January 2023

In terms of net electricity generation, photovoltaics, among other things, increased from 2021 to 2022. This was reported by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE. According to the report, solar power generation increased by 19 percent from 2021 to 2022. The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE attributes this to the expansion on the one hand and the sunny weather on the other. Overall, the German...

The state of Berlin has now finally failed in its attempt to protect houses from privatization by exercising its right of first refusal in a so-called milieu protection area in the Tempelhof-Schöneberg district. The Federal Court of Justice (BGH) has issued a ruling to this effect (III ZR 217/20). This shows that the appeal against the non-admission of the appeal was rejected.

The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) points out the particular dangers of button cells for small children. If they are swallowed, they can get stuck in the oesophagus and severely damage the mucous membrane. "If a button cell is swallowed, it should be examined immediately in a clinic," says BfR President Professor Dr. Dr. Andreas Hensel. Even with...

What does the future hold for city centers? This question is explored by several experts in the "cima.monitor Germany City Center Study 2022". One of the findings is that a significant proportion of people will no longer return to city centers for shopping under current conditions. According to the study, small towns are particularly affected by this development...

If home builders want to create a raised wooden bed in their garden, on their patio or on their balcony, they can find tips on the "bauen.de" portal. First, 2.5 to 5 centimetre thick wooden slats (depending on requirements) must be purchased for the side walls as well as squared timber or posts for stabilization and coated with an appropriate protective glaze. Then the...

Until Friday, March 31, cities, districts and municipalities can enter their exemplary climate protection projects in the nationwide "Climate Active Municipality 2023" competition organized by the German Institute of Urban Affairs (Difu), the National Climate Initiative (NKI) and the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK). The winners can look forward to prize money of 25,000 euros each, which...

Real estate may no longer be paid for with cash, precious metals such as gold and silver or diamonds. In addition, a real estate transaction database based on information from notarial deeds is to be created in the near future. The measures are intended to combat crime and money laundering. In addition, foreign companies that acquire real estate property in Germany are...

Attracting more trainees in skilled trades - this is the goal of the Association of German Chambers of Skilled Crafts (DHTK) in collaboration with its partner Meta. The DHTK is therefore now using a video on various social media channels to draw attention to the numerous professions that exist in the skilled trades sector. Interested parties can, for example, register to become a metalworker, an electrical...

Banks are becoming more cautious when granting loans to house builders. This development is predicted by the auditing and consulting organization EY based on a recent analysis. "The tide has turned on the real estate market: The sharp rise in interest rates is curbing demand for real estate loans, and properties whose prices are set to rise by 35 percent between Q1 2019 and mid-2022 appear...

According to the Association of Private Builders (VPB), owners should promote biodiversity in home gardens and avoid stone deserts. The VPB also provides some tips on how this can be achieved. For example, owners should opt for insect-friendly hedges with plants such as red dogwood, field maple or hornbeam instead of cherry laurel and thuja hedges. This is because the latter are...