UIPI brought forward the perspective of clients at the end of the value chain. This includes the homeowners, private and institutional owners who finance, own and manage Europe’s buildings and who are ultimately responsible for carrying out renovation projects.

During the discussion, UIPI stressed that Europe will not meet its housing and renovation objectives unless implementation becomes faster, simpler and more predictable. She pointed to several barriers currently slowing progress across the EU.

A key concern remains the persistent fragmentation of the Internal Market for construction services. While mutual recognition works comparatively well for products, it does not function in the same way for services. Divergent planning, land-use and building rules, together with complex authorisation procedures, continue to make it difficult for firms to operate across borders. Limited competition in system-based services and proprietary maintenance restrictions also increase costs for clients.

UIPI further highlighted that permitting processes are often hindered by unpredictability, administrative burden and capacity gaps, delaying renovation and construction projects throughout the EU. Existing good digital practices could help address these challenges, and the EU can play a useful role in supporting their wider uptake while fully respecting subsidiarity.

Finally, UIPI emphasised that the shift towards offsite construction and circularity requires harmonised digital data standards, clearer rules for reuse and targeted incentives to support innovation and investment.

UIPI remains committed to helping build a more efficient, affordable and reliable construction and renovation landscape in Europe and will continue working with partners across the sector and with EU institutions to support practical and workable solutions for property owners.