August 2022

New housing construction: IG Bau appeals to real estate industry

In view of the difficult conditions for new construction, such as a shortage of materials, IG-Bau is calling on the real estate industry to look for alternative solutions. The union is thinking, among other things, of converting vacant offices into living space as well as raising the roofs of residential buildings built in the post-war period up to the end of the 1990s. By the...

Saving energy: Congress in Solingen

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...

Decision: SGB adequacy test can be suspended for a maximum of six months

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

Terrace: The optimal design

A 3-point plan for the terrace design provides the portal "brigitte.de". It advises to determine the needs (point 1), to choose the style (point 2) and to create a plan (point 3). With point 1 should be found out first whether a larger terrace and for it less place in the garden come into question or a smaller terrace and for it more place in the garden....

Study: Living in old age

In which living environment do very old people in Germany live? The answers to these and other questions are provided by the eighth summary report of the D80+ study "Advanced Age in Germany" conducted by the University of Cologne and funded by the German 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...

Horticulture: tips for the design close to nature

Anyone who is also interested in gardening in connection with the construction of a house will find the first helpful tips on the correct planting and care of the garden in the guide "Der natürliche Garten - Ökologische Gartengestaltung leicht gemacht" (The natural garden - ecological garden design made easy) published by the Marzahn-Hellersdorf district authority. Among other things, the guide shows that a near-natural design is advisable in order to create a small...

Energy: WiE calls for mandatory purchase of self-produced solar power

The association Wohnen im Eigentum (WiE) demands legal simplifications for the own power supply in residential property. In addition the WiE has two concrete requests. Firstly, condominium owners' associations (WEG) would have to be defined as "self-suppliers". Second: There would have to be an obligation to purchase self-produced solar power for all residents of a WEG. With regard to the first point...

Ruling: Faster inheritance tax exemption possible in exceptional cases

If an heir cannot use the family home himself for health reasons, he does not lose the inheritance tax exemption for it. This was decided by the Federal Fiscal Court (BFH, ruling dated December 1, 2021 - II R 18/20). In the case at hand, a plaintiff had occupied the single-family house inherited from her father herself for a while. Due to health problems, however, she was...

Children's room: so it looks neater and bigger

Furnishing tips for children's rooms are listed by the portal "Falstaff Living" from Vienna. Among other things, parents should be sparing with different materials. In this way, they can prevent unrest from arising in the children's room. So that the children's room does not appear too untidy, toys and clothing should be sorted out from time to time. The portal also advises to use a loft bed...

Study: 25 percent of private owners in Berlin cannot find a property management company

Owners are dissatisfied with their external property managers, according to a study by the company "Matera". This particularly affects 18- to 35-year-olds. In this age group, 54 percent of respondents say they are dissatisfied with their property management company or have problems finding a suitable manager. Among the reasons for dissatisfaction, respondents see a lack of...

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