General

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Construction companies cannot rely on material price increases to deviate from the agreed fixed price of a construction project. This was decided by the Palatinate Higher Regional Court (AZ: 5 U 188/22). In this case, a married couple took legal action against a construction company that did not want to carry out the agreed construction of a solid construction house at a fixed price of around 300,000 euros, but instead wanted to...

Outdoor cooking is becoming increasingly popular and, according to the "Die Moderne Küche" (AMK) working group, is becoming a sociable highlight for family and friends. A tailor-made outdoor kitchen, which is weatherproof and conveniently equipped, transforms a balcony, terrace or garden into a place to enjoy. "The outdoor kitchen ensures short distances when barbecuing and guests...