General

Construction sites should emit less carbon dioxide (CO2) in future. The Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering (IAO) has published corresponding measures for the decarbonization of construction sites by 2045 in a strategic roadmap. The strategic roadmap highlights twelve fields of action that need to be addressed on the road to a climate-neutral construction site by 2045.

According to the portal "infranken.de", the popularity of photovoltaic systems is steadily increasing. This is also reflected in discussions about the topic on social media platforms. A large community discusses the topic in groups such as "Photovoltaik: Alles Rund um die Solaranlage" (Facebook) with over 135,000 members. The community focuses on topics such as the...

Noise caused by dogs in a dog playground in a residential area is reasonable as long as it does not exceed the applicable immission guide values. This was decided by the Berlin Administrative Court (VG 24 K 148.19). A local resident had complained about noise pollution and the alleged use of the dog playground outside of the specified opening hours, which was operated by the Lichtenberg district office in...

The BVDM Furniture and Kitchens Trade Association, VDM Association of the German Furniture Industry and the Association of the German Wood-Based Panel Industry (VHI) are calling for more planning security and an immediate program for residential construction in an open letter to Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck. The target figure of 400,000 completed residential units per year seems a long way off to the associations....

Property buyers must note that "bought as seen" in the purchase contract means a warranty exclusion for defects. The Association of Private Builders (VPB) points this out. Old properties in particular can have various defects that buyers only notice after the purchase. However, the seller is under no obligation to point out obvious defects, such as damp walls,...

Forward-looking planning and flexible use of real estate will become increasingly important in the future. On the one hand, vacancies can be avoided in this way. On the other hand, it can ensure sustainable developments in existing buildings. These are the conclusions of the Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER). Although interests could change due to newly introduced...

When used correctly, heat pumps can guarantee both moderate costs and comfortable warmth while protecting the climate. This is the conclusion reached by the energy advice service of the consumer advice center. The heat pump draws its heat free of charge from natural sources such as air, soil or groundwater. The low temperature level that these pumps generate for heating systems is due to the...

If tenants want to know whether the rent freeze applies to their property or not, they can request more relevant information from their tenant. This was recently decided by the Federal Court of Justice (AZ: VIII ZR 375/21, VIII ZR 8/22, VIII ZR 60/22 and VIII ZR 125/22). The right to information expires within the regular limitation period of three years. The limitation period...

How can owners or tenants showcase their house or apartment with flower pots and plants? The livingathome.de portal provides some tips. For example, different flower pots can be covered with jute sacks to create a more uniform look. In addition, small indoor greenhouses, aquariums with plants or plants in jars hanging from the ceiling or hanging baskets...

A study by ImmoScout24 reveals the enormous rental prices in Germany. Seven of the ten most expensive rental apartments in the country are located in Berlin. At the top of the list is a designer penthouse in Mitte, which can be rented for 19,500 euros per month. Contrary to expectations, Munich is not among the ten most expensive cities for luxury real estate rental prices. The...