Real estate development and charging stations: a new asset for real estate companies

As electric mobility takes hold in all economic spheres, real estate companies and real estate companies and asset owners have to rethink their priorities. Far from being a simple piece of equipment, charging stations are becoming a key factor in adding value to real estate, particularly in the tertiary sector and company parking lots. Between rental appeal, regulatory compliance and anticipation of future needs, the installation of charging stations now represents a strategic investment lever. In this article, we analyze how these infrastructures transform the value of assets, and why real estate players need to integrate this dimension into their asset strategy.

Why charging stations are becoming a key value-adding criterion

The real estate market is evolving under the influence of the energy transition and the new expectations of corporate tenants. In this context, charging infrastructures for electric vehicles are playing an increasingly central role in the valuation of a property.

A response to new professional uses and regulatory requirements

Compelled by the LOM law and encouraged by the energy transition, companies are electrifying their fleets on a massive scale. As a direct consequence, they are looking for sites capable ofaccommodating and recharging their electric vehicles at no extra cost or logistical complexity. A real estate asset equipped with charging stations or suitable pre-equipment immediately becomes more attractive to business tenants.

But the stakes are not just short-term:

• Since 2021, new or heavily renovated buildings have had to meet pre-equipment requirements (20% of places).
• From 2025, existing commercial buildings will have to be equipped with 5% of their parking spaces.
• Companies with more than 100 vehicles must include at least 10% electric vehicles in their fleet.

👉 A non-compliant building, or one that is difficult to adapt, will therefore be less sought-after, less valued, and more costly to upgrade. Conversely, anticipating the installation of an IRVE infrastructure gives you a head start on the market.

{{cta-block}}

Direct impact on rental value and asset profitability

Installing charging stations is no longer a cost at a loss: it's a high value-added investment that influences both rent levels and the speed at which properties are marketed.

Increased attractiveness for tenant companies

More and more companies are incorporating sustainable mobility criteria into their real estate specifications. They are looking for :

• already equipped with charging stations or easily adaptable to recharging needs,
• for simple, centralized management (supervision, maintenance, energy monitoring),
• offering differentiated recharging solutions for employees, customers or service providers.

By meeting these expectations, a tertiary site becomes more competitive and can justify a higher rental value. Some managers have observed a 5 to 10% increase in rents on IRVE-ready assets, compared with comparable non-equipped properties.

Reduced vacancies and improved occupancy rates

Properties equipped with charging stations also tend to rent out more quickly, especially in tense areas where business users need a turnkey solution. When re-letting or renegotiating a lease, having an IRVE :

• facilitates discussion with the tenant,
• shortens vacancy times,
• strengthens customer loyalty, by offering a service with high usage value.

💡 For real estate companies, it's a concrete way of optimizing the overall profitability of their portfolio, while preparing their assets for tomorrow's standards.

Resale value: IRVE-ready assets better positioned on the market

The presence of charging stations does more than just improve rental profitability. It also acts as a lever for resale value, increasing the attractiveness of the asset for investors and buyers.

A green premium increasingly recognized in the real estate market

At a time when environmental regulations are being tightened and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) criteria are becoming key benchmarks for investors, properties equipped with recharging infrastructure benefit from :

• a green bonus to reward energy-saving efforts,
• a better extra-financial rating in asset portfolios,
• better positioning in calls for tender or institutional sales.
• access to labels such as BREEAM

Some players estimate that the presence of a well-integrated IRVE can increase the value of an asset by 5 to 15%, depending on the area, type of building and level of equipment.

A competitive edge for future regulatory audits

Environmental standards such as the Tertiary Decree and the European Green Taxonomy require property owners to demonstrate the energy and environmental performance of their assets. An IRVE infrastructure connected to a supervision system makes it possible to :

• document terminal energy consumption,
• report on the proportion of renewable energy used,
• justify the consistency of the work carried out with decarbonization objectives.

A building that is equipped, traceable and managed becomes a strategic asset for portfolios seeking sustainability. For real estate companies, it's a way of preserving long-term value in the face of future market selection criteria.

Financial aid and profitability: making investment even more attractive

A common obstacle to the installation of charging stations is the perceived high cost. However, a well-constructed strategy can minimize the initial financial impact, and even turn the IRVE project into a long-term profit center.

National and local subsidies available

Several public schemes exist to support the installation of recharging infrastructures in commercial buildings, including :

• The ADVENIR program, which finances up to 50% of the cost of installation, subject to a ceiling per recharging point.
• Complementary regional or metropolitan aid in low-emission zones or areas where mobility is a major issue.
• Tax credits for real estate companies committed to the energy transition or sustainable renovation.

👉 These devices reduce the return on investment to 3 to 5 years, depending on the business models adopted (user billing, mutualization with tenants, etc.).

A lever for profitability thanks to supervision and invoicing

Once the kiosks have been installed, supervision enables precise monitoring of their use and monetization of access. monetize access :

• By invoicing consumption to the various users (companies, employees, visitors),
• By introducing differentiated pricing according to time of day or usage profile,
• Integrating recharging into commercial leases as a value-added service.

💡 Result: the terminals become a new revenue stream for the real estate company, while improving the image and sustainability of the site. The IRVE project then ceases to be a burden and becomes an element of a profitable asset strategy aligned with future challenges.

{{cta-block}}