2024

A barrier-free bathroom can significantly improve everyday life for older or disabled people. Even if there is not enough space for wheelchair-accessible fittings, adaptations such as height-adjustable washbasins and non-slip tiles can make a big difference. It is important to design the room in such a way that the use of aids such as wheelchairs is also possible....

Deutsche Bank and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have initiated a loan programme to support environmentally friendly housing construction and energy-efficient modernization in Germany. The program provides for the provision of low-interest loans with a total volume of over 600 million euros to private individuals. The corresponding construction projects and refurbishment measures must...

Heat pumps are gaining popularity as sustainable heating systems. They can often both heat and cool. However, Peter Kafke from the consumer advice center emphasizes that the heating function is often more important for the energy balance and costs than the cooling function. A high annual coefficient of performance (COP), which is the ratio of heat generated to electricity required, should therefore be aimed for.

Video recordings made in the stairwell without the tenants' knowledge may not be used as evidence in court proceedings. This is a clear violation of data protection and the tenants' personal rights. This was recently decided by the Federal Court of Justice (case reference: VI ZR 1370/20). In the case in question, a Berlin housing company had hired a private investigator...

When furnishing your first home, the chosen style should be consistent throughout all rooms to create a harmonious overall look. Popular styles include the country house style with natural materials, the Mediterranean style, which exudes warmth and Mediterranean flair, and the minimalist style, which is characterized by clean lines and restrained colours....

A granny apartment offers many advantages, but it must also meet specific requirements. Owners should consider this before building. Marc Ellinger from the VPB regional office in Freiburg-Südbaden emphasizes that a granny apartment must form a self-contained unit and have its own entrance. The equipment of a granny apartment also includes the kitchen and bathroom, which...

The Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Building (BMWSB) has presented the "Phased Plan for Smart Cities and Regions". This step-by-step plan is intended to modernize urban development and drive forward digitalization. It also aims to support municipalities in the implementation of digital solutions so that they can efficiently and purposefully...

Sebastian Herkel from the Fraunhofer Institute ISE advises owners of apartment buildings to invest early in an efficient heating system. They should not wait until their heating system breaks down, but should find out about their options as soon as possible. The reason for this is that properties built in the 1960s may initially require other investments, which then have to be...

Property owners can appeal against property tax values that are set too high. If the property tax values set by the tax office appear unrealistic, they must be given the opportunity to appeal. This is always the case if owners can credibly demonstrate an overvaluation of at least 40 percent. This was recently decided by the Federal Fiscal Court (BFH). In two...

Good watering is the basis for a healthy lawn. Watering in the early morning or late evening hours is optimal to maximize the efficiency of water use. This also reduces the evaporation of water on the surface before it can reach the roots. It also minimizes the risk of lawn diseases. The right amount of water depends...