On 19 September 2024, the TSZOE-UIPI Condominium Renovation Professional Day took place in Budapest, bringing together over 300 participants, including experts and key stakeholders, to discuss strategies for renovating Hungary’s aging condominium stock. The event featured a dynamic roundtable discussion titled Crafting Our Cities: Challenges and Solutions in Hungarian Condominium Renovation, which underscored the need for innovative approaches to meet EU renovation targets under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).
The discussion gathered leading figures from the sector, including Emmanuelle Causse from the International Union of Property Owners, Matyas Den from the Hungarian National Association of Condominiums and Condominium Managers, Erwin Mlecnik from the CondoReno project, and Peter Laszlo, representing small and medium enterprises. The conversation focused on Hungary’s outdated building stock, much of which consists of low-quality, communist-era structures in urgent need of renovation.
The panel also stressed the importance of One-Stop-Shops (OSS) to guide homeowners through the renovation process. Erwin Mlecnik explained how OSS could streamline the fragmented renovation market by offering integrated services such as feasibility studies, financial planning, and quality assurance. Peter Laszlo added that technical audits and energy performance certificates (EPCs) are vital for ensuring energy-efficient renovations, although they are often overlooked in common areas. Finally, Emmanuelle Causse highlighted the need for greater collaboration between policymakers, homeowners, and businesses to accelerate renovation efforts and ensure compliance with EU directives.
The roundtable discussion closely aligned with the objectives of the CRAFT project, which aims to bridge the gap between EU policy and local implementation. By promoting scalable solutions for large-scale energy-efficient renovations, the event fostered collaboration among key stakeholders, furthering CRAFT’s mission to support innovative solutions that can transform Europe’s urban environments.
Written by Ana Verónica Martínez, International Union of Property Owners (UIPI)