2024

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...

An attractive living room is the focal point of every home. This is where aesthetics meet comfort and personality is expressed. The first step in successful living room design begins with the right mix of function and design. The choice of colors and materials is also crucial. These can not only visually expand the room, but also create a...

The current interest rate uncertainty is making potential real estate buyers and developers hesitate. Many are waiting before entering into financial commitments. This reflects the concern that further interest rate hikes could drive up the cost of financing. This is the result of a study by the company "Civey". Despite the reluctance due to interest rate developments,...

The Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) supports energy-conscious construction with low-interest loans. If owners would like to receive a corresponding subsidy, they must submit an application before construction or renovation begins. The measures may only be started once the application has been approved. The reason for this is that the KfW does not provide subsequent...

Civil engineer Ronald Meyer has developed a refurbishment sprint that quickly makes old buildings climate-neutral. In just four weeks, a semi-detached house in Hamburg built in 1963 was completely refurbished in this way to become a KfW Efficiency House 70. This speed is possible thanks to optimized planning and parallel work by different tradesmen. Ronald Meyer's method could increase the refurbishment rate...

The position of landlords in the event of terminations for personal use has been strengthened by a recent ruling by the Federal Court of Justice (BGH). The BGH ruled that landlords who want to use some of their rented apartments for professional purposes can claim this under simplified conditions. To do so, they only need to prove a notable disadvantage that would arise if the apartment were not occupied...

Multifunctional furniture is indispensable in small apartments. This can include sofa beds, foldaway beds or bunk beds. These pieces of furniture offer multiple uses and save valuable space. In addition, foldable pieces of furniture such as folding chairs or extendable tables, which can be easily stowed away or reduced in size again if required, can be...