20.07.2026
Renov-AID Survey results: Strong interest in renovation, but barriers remain
As part of the LIFE Renov-AID project, we conducted an online survey to explore the current situation, needs and challenges related to the energy renovation of buildings in Slovenia. Responses from 174 property owners and 21 municipal representatives confirm that interest in renovation is high. However, implementation is often hindered by high upfront costs, difficulties in finding reliable contractors and limited municipal capacity.
Homeowners want to renovate but require support
As many as 57% of the participating property owners live in buildings constructed before 1980. Such buildings generally offer particularly significant potential for improving energy efficiency and living comfort while reducing energy costs.
Interest in renovation is encouraging:
- Almost 40% of property owners are considering an energy renovation in the longer term.
- 18% are already planning to renovate within the next one or two years.
- 43% consider themselves well informed about the available subsidies.
Nevertheless, the journey from the initial decision to successful implementation remains challenging. High upfront renovation costs and a lack of financial resources represent the main obstacle, identified by 60% of respondents. Almost half (48%) also experience difficulties in finding reliable, high-quality contractors.
The results show that, in addition to financial incentives, homeowners need accessible and impartial professional support throughout the entire renovation process, from planning measures and selecting suitable financing to obtaining quotations and monitoring the quality of the works.
Municipalities recognise the needs but lack capacity
Municipal representatives also highlighted the age of their local building stock. Among the municipalities that answered this question, 47% estimated that between 50% and 70% of the buildings in their area were constructed before 1980. One-quarter estimated that the share exceeded 70%.
Municipalities identified the following as the main challenges affecting energy renovation in their local communities:
- insufficient financial resources among residents;
- complex administrative procedures;
- fragmented ownership and difficult decision-making in multi-apartment buildings.
Staffing is a particularly significant challenge. None of the participating municipalities has at least one full-time employee dedicated exclusively to energy renovation, while 47% have no dedicated staff in this area at all.
Which one-stop-shop models are feasible for municipalities?
One of the main objectives of the Renov-AID project is to develop local one-stop shops (OSS) through which homeowners can access comprehensive, impartial and user-centred renovation support in one place.
The survey results show that municipalities currently tend to favour less resource-intensive forms of support. If they were to introduce an OSS model within the next three years, 75% would opt for a basic advisory model. One-quarter would be prepared to provide broader renovation support, while 13% would choose a comprehensive model that also includes assistance during implementation.
The establishment of one-stop shops is not yet high on the agenda of all municipalities. Only 15% of respondents reported that their municipal leadership was actively interested in setting one up, while in 46% of municipalities the topic had not yet been discussed.
From survey results to practical support
The survey confirmed a central challenge addressed by the Renov-AID project: homeowners want to renovate, but successful implementation requires easier access to financing, reliable contractors and professional guidance. Municipalities recognise these needs, but without additional methodological, staffing and financial support, they face difficulties in establishing comprehensive local services on their own.
In the next stages of the project, we will therefore help municipalities develop feasible one-stop-shop models adapted to their needs and capacities. Particular attention will be paid to knowledge transfer, connecting key local stakeholders and designing a high-quality customer journey that makes it easier for homeowners to make informed decisions and carry out renovations successfully.
The first in a series of workshops will take place on 18 September at the International Trade and Business Fair in Celje (MOS Celje). Together with municipalities and other stakeholders, we will explore practical solutions for delivering higher-quality and more accessible energy renovations.