March 2024

AI: technology meets care

If an AI system is to recognize health risks in the everyday lives of senior citizens at an early stage, it is nevertheless essential that they are closely accompanied and supported. This was shown in a study by the Institute for Social Research and Social Economy, which particularly emphasized the need for technological applications to be designed in an understandable way and explained by familiar people.

Vacation properties: Stable prices on Mallorca

Prices for vacation properties in Mallorca remain stable. This is according to the study "Holiday property market in Mallorca 2024". According to the study, the average price has risen by around 1.7 percent to just under 5,800 euros per square meter. There has been a particularly large price increase of around 13.5 percent in the center of the island. On average, properties are the most expensive at 7,700 euros per square meter...

3D printing: Wave-shaped house moved into in Heidelberg

A company recently moved into a 3D-printed house in Heidelberg. According to the responsible Kraus Group, the house is "currently the largest 3D-printed building in Europe" and is made of "100% recyclable material". It is 54 meters long, 11 meters deep and 9 meters high and its façade is reminiscent of waves. According to the Kraus Group, the house is...

Floods: quick action required

When floods reach houses, quick action is required. The Association of Private Builders (VPB) points this out. Water in the basement should be removed immediately to prevent costly damage such as mold growth. According to the VPB, mold growth is particularly common in buildings with thermally insulated basements. To prevent long-term damage, it is important to dry out the cellar quickly...

Verdict: Who is liable if a tree falls?

An owner cannot necessarily be held liable for damage caused by a storm. This was decided by the Munich District Court (113 C 18489/22). In this case, a tree fell onto a parked car opposite a parking garage during a storm, the operator of which had a duty of care. The car suffered a total loss. The owner of the car...

Wood industry: Federal association complains about lack of insurance cover

The German Sawmill and Timber Industry Association (DeSH) is confronted with a serious problem: an increasing lack of insurance cover in the industry. The DeSH is alarmed by the growing number of companies that can no longer find insurance partners. Fire detection and firefighting measures are no longer adequate, especially for small to medium-sized companies.

Real estate: Study on investment market

The real estate investment market in Germany experienced a significant decline in 2023. The transaction volume was the lowest since 2011. Despite this slump, the investment climate is slowly brightening and a certain recovery is expected. This is according to the "Trendbarometer 2024" study by Ernst & Young (EY). A quarter of those surveyed continue to expect...

Roofing industry: partial qualification possible

The shortage of skilled workers in the roofing trade is to be combated by offering the possibility of so-called partial qualifications. These partial qualifications give people over the age of 25 the opportunity to gradually acquire professional skills and ultimately obtain a full vocational qualification. Rolf Fuhrmann, the deputy managing director of the Central Association of the...

Research: University investigates digital power grid and more

"Data-Driven & Smart Technologies", "Smart Mobility & Building" and "Resources and Sustainability" are the new research focus areas at Bochum University of Applied Sciences. The aim of these three areas is to find innovative solutions to current challenges, promote interdisciplinary research and develop innovations. In the area of...

Ruling: Leasehold can revert to municipality

Under certain circumstances, a local authority can demand the retransfer of a property assigned to an association. This so-called reversion can occur if the association does not fulfill its contractual obligations. This was decided by the Federal Court of Justice (V ZR 191/22). In this case, the local authority had allowed an association to build on a plot of land within four years by means of a leasehold...

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