2024

Everyday life can be made considerably easier thanks to smart technologies. Volker Irle, Managing Director of the working group Die Moderne Küche, emphasizes how the integration of smart appliances enriches the cooking experience. Appliances can be conveniently controlled via smartphone or tablet, making everyday kitchen work easier. Innovative functions such as camera monitoring in the oven or...

Investors plan to invest 63.8 billion euros in the European residential real estate sector over the next three years. Almost half of the investors surveyed (48 %) would like to increase the proportion of residential real estate in their portfolios by 2026. This was the result of a survey conducted by Savills and Savills Investment Management. Multi-family houses and student accommodation are the preferred...

Prefabricated houses are becoming increasingly popular because they can be built quickly. Nowadays, they also offer individual design options. Builders can incorporate their personal preferences into the design and, for example, have modern adaptations made to facades or interiors. Different types of prefabricated houses make it possible...

Photovoltaic systems with connected battery storage offer the decisive advantage of increasing independence from the public power grid. Users can cover most of their electricity needs themselves by storing solar power generated during the day and using it as required. This not only significantly reduces energy costs, but also improves the energy efficiency of the home.

Resolutions on the levying of a special contribution are valid even if they do not state the exact amount. However, owners must be able to calculate this themselves. This was recently decided by the Federal Court of Justice (BGH; V ZR 132/23). In this case, a community of condominium owners wanted to conduct a lawsuit. The owners decided with...

The trend towards elegant furnishings shows that style and functionality do not have to be considered separately. Modern furniture brands offer products that are both aesthetically pleasing and of high quality. This combination makes them an ideal choice for those who want to make their home stylish without sacrificing comfort. Minimalism remains...

The enormous potential of existing properties for reducing CO2 emissions is highlighted in the latest Sparda study "Living in Germany 2024". Florian Rentsch, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Sparda Banks, emphasizes that the energy-efficient refurbishment of existing residential buildings is crucial for achieving climate targets. Especially as private households account for a significant proportion of...

The importance of early legal advice for builders in Mallorca is particularly important. Even before buying a plot of land and starting construction, potential homeowners should consult a local lawyer. This way, legal pitfalls can be avoided, especially if contracts are written in a foreign language. A thorough check of all documents is also strongly recommended.

The European Central Bank (ECB) has lowered its key interest rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.25 percent. This first interest rate cut since 2019 makes loans cheaper. This is particularly attractive for property buyers. Due to potentially lower loan costs, the interest rate cut can make buying property considerably easier. Particularly in an environment of rising property prices, this...

Building acceptance is a crucial step for private building owners - it signals that the building has been completed. However, experience shows that hardly any new builds are accepted without defects. For this reason, the Association of Private Building Owners (VPB) recommends that independent experts be consulted during the acceptance process in order to identify possible defects. A formal building inspection is advisable and should...