General

Housing preferences in Germany are changing significantly. The reasons for this are demographic change, rising housing costs and increased environmental awareness. These are the findings of a series of studies conducted by Baufi24 Baufinanzierungs GmbH in cooperation with the Technical University of Darmstadt. The series of studies also clearly shows that the residential real estate market - 78 percent of...

Private builders who work with turnkey contractors have benefited from the consumer construction contract since 2018. This increases their protection against financial losses in the event of the construction company becoming insolvent, including with regard to payments on account. This is because these are set out in a payment plan, which is ideally a central component of the consumer contract. According to the association...

Thermal insulation glazing plays a decisive role in the energy efficiency of buildings. They prevent heat from escaping through window surfaces to the outside. This can significantly reduce heating costs. Particularly in the cold season, when heating energy can be lost through old windows, replacing them with modern double or triple glazing offers a significant...

A tenant wanted to install an awning on his balcony and asked his landlord for permission. However, the landlord refused because he feared that the building would be visually impaired. The case finally ended up before the Munich district court (AZ: 411 C 4836/13). The court ruled that the landlord could not refuse consent to the installation. The tenant's interest in protecting himself from...

Every film fan's dream is an optimized home cinema experience. High-quality televisions or projectors and first-class speakers are essential for full enjoyment. These not only offer sharp and high-contrast images, but also a sound that draws you right into the movie. Technologies should be chosen that support viewing and listening habits and make the most of the movie experience.

Heating costs in Germany will rise considerably from 2027. This is according to a study by the Munich Research Institute for Thermal Insulation. It shows that the introduction of EU emissions trading in the building sector will significantly increase the cost of fossil fuels such as oil and gas. The aim of the measure is to promote the transition to more environmentally friendly heating...

Even in turnkey construction, it is possible to make individual adjustments such as special floor coverings or additional bathrooms. An example of this is the request for a special conduit for a PV system. However, special requests in the building contract should be formulated precisely in order to avoid legal disputes later on. The Association of Private Builders points this out...

In order to replace conventional gas and oil heating systems in apartment buildings, employees at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE are developing new heat pump systems using propane (R290). These developments aim to implement more sustainable and efficient heating solutions that meet the diverse requirements of the German housing stock. In this...

Tax reductions for energy-related renovations such as the installation of modern heating systems only become effective once the invoice has been paid in full. This decision affects owners who modernize their heating systems and expect tax benefits. This is the result of a ruling by the Federal Fiscal Court (IX R 31/23). In this case, the plaintiffs had replaced their heating system with a new...

A suitable closet should not only be functional, but also fit into the room visually. However, people often face the challenge of finding the right closet for their needs. The first decision helps here: should it be a free-standing closet or a built-in closet? Free-standing wardrobes are available in furniture stores and in...