August 2022

IG-Bau is calling on the real estate industry to look for alternative solutions in view of the difficult conditions for new construction, such as a shortage of materials. Among other things, the union is considering the conversion of vacant offices into living space and the addition of extra storeys to the roofs of residential buildings that were built in the post-war period up to the end of the 1990s. The...

Companies that have developed innovative and sustainable technologies for the renovation of existing buildings can still apply for the "German Renovation Award". The technologies must be designed in such a way that they meet the EU climate targets for the renovation of existing buildings. Companies can present their ideas on Friday, August 26, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the "1st German...

Hartz V recipients are not allowed to live permanently in housing that is too expensive - despite a special regulation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was recently decided by the North Rhine-Westphalia Regional Social Court (LSG). The reason for this is that the so-called "SGB appropriateness test" can be suspended for a maximum of six months. After that, Section 22, Book 2 of the SGB applies again. This states the following:...

The "brigitte.de" portal provides a 3-point plan for patio design. It advises you to determine your needs (point 1), choose the style (point 2) and draw up a plan (point 3). For point 1, you should first find out whether a larger patio with less space in the garden is an option or a smaller patio with more space in the garden....

What kind of living environment do the very old live in in Germany? The answers to these and other questions are provided in the eighth short report of the D80+ study "Old Age in Germany" by the University of Cologne, funded by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ). The results show that 64.9 percent of respondents feel connected to their living environment. This...

If you are also interested in gardening in connection with building a house, the guide "The natural garden - ecological garden design made easy" published by the Marzahn-Hellersdorf district authority provides some helpful tips on the right planting and maintenance of the garden. Among other things, the guide shows that a near-natural design is advisable in order to create a small...

The association Wohnen im Eigentum (WiE) is calling for legal simplifications for the supply of self-generated electricity in residential property. WiE has two specific concerns in this regard. Firstly, homeowners' associations (WEG) should be defined as "self-suppliers". Secondly, there should be an obligation to purchase self-generated solar power for all residents of a WEG. With regard to the first point...

If an heir cannot use the family home themselves for health reasons, they do not lose the inheritance tax exemption for it. This was decided by the Federal Fiscal Court (BFH, judgment of December 1, 2021 - II R 18/20). In this case, a claimant had lived in the single-family home inherited from her father for a while. However, due to health problems, she was unable to live...

The "Falstaff Living" portal from Vienna lists furnishing tips for children's rooms. Among other things, parents should use different materials sparingly. In this way, they can prevent clutter in the children's room. Toys and clothes should be sorted out frequently so that the children's room does not appear too messy. The portal also advises that a loft bed...

According to a study by the company "Matera", owners are dissatisfied with their external property managers. This particularly affects 18 to 35-year-olds. In this age group, 54 percent of respondents said they were dissatisfied with their property management company or had problems finding a suitable manager. The reasons given by respondents for their dissatisfaction include a lack of...