Seal of Quality

Quality seals in the real estate sector are certificates or awards that confirm that a building, a construction product, or a service meets specific defined requirements for quality, energy efficiency, sustainability, or safety. They are awarded by independent bodies and are intended to provide buyers, tenants, and investors with a quick overview of a property’s quality standards. Well-known quality seals in the German real estate market include the DGNB certificate, the KfW energy efficiency seal, and the QNG (Quality Seal for Sustainable Buildings).

Important Quality Seals in the German Real Estate Market

The QNG - Quality Seal for Sustainable Buildings was introduced in 2022 by the Federal Ministry of Construction and is a prerequisite for receiving certain KfW subsidy programs (BEG Residential Buildings Premium). It evaluates ecological, sociocultural, and functional quality as well as technical and process quality. The DGNB certificate from the German Sustainable Building Council evaluates buildings holistically based on ecological, economic, and sociocultural criteria and is awarded in the levels Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The KfW Energy Efficiency Seal certifies that a building meets the Energy-Efficient House requirements (e.g., KfW 55, KfW 40) regarding primary energy demand and heat loss through transmission.

Significance for Financing and Subsidies

Quality seals are not merely marketing tools; they have direct financial implications. To qualify for KfW subsidy programs (Federal Subsidy for Efficient Buildings, BEG), proof of a recognized efficiency standard-and, for certain program levels, a QNG-certified planner-is mandatory. The presence of a quality seal can also positively influence banks’ loan-to-value assessments and serve as a basis for higher rental income, as sustainably certified buildings are increasingly in demand among tenants and buyers.

Quality Seals for Real Estate Agents and Property Managers

In addition to building seals, there are also quality seals for real estate service providers. The IVD (German Real Estate Association) issues membership cards that certify compliance with a code of ethics and continuing education requirements. DEKRA and TÜV certify property management firms according to quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001). Such service provider seals serve as an indication of professional standards for owners but do not replace a personal review of references.

Quality Seals and the Rental Market

In addition to the sales market, quality seals are also gaining importance in the rental market. Commercial tenants-particularly corporations and international companies-are increasingly requiring sustainability certifications such as DGNB or BREEAM as a prerequisite when leasing office space. This reflects the companies’ internal ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) guidelines, which mandate sustainable building use. For owners of office properties, certification can therefore directly contribute to the property’s marketability and the ability to command higher rents. In the residential sector, the effect has been weaker so far but is growing as tenants’ environmental awareness increases.

Practical Tip for Owners in Nuremberg and Franconia

Anyone planning to build or renovate an energy-efficient building in Nuremberg should clarify early on which quality seals are required for the planned subsidy programs. An energy efficiency expert from the dena expert list will guide the project and ensure that all requirements for the desired certification are met. In the Nuremberg metropolitan region, there are numerous certified energy consultants with experience in the QNG certification process and the KfW BEG programs.

We help you find the right experts and assess the potential of certification for your specific sales or marketing situation. Not every property needs a quality seal-we help you determine when the effort of certification is justified by higher sales prices, better financing terms, or faster marketing results.

International Seals: BREEAM and LEED

In addition to German certification systems, international certifications are also playing a growing role in the commercial real estate sector. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is the oldest and most widely used sustainability certification in Europe, developed in the United Kingdom. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used system globally, originally from the U.S. Both systems are used by multinational companies as a prerequisite when searching for office space and are therefore becoming increasingly relevant for owners of commercial real estate in major German cities. For German residential construction, DGNB and QNG are significantly more important than BREEAM or LEED.

Quality Certifications and Resale Value

A quality seal can support a property’s resale value in the long term. Certified buildings are generally better documented, which provides buyers and their financiers with assurance. Furthermore, the seal signals that the building was constructed or renovated according to recognized standards-an advantage over non-certified comparable properties, as future buyers increasingly factor sustainability quality into their purchasing decisions. In a market environment where the EU Taxonomy and the GEG are gradually tightening requirements for existing buildings, certified buildings offer a clear advantage: they already meet today the requirements that will apply to everyone tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a quality seal mandatory when selling real estate?

No, no quality seal is legally required for a sale. An energy performance certificate, however, must be available for both sales and rentals and must be presented to interested parties upon request. Quality seals are voluntary but can increase a property’s value and marketability.

How long is a DGNB certificate valid?

The DGNB certificate is initially valid for three years and can be extended through recertification. During recertification, an assessment is conducted to determine whether the building continues to meet the requirements and whether improvements have been made.

What does it cost to apply for a QNG seal?

The cost of the QNG depends on the size of the building and the certification body partner engaged. For a single-family home, certification services typically cost between 2,000 and 5,000 euros, plus the planning costs of the energy efficiency expert. In many cases, these costs are more than offset by the higher KfW subsidies available through the QNG Premium Program.

Can existing buildings be retroactively certified?

Yes, both DGNB and BREEAM offer certification pathways for existing buildings (DGNB “In Use,” BREEAM “In-Use”). The QNG, on the other hand, is primarily geared toward new construction and comprehensive renovations. Retroactive certification requires that the building meet certain minimum standards for energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and accessibility. The effort is particularly worthwhile if a commercial building is to be made more attractive to high-credit-quality tenants with ESG requirements.

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