The demand for sustainable housing is reshaping the real estate market dynamics in Spain. Driven by an increasing environmental awareness and the need for achieving energy efficiency, this housing type is solidifying as a priority among buyers. Recent estimates forecast a 30% surge in demand for sustainable homes by 2024, with six out of ten buyers considering sustainability a crucial factor.
Luxury real estate company K&N Elite is at the forefront of this shift, witnessing a growing interest among its clients, both domestic and international, in properties that meet high sustainability standards. This interest is particularly strong among younger people and new builders who view sustainable architecture as an essential standard.
Rafael Santana, Director of K&N Elite Madrid, comments on the phenomenon: “Sustainable housing in Spain is a necessary and beneficial evolution for the construction sector. The rise in demand, paired with new technologies and government support through recovery plans, positions Spain to lead in building environmentally respectful and resource-efficient housing.” Moreover, Santana points out that the Government’s Recovery Plan represents a significant boost for the sector, elevating sustainability to a national challenge and opportunity.
However, a significant challenge is faced, as 70% of Spain’s housing stock requires renovations or rehabilitations to meet the sustainability and energy efficiency criteria stipulated for 2030 by the EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive of Buildings.
Among the new trends in sustainable architecture, passive design stands out, optimizing the use of natural energy, and ecological design, which includes features like green roofs and walls for increased energy efficiency. The selection of sustainable materials is crucial, with a focus on certified wood and bamboo panels.
Biophilic design, emphasizing the connection with nature, along with the rehabilitation and reuse of buildings, becomes crucial for preserving historical heritage and minimizing waste. Modular and prefabricated construction emerges as an efficient solution, while technologies such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality are redefining the sector.
Housing models like “build to rent” and the right to use are gaining ground, promoting collaborative and sustainable communities. Projects like La Pinada in Valencia exemplify this innovation.
The effort of the Spanish Government, channeled through its Recovery Plan, is driving improvements in sustainability and energy efficiency, with thousands of projects already underway. This movement not only promises to improve the environment but also to bring economic benefits by reducing energy costs and increasing the resale value of properties, in addition to stimulating the local economy through the use of sustainable materials.
