Construction costs are currently skyrocketing

Actually, I am an advocate for gas because it is a nicely solid and affordable technology. And with [Northstream2], the gas itself would have been cheap.

Currently, you can really only recommend heat pumps. Plus as much insulation as possible, because electricity costs will also rise.

Actually, I advocate for gas because it is a solid and cheap technology. And with Northstream2, the gas itself would have been cheap. Currently, you can really only recommend the heat pump. Along with as much insulation as possible, because electricity costs will also rise.

When I hear from relatives that instead of a 97 euro advance payment, you now have to pay 230 euros for gas (and that was still BEFORE February 24th), I would definitely stay away from it. You can generate electricity for the heat pump in many ways, but gas remains gas. And the topic has also been completely settled politically in recent days.

And the topic has completely died down politically in recent days.

Wait and see. Nothing lasts forever and certainly nothing is completely settled. Eventually, the war will end, maybe a new government will be in power, and gas could be cheap again. In politics, nothing is ever set in stone.
As of today, Scholz doesn't see it as that bad yet and prefers to keep buying cheap oil instead of imposing sanctions.
Due to current circumstances, even the extension of nuclear power plants' operating life is back under discussion.

So be careful with predictions about politics and the future ;)

The idea of an oil embargo against Russia is unrealistic. Then we would not only introduce car-free Sundays but car-free weeks. And - which I think is far too overlooked in the whole discussion - both oil and gas are needed in larger quantities in industry. That would of course come to a standstill then as well. But no problem, we simply print short-time work benefits diligently, then everyone is happy. At least until all the printed money reaches the prices.

But I agree with the gas heating. It was already on the political kill list before and only limitedly sensible for new buildings. For old buildings, I still consider gas a good alternative to oil.

I strongly advise against panicking based on two weeks of world history.

However, I also see the gas heating system at its end, it was already on its last legs before, it may just go faster now.

I also like to repeat the premise that those who do not need much energy are better positioned against price fluctuations, i.e. through insulation, working close to home, etc.
Electricity also has significant advantages in terms of availability and dependence on geopolitics. This is currently proving to be massively true again.
With a heat pump, photovoltaics, and an electric car at the door, I definitely do not lead this discussion as someone affected.

I have currently heard from half a dozen prospective builders who will be canceling their projects.

I feel incredibly sorry for these people. Dreams of life, simply destroyed.

No wonder. It's absolutely no fun anymore in this country.

We are supposedly such a rich country. Nowhere in Europe, except in Switzerland, is the home ownership rate as low as it is here. If you want to get frustrated, you can look up on Statista how high the home ownership rates are in other countries. Bitter.