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Energy efficiency. How to choose an apartment

Since the beginning of this year, the geography of the construction of a new housing stock has begun to expand: in addition to the suburbs of Yerevan, the construction of full-fledged quarters has begun in Abovyan, Ashtarak and other settlements near the capital.

Activation linked to legal regulation

Experts predicted such a development of events last year, noting that this would be due to changes in the law on the return of income tax. In a year or two, buyers will no longer be entitled to income tax refunds when buying real estate in the primary market in the Center of Yerevan and Arabkir. As a result, those wishing to take advantage of this opportunity will start buying apartments in other administrative districts and neighboring settlements.

The record number of transactions in the real estate market of Armenia last year is explained by the implementation of the same law. 56,000 out of 202,000 transactions were made during the purchase and sale of real estate.

Another interesting indicator. the corresponding law came into force in 2015. As of 2021, the income tax refund rate has increased more than 80 times compared to that year.

What are the main criteria for buying an apartment in Armenia?

In one of the real estate agencies indicate: location, access to the infrastructure. And, obviously, the possibility of income tax refund.

Armenian buyers are almost no different from foreign buyers. Studies in the Russian Federation and some European countries show that in addition to location and access to infrastructure, security, parking, and green space are important for buyers, as well as energy efficiency. By the way, one of the most important factors when choosing these apartments is that the buyer is willing to pay more. From this point of view, buyers also highlight security and location.

A little about energy efficiency

The concept of energy efficiency began to circulate in Armenia relatively recently and, contrary to the generally accepted opinion, it is not only energy saving. Energy efficiency is determined by the energy consumption, which is necessary to create comfortable living conditions in a given building.

A, A+, A++, B, B+, C... So, not household devices are characterized by energy efficiency. It turns out buildings and structures also have energy efficiency classes. According to this indicator, people with class A, A+, A++, B, B+ as energy efficient, the level of energy efficiency with class C and C+ is taken normal. Other buildings without the above classes are considered non-energy efficient.

Most of the housing stock in Armenia is old

The majority of apartment buildings in Armenia were built during the Soviet years, and it is inappropriate to talk about energy efficiency in their case. Energy consumption per square meter is about 3-5 times higher than in developed countries and is 280-450 kWh/m2 per year.

With regard to new housing stock, the regulations adopted in 2018 set the minimum energy efficiency standards that new buildings must meet. buildings must also receive an energy efficiency certificate.

Experts note that in the first years of the introduction of the Regulations, developers were interested in energy efficiency and the corresponding passport to such an extent that ... If the building was not energy efficient, the issue was simply ignored. As demand and competition increased, their behavior changed. Today, the presence of energy passports is not only a guarantee of trust, but also an important part of advertising campaigns. Also, a factor that directly affects sales, as many buyers prefer to pay for energy efficiency right away, avoiding the need for costly overhauls in later years.

Why apply to Converse Bank?

For years, Converse Bank has been one of the leading mortgage crediting banks in Armenia, including energy-efficient crediting. Specialists of the bank note that the indicator of energy efficient crediting has been steadily growing in recent years. They note that such an investment, even in the form of a loan, is justified. There is an interesting index. with a capital investment of 15%, energy savings in buildings can reach up to 50%.

Regardless of taste, choice, Converse Bank has a mortgage crediting offer for any client. Thanks to competitive offers, the Bank is today one of the market leaders.

The bank is controlled by the Central Bank.