How LED Retrofit Increases Property Value: LED lighting as a Yield Lever
Increasing yield means reducing operating costs
For investors, yield is the key metric when valuing a property. It is essentially determined by two factors: rental income and operating costs. While rental income can often only be influenced to a limited extent in the short term, operating costs offer significant – and frequently underutilised – potential for optimisation.
One of the fastest and most effective levers is lighting.
LED retrofit: major savings with minimal capital expenditure
Replacing fluorescent tubes or inefficient LED systems with standardised, internationally recognised LED light sources using G5/T5 and G13/T8 sockets can reduce energy and maintenance costs by up to 80% – with comparatively low CAPEX.
With the Light as a Service model, the conversion can even be implemented without any upfront investment. The savings take effect immediately and have a direct positive impact on operating costs and therefore on yield.
Why standardised systems are economically superior
The key advantage of standardised LED systems lies in the preservation of existing infrastructure. Luminaires, fittings and sockets remain in place. The light source can be replaced independently of the manufacturer, tailored to individual tenants, and without the need for an electrician. Costly modifications, dependency on proprietary systems and long-term maintenance risks are avoided.
Practical example: GLT LED TUBE
One example of such a system is the GLT LED TUBE, developed and manufactured in Germany. It offers:
- a service life of up to 130,000 hours,
- a verified environmental footprint (EPD in accordance with ISO 14025 and EN 15804),
- and consistently low operating and maintenance costs.
As a result, it makes a measurable contribution to the sustainable increase in property value.
Conclusion: technology determines yield
A targeted technical intervention – such as the use of standardised LED light sources with G5 or G13 sockets “Made in Germany” – increases a property’s yield sustainably and with low risk.
Poor decisions, such as converting to luminaires with integrated, non-replaceable LEDs, can significantly reduce yield due to higher follow-up costs, reduced flexibility and premature replacement requirements.