In recent years, Spain has seen a noticeable rise in spending on electricity and utilities. This trend is prompting many property owners to consider improving the energy efficiency of their homes and apartments. Such measures not only help reduce monthly bills, but also make properties more attractive to buyers—a factor especially relevant in major cities, where demand for eco-friendly properties continues to grow.
Experts note that well-planned energy upgrades can increase a property’s value by 10–20%. This is particularly true in Madrid and Barcelona, where strong interest in energy-efficient apartments and houses is sustained both among locals and foreign investors.
Insulation is considered one of the most effective ways to save energy. According to specialists, up to 35% of heating or cooling is lost through poorly insulated walls, windows, doors, and roofs. Installing modern insulation materials can reduce energy loss by up to 40%, which translates into savings of €300 to €800 a year, depending on the size of the home. The cost of insulation varies: basic solutions start at around €18 per square meter, while more advanced options can reach up to €45. For a 100 m² apartment, expenses will range from €3,000 to €7,000.
Another important step is replacing old windows with modern models featuring double or triple glazing and thermal breaks. These windows significantly reduce heat loss and improve acoustic comfort. On average, installing a double-glazed window costs around €350, while a triple-glazed window ranges from €400 to €800. Savings on heating and air conditioning can reach €150–300 per year.
Installing modern climate control systems can substantially reduce heating and hot water expenses. Replacing an old gas or electric boiler with a condensing model or a heat pump (aerothermia) can reduce energy consumption by up to 77%. Adding solar panels can bring electricity bills close to zero. The cost of such systems depends on the area and requirements: a comprehensive solution for heating and hot water starts from €7,000 to €21,000, only for heating — from €7,000 to €15,600, and for hot water — from €1,900 to €5,900.
Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular in Spain, especially in regions with plenty of sunshine such as Valencia and Andalucía. Installing a photovoltaic system with a capacity of 4–6 kW for a standard house costs between €4,000 and €8,000, while an additional battery for energy storage will cost another €3,000 to €6,000. Annual electricity savings can amount to €600–1,200, and property values with solar panels increase by 5–10%.
Modern monitoring and automation systems (domotics) enable real-time energy consumption tracking and automatic climate and lighting control. Basic packages cost between €300 and €500, while more advanced solutions range from €2,000 to €6,000. Such systems can deliver additional savings of up to 15% and make homes more comfortable and technologically advanced.
Household appliances should not be overlooked. Replacing old refrigerators, washing machines, and stoves with energy-efficient models can save up to €200 a year. This is especially relevant for apartments rented out long-term or to tourists.
If the budget is limited, experts recommend starting with upgrades that offer the greatest impact for the lowest investment. This includes insulating façades and roofs, replacing windows, and upgrading heating systems. Installing solar panels and smart home systems are longer-term investments, but they significantly increase a property’s market appeal.
For clarity, let’s look at an example: an apartment of 90 m² with a low energy rating and outdated systems is listed at 285,000 euros. After a comprehensive upgrade—including insulation (4,500 euros), window replacement (4,800 euros), installation of a new boiler with a smart thermostat (2,200 euros), solar panels (6,500 euros), and a basic monitoring system (500 euros)—the total costs will come to 18,500 euros. As a result, the property’s energy class will improve from E to B, annual utility savings will reach 1,300 euros, and its market value will increase to 315,000–325,000 euros. This means the return on investment could be 60–70%, not counting potential government subsidies.
Overall, energy efficiency upgrades in Spain are becoming not just a way to save money but also a profitable investment that increases a property’s liquidity and market value.
