Housing energy efficiency in Lombardy is becoming a key market factor

The real estate market in Lombardy, and especially in Milan, is increasingly focused on the energy efficiency of housing. While previously the energy class of a property was perceived primarily as a formal requirement, today it directly impacts property prices, sales speed, and buyer interest.

According to the 13th edition of the Real Estate DATA HUB study, prepared by the RE/MAX Italia analytical center in collaboration with the RYZE and 24MAX research departments, throughout Italy, sales of apartments and houses with high energy efficiency classes (A and B) have grown by more than 25% over the past two years. Moreover, the price of such properties exceeds the price of housing with low energy performance by, on average, approximately 40%, and their sale periods are almost 8% shorter.

Lombardy: Demand for energy-efficient housing is growing

This trend is particularly pronounced in Lombardy. The share of transactions with properties in classes A and B reached 16% of the total market. At the same time, the number of sales of houses and apartments with low energy performance (classes E, F and G) decreased from 66% to 64%. The segment of real estate classes C and D remains stable and occupies approximately 20% of the market, which indicates a gradual shift in demand towards more modern and energy-efficient properties.

Among the types of housing, three-room apartments are the most popular - they account for 48.35% of all transactions. Two-room apartments follow with a 31.72% share, followed by four-room apartments with 14.45%. One-room apartments continue to lose popularity, accounting for only 2.66% of the market. Buyers are increasingly choosing more spacious homes, balancing space, functionality, and energy efficiency requirements.

Milan: Stable Prices and High Demand for Two-room Apartments

In Milan, the market structure is also gradually changing. The share of transactions involving properties in classes C and D increased from 21% to 26%, while the number of sales of housing in classes E, F, and G decreased to 66%—the lowest level in recent years. This suggests that buyers are increasingly looking to find a balance between property price, quality of housing and operating costs.

In the second half of 2025, the average price per square meter remained virtually unchanged and amounted to €4,587 compared to €4,650 in the first half of the year. At the same time, two-room apartments have become significantly more expensive: their average price increased from €4,569 to €5,170 per square meter. This growth is explained by the sustained interest of both buyers purchasing housing for their own use and investors. The average sale period for properties in Milan is 97 days, which confirms the high level of market activity.

City development stimulates demand

Buyers are particularly interested in areas where urban renewal projects are being implemented and transport infrastructure is being developed. This is where new or completely renovated houses with high energy efficiency ratings are most in demand. Buyers are increasingly viewing such properties as long-term investments that can retain their value in the future.

Changing Approaches to Home Selection

Experts note that the ongoing changes reflect not only the introduction of modern technologies, but also changing consumer preferences. According to Dario Castigli, CEO and founder of RE/MAX Italia, energy efficiency is becoming a key criterion for choosing a home. Owners of outdated properties should be aware that without modernization, their properties may gradually lose their appeal and competitiveness in the market.