Germany's Real Estate Agents Forge Ahead With Training as Government Lifts Legal Requirement
Published on 07/14/2026 at 13:25 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
Real estate agents across Germany are sticking with continuing education even as the government moves to scrap the mandatory obligation. Industry bodies had expected a sharp drop-off, but a fresh survey tells a different story.
A study published by Sprengnetter on July 14, 2026 found that 98 percent of agents plan to pursue voluntary training despite the planned elimination of the legal requirement under the new Bürokratieentlastungsgesetz (Bureaucracy Relief Act). That readiness is not simply pro forma: 96 percent named concrete, discipline-specific courses they intend to take.
Opinion on the abolition itself is split. 49 percent of respondents welcome the change, while 47 percent view it critically. Yet regardless of that divide, almost the entire profession intends to keep learning.
Legal updates remain the top priority. 88 percent of agents cited Recht (law) as their primary focus area, followed by energy and renovation topics at 63 percent, and property valuation at 51 percent. The industry appears to view deep expertise as a competitive edge independent of government mandates.
One major driver of this training appetite is a legislative overhaul. On July 10, 2026, both houses of parliament passed the Gebäudemodernisierungsgesetz (Building Modernisation Act, GModG), which replaces the current Gebäudeenergiegesetz (Buildings Energy Act, GEG). The new law ends the requirement that heating replacements must use 65 percent renewable energy. In its place, it introduces a phased timeline: stricter rules for climate-friendly fuels from 2029, a green gas quota starting in 2028, and the zero-emission building standard from 2030. Energy performance certificates are also becoming tougher, with fines of up to €10,000 for violations.
The mounting complexity is pushing agents to invest in legal know-how. At the same time, digitalisation is reshaping how they work. A study released on July 13, 2026 by Deloitte and Docusign revealed that AI-powered contract management saves German companies an average of 22 hours per process. 84 percent of surveyed firms already use artificial intelligence, and their processing times have fallen by around 35 percent.
Market conditions are also shifting. In Munich, a new Umbauagentur (conversion agency) is being set up to transform 1.8 million square metres of office space into residential housing. A federal programme has been funding such conversions since July 1, 2026.
Tax law, meanwhile, is creating fresh headaches. A specialist analysis published on July 13, 2026 warned about the risks of classifying real estate as Verwaltungsvermögen (administrative assets). A restrictive interpretation by the tax authorities could limit relief provisions for business transfers, making early succession planning essential for property companies.
The message from the sector is clear: even without a legal hammer, agents are racing to stay ahead of an increasingly complex regulatory and technological environment.
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