2024

In 2022, real estate transactions in Germany fell by 16 percent compared to the previous year. This corresponds to 866,000 transactions. This is according to the Real Estate Market Report Germany 2023, published today by the Working Group of the Higher Expert Committees, Central Offices and Expert Committees together with the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (BBSR)....

The Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) is receiving funding of around 4.3 million euros from the Ministry of Science, Research and Culture of the State of Brandenburg. This budget is earmarked for measures to increase energy efficiency and to secure research operations under the current energy challenges. The funding will be used for structural...

Renewable energies achieved a record share of 59.7% (260.68 terawatt hours) of net public electricity generation in Germany in 2023. Electricity generation from fossil fuels amounted to 38.8 percent (169.38 TWh) and 1.5 percent (6.72 TWh) of the electricity generated came from nuclear energy. This is according to a publication by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems...

A search of a home on suspicion of "adbusting" is unreasonable. The Federal Constitutional Court (BVerfGE) upheld a corresponding constitutional complaint (ref.: 2 BvR 1749/20). In "adbusting", advertising posters are redesigned in such a way that the original meaning is altered or ridiculed. The person in question was attacked when a Bundeswehr poster was...

In winter, your own home becomes increasingly important for your well-being. Jochen Winning, Managing Director of the German Furniture Quality Association (DGM), emphasizes the role of home furnishings for comfort and cosiness. Furniture such as sofas, armchairs and beds can make a significant contribution to a pleasant atmosphere. The Managing Director emphasizes that the quality and functionality of...

The actual selling prices of properties are currently lower than the asking prices. "The gap between the asking price and the transaction price shows that it pays to negotiate," says Dr. Gesa Crockford, Managing Director of ImmoScout24. An analysis by Sprengnetter and ImmoScout24 shows that prospective buyers of condominiums in particular have room for negotiation, namely from around 8...

The architecture project "Hive Home - Living in the City of the Future" at Koblenz University of Applied Sciences has received funding of 156,000 euros from the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy and Mobility. The project focuses on the realization of an ecological living concept that enables comfortable living in a small space. The Tinyhouse was designed by students...

The increase in CO2 prices from 2027 would mean an additional burden for 18.6 million households in Germany. This would be the case even if a so-called "climate money" were to be introduced. This is the result of a study by the IMK of the Hans Böckler Foundation. Among those affected are middle-income owners who own older properties in rural areas. The reason for this is that...

When contesting business plan resolutions in condominium owners' associations, the grievance of a complaining owner must continue to be determined on the basis of their share in the business plan. This was decided by the Federal Court of Justice (AZ: V ZB 9/23). This also applies following the amendment to the law, which has been in force since December 1, 2020 and stipulates that only advances and reserves may be...

According to the "brigitte.de" portal, 2024 is all about "dopamine decor". Inspired by fashion, vibrant colors such as azure blue, magenta or lively green in the form of decorative items such as cushion covers or metal cabinets bring joy and energy into living spaces. Red accents are also on trend. Shades ranging from cozy carmine red to brownish rust-red, provide...