarding the development of renewable energy sources, citing it as an example of the green energy frenzy, stressing that despite its commitments to the EU, our country was finally forced to reopen the lignite plants for production energy.

What applies to subsidies – Changes to boilers

According to the new decision of the European Parliament, subsidies for stand-alone fossil fuel boilers will be banned from 2025. However, financial incentives should continue to be given for hybrid heating systems with a significant share of renewable energy, such as those combining a boiler with a solar thermal installation or with a heat pump.

Member states must adopt measures to decarbonise heating systems and phase out fossil fuels in heating and cooling, with fossil fuel boilers completely phased out by 2040.

In terms of exemptions from the above changes, rural and heritage buildings are excluded, while EU states will also be able to decide to exempt buildings protected for their special architectural or historical value, buildings in temporary use, as well as churches and venues worship.

What changes from 2030

From 2030 all new buildings must record zero greenhouse gas emissions, while the corresponding deadline for new buildings housing or owned by public authorities is set for 2028.

Member States will be able to take into account how much a building contributes to global warming throughout its lifetime, taking into account all the construction products used in its construction, from production to disposal.

  For homes, Member States must introduce measures to reduce average primary energy consumption by at least 16% by 2030 and by at least 20-22% by 2035.

Under the new directive, EU countries will have to establish minimum energy performance requirements and ensure that 16% of non-residential buildings with the worst energy performance are renovated by 2030 and 26% by 2033.

By 2030 all new homes should be equipped with solar energy collection technologies. The same will apply to public and non-residential buildings, but only if this is technically and economically feasible, depending on the size of each building.