Energy renovation challenges in dense low-income neighbourhoods with fragmented ownership: insights from Dortmund–Nordstadt, Germany

Policy documents increasingly identify energy-efficient housing renovation as a global priority that requires implementation at the local level. This article examines the challenges of implementing such energy-efficient renovation strategies in dense, low-income neighbourhoods characterised by a high degree of ownership fragmentation. Focusing on Dortmund–Nordstadt, Germany, the study combines spatial data analysis, policy review, and in-depth engagement with private owners and municipal stakeholders. It explores the specific perspectives of private actors while drawing broader implications for urban planning. The findings highlight the importance of context-sensitive approaches and point to the potential of neighbourhood-specific, low-threshold engagement formats to facilitate action.