The German window market fell by 2.0% in 2022 and will have fell by another 4.5% in 2023. The German association of window and facade manufacturers VFF published such data. The data is based on the model of the previous survey. The forecast takes into account the effects of a sharp rise in purchase prices, inflation, rising interest rates and general consumer uncertainty about investing.
The German exterior door market fell also by 2.5% in 2022. The decline is going to increase to minus 5.8% in 2023.
The data was presented by Jörg Flasdieck of Heinze Marktforschung GmbH at the VFF Statistics and Market conference in Frankfurt. The information was presented by Heinze Marktforschung GmbH, the VFF, the Federal Flat Glass Association BF, pro-K and the association of lock and hardware manufacturers FVSB.
Contrary to previous expectations, the volume of repairs decreased by 2.6% in 2022. And in 2023, repairs will grow slightly by 1.2%. In residential construction, the volume of repairs decreased by 2.7% in 2022 and will slightly increase by 0.8% in 2023.
The number of new permits for the construction of new buildings fell by 7% in 2022, and by 26% this year. The decline in the market for windows for new buildings in 2022 was only 0.9%, as unfinished buildings were sold in 2022. In 2023, sales of windows in new buildings are expected to fall sharply by 13.4%.
“Immigration in Germany is at a high level, so new living space is urgently needed. The government must act quickly and promote new construction. The expected wave of renovations is also failing. In fact, there is a great deal of willingness to renovate in order to save energy and therefore costs. However, ongoing discussions about the possible replacement of the heating system and uncertainty about funding are leading to a reluctance to undertake energy renovations. Clarity and adapted financing instruments are urgently needed,” comments Frank Lange, Managing Director of VFF.