‘Green’ properties cost more

Houses that classify for a Category A energy certificate are sold for up to 125% more than those in the lowest category - i.e. they have not undergone any upgrade at all over the course of decades - according to a Spitogatos.gr survey.

That research was presented at the this week's Prodexpo real estate conference by Dimitris Melachrinos, the company's managing director, and demonstrates the great boost in value that such an investment can provide.

This discrepancy goes hand-in-hand with the price difference between newly built and old apartments, taking into account that all new buildings usually enter the upper category of the energy certificate thanks to the "bonus" in the building factor from the new construction regulations. Still, it also highlights the significant value an energy upgrade gives to a property.

The rise of energy costs in recent years has...