2024

Renovation measures: These funding programs are available

Property owners face high costs when they want to renovate their properties to make them more energy efficient. However, modernization can significantly reduce energy costs and increase the value of the property. There are various subsidy programs to alleviate this financial burden. Owners must first apply for the subsidies before the D. Investments may usually only be made after the...

Hammer and ladder rights: ground work must be tolerated

The hammer and ladder right also applies to earthworks on neighboring properties. This means that, under certain conditions, owners have the right to enter neighboring properties and place ladders or construction equipment there, for example. This is the case if necessary construction or repair work is being carried out on your own property from the neighboring property...

Floor plan change: more living space without an extension

Adapting the floor plan in existing buildings offers an opportunity to create more living space without physically adding on. By opening up or combining small, nested rooms, owners can often open up unused space reserves. This is particularly advantageous when external extensions are limited by building regulations or listed buildings. The trend towards...

Rent: High burdens for households identified

More and more households in Germany are suffering from high rent costs. Some even spend more than 40 percent of their income on rent. This development is the result of a study by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW). The study also reports a significant increase in rent burdens since 1991. By 2021, the proportion of overburdened households had increased from...

Comfort: Tips for retrofitting external blinds

Owners can retrofit their property with external blinds to provide more sun protection and privacy. However, it should be noted that, compared to roller shutters, they offer no additional burglary protection and provide less protection against extreme weather conditions. In addition, although external blinds allow a controlled amount of light to enter through adjustable slats, they...

Heating: costs can be reduced with simple measures

Energy costs can be significantly reduced through efficient heating behavior. This requires adjusting the room temperature to around 19 to 20 degrees Celsius in living areas and 16 to 18 degrees in rooms that are rarely used, such as bedrooms. Keeping radiators clear of furniture and other objects prevents heat build-up and enables more efficient heat distribution in the room.

Modernization: Consideration of tenant concerns is essential

Tenants are not obliged to vacate their apartments for modernization work. This applies in particular to properties in need of refurbishment where modernization work is planned and can be carried out without temporarily displacing tenants. However, there are also exceptions. One such exception is when the measures in a dilapidated building cannot be carried out in any other way. So decided...

Conservatory construction: how to plan professionally

Careful planning is crucial when building a conservatory. First of all, owners can create a sketch of the desired floor plan. They must take into account both the size of the room and the space required for the interior fittings. It is advisable to seek professional support from architects or specialized planners. They can use their...

Rent control: extension until the end of 2029

The rent freeze in Germany will be extended until the end of 2029 and retained as a measure to limit rental costs in tight housing markets. The regulation stipulates that rents for new lettings may not be more than ten percent above the local comparative rent. Despite the extension of the rent cap, real estate industry associations are expressing criticism. They fear that...

Building industry: Innovative houses from the 3D printer

The use of 3D printers in the construction industry offers innovative possibilities for building houses. The technology makes it possible to construct buildings quickly and cost-effectively by printing concrete in precise layers. The benefits include not only time and cost savings, but also design freedom that would not be easily achievable in traditional construction. 3D printing...

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