January 2025

Living trends: focus on individual design

More than ever, the home is an expression of one's own personality. Sustainability remains a central theme. The "Modern Minimalism" trend is characterized by functional furniture and clear shapes that offer plenty of space in small rooms. The focus is on functionality and quality, while the design concentrates on the essentials. Modularity and storage space solutions play...

Lighting planning: ensure perfect lighting at an early stage

Well thought-out lighting design in a new build is essential to avoid being left in the dark later on. The right lighting not only provides sufficient light, but also contributes to a feel-good atmosphere and functional design. Suitable luminaires must be installed to ensure pleasant lighting at all times of the day. Builders should therefore already...

Energy efficiency: climate protection through building refurbishment

In Germany, the building sector accounts for around 30 percent of energy consumption and CO2 emissions. A large proportion of the approximately 15 million detached and semi-detached houses are outdated in terms of energy efficiency. However, modern insulation and efficient heating systems based on renewable energies can significantly reduce energy consumption and increase living comfort at the same time. Refurbishment actively contributes to...

Case law: Electricity theft does not always lead to termination

The Leverkusen Local Court ruled that a landlord may not terminate a tenant's lease without notice for stealing electricity for an electric car (AZ: 22 C 157/23). In this case, tenants had repeatedly charged their hybrid vehicle at a general socket in the apartment building. This led to displeasure among the neighbors. Despite the small amount of damage of 48 euros, the landlord had a...

Floor coverings: The best options for every home

Choosing the right floor covering depends on your individual needs and interior design style. The most common options include laminate, parquet, vinyl and tiles. Each of these floor coverings has its own advantages that make it particularly suitable for certain rooms. Laminate flooring is particularly easy to maintain and inexpensive, while parquet flooring stands out with its durability and natural look.

Property tax: local authorities massively increase assessment rates

Many cities and municipalities in Germany raised their property tax considerably in 2023. The average assessment rate rose by 18 percentage points to 409% - the biggest increase since surveys began. An analysis by the German auditing and consulting organization EY shows that more than 2,600 municipalities increased the assessment rate. Only around 50 of the municipalities made a reduction. This...

Buying real estate: new build or existing property?

The supply of existing properties on the real estate market is increasing, which appears attractive to buyers due to lower prices. However, prospective buyers should find out exactly what costs they will incur. Professional estate agents can also help with this. They can inform potential buyers about the advantages and disadvantages of existing and new-build properties. Estate agents provide information, for example...

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