This contribution explores the challenge that Sweden is facing and analyses the possibility of the State, under current institutional and legal frameworks, to impose obligations for real property owners to climate-proof existing buildings. The purpose is to describe the Swedish national policy approach and legal framework, and to discuss the extent to which the rules can be considered sufficient to reach both Sweden’s and the EU’s goals regarding energy efficiency of buildings. The contribution focuses on whether and to what extent the State has the authority to impose positive obligations to, for instance, install solar panels, change heating systems or improve energy efficiency through additional insulation.