Evaluating The Development of Integrated Home Renovation Services for Condominiums

Abstract

This report evaluates the performance and development needs of Integrated Home Renovation Services (IHRS) tailored for condominiums in Flanders and the Netherlands. It focuses on two complementary models: a public-led approach piloted in Flanders through the Flemish Climate and Energy Agency (VEKA) and local Energy Houses, and a private-led approach represented by the Dutch service provider WNR.
To support this evaluation, we developed a conceptual framework based on tailored evaluation criteria designed to assess the viability of the business models. These criteria were informed by a review of relevant literature, project deliverables, and practical observations, and are used to assess key aspects such as financial stability, adaptability, customer focus, and operational efficiency.
The analysis combines multiple data sources, including document reviews, observations, co-creation workshops, and in-depth interviews with co-owners, board members, IHRS actors, and public stakeholders involved in energy renovations across eight condominium associations (CAs) in both Flanders and the Netherlands. This qualitative research was further complemented by two questionnaire surveys, one targeted at CA co-owners in Flanders and the Netherlands, and another at a broader group of property owners across the EU. The EU-wide survey revealed consistent patterns in motivations, barriers, and support needs, highlighting the relevance of the findings beyond the immediate case studies.
Both IHRS models aim to simplify the complex renovation journey for CAs by offering advisory, coordination, and technical support. However, each model faces specific challenges: The public-led model benefits from neutrality and policy alignment, but often lacks long-term engagement beyond the masterplan phase and struggles with resource intensity. The private-led model shows strengths in flexibility, phased planning, and client-centric service, but must overcome barriers related to trust, financing accessibility, and coordination with public actors such as municipalities and housing corporations.
The report provides detailed business model recommendations for improving service delivery across nine Business Model Canvas components. These are supported by policy recommendations targeting national and local governments.
Limitations of the Study: While this report offers rich insights, it is based on a limited number of in-depth IHRS providers, three in Flanders and one in the Netherlands. The findings are therefore not statistically generalizable but reflect qualitative depth. The co-owner interviews may also reflect the views of more engaged or vocal residents, potentially underrepresenting passive or non-participating co-owners. Finally, the long-term outcomes of renovation processes were not yet fully observable at the time of this analysis. Despite these limitations, the study provides robust evidence for informing business model optimization and targeted policy support for IHRS models across varying governance contexts. The developed evaluation framework also offers a transferable tool for assessing similar renovation service models in other European contexts.