Assessment of the affordability of Passivhaus housing for middle-income households in the Community of Madrid

Abstract

The transition towards nearly zero-energy and zero-emission buildings requires assessment not only of technical performance but also of economic accessibility. This study evaluates the feasibility of Passivhaus housing for middle-net-income households in the Community of Madrid. The methodology combines market and construction-cost analysis with a financial model comparing, over the service life, a Passivhaus dwelling and an equivalent dwelling complying with current building regulations. The analysis considers the initial cost premium, cumulative energy savings and access to financing products such as green mortgages. The results indicate that the Passivhaus cost differential has decreased and is becoming increasingly competitive. For the households analysed, the additional investment may be offset in the short and medium term through lower interest rates and the near elimination of heating and cooling expenditure. Further benefits include improved indoor air quality, thermal and acoustic comfort, and occupant health. The study concludes that Passivhaus should not necessarily be regarded as a luxury product, but as a potentially affordable and profitable alternative aligned with the decarbonisation of the residential building stock