2024

Contracts: When does the rent freeze apply?

If a living room and a basement room are rented separately with two contracts, the rent cap does not apply to the basement room. This was decided by the Federal Court of Justice (BGH; case reference: VIII ZR 94/21). In the case at hand, tenants had paid an apartment for an initial basic rent of 850 euros. They also concluded a basement usage agreement with their landlord for 79 euros per month. The rent for the...

Garden design: tips for the impatient

When you plant a garden, you sometimes have to wait a long time for a visible result. But there are tricks that can shorten the wait. With the right planning, suitable methods and the right tools, the garden can quickly come to life. The portal "mein-schoener-garten.de" points this out. An immediate requirement is often a privacy screen. But plants need time to grow...

Rent increases: surrounding areas outperform major cities

Rents in the surrounding areas of many major cities are rising faster than in the cities themselves. This trend is being driven by the increasing demand for housing outside the metropolitan areas. The former price advantage of apartments in the surrounding areas is therefore increasingly disappearing. In the long term, this trend - which is particularly noticeable in the areas surrounding Berlin and Munich - could lead to...

Pilot project: Cologne introduces innovative air filter façade

A pilot project with an innovative textile façade that effectively binds nitrogen oxides was recently launched in Cologne. The textile façade filters harmful nitrogen oxides from the air and converts them into harmless nitrates to improve air quality in the city center. The façade is made from recycled PET bottles and aluminum. In addition, no adhesives were used for the textile façade,...

Sustainability: What are hybrid systems?

So-called hybrid systems can contribute to better energy efficiency in buildings. This is achieved by combining several technologies, such as a heat pump and another energy source. The heat pump uses ambient heat to efficiently heat and cool buildings. Compared to a conventional heating system, it consumes significantly less electrical energy. Your...

Accessibility: BGH allows 70-year-old external elevator despite listed building protection

A 70-year-old owner will no longer have to walk the more than 100 steps to his apartment. Instead, he can now have an external elevator installed on his apartment building - even though it is a listed building and even received the City of Munich's façade award for the front building in 1983. This was recently decided by the Federal Court of Justice (AZ: V ZR 244/22 and V ZR 33/23). In the...

Spring: time for the garden and balcony

The start of spring and rising temperatures invite amateur gardeners to prepare their gardens and balconies for the season. Now is the ideal time to remove weeds, loosen the soil and start sowing. The portal "garbsen-city-news.de" now points this out. Carry out cleaning workCareful cleaning is the first step towards...

Real estate: buyers 38 years old on average

On average, property buyers and builders in Germany who have taken out a loan are 38 years old. This is according to a study by financial expert Dr. Klein with figures from 2023. At this age, "most people are firmly anchored in their professional and family environment", which makes it easier to move into their own home. But even younger people can, according to...

House construction: Understanding floor slabs

If builders want to construct a house without a basement, a so-called load-bearing floor slab is used. It serves as a foundation and creates a transition between the ground and the rest of the building. The load-bearing floor slab also fulfills various functions: For example, it distributes the weight of the house evenly over the ground and protects against moisture. It should also...

Real estate prices: The influence of wind turbines

The view of wind turbines has only a minimal impact on the value of properties. Houses from which residents can see one or more wind turbines were sold for only 1.12 percent less than those with a clear view. However, two factors must be taken into account: the number of wind turbines and the proximity to the house. If residents have a view of more than 20 wind turbines, the...

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