General

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...

In most areas of Germany, it is more financially advantageous to rent a home than to buy. This is indicated by a study by the company "Colliers". It shows that in 365 of the 400 districts and independent cities surveyed (91 percent), renting an apartment is around EUR 4,300 a year cheaper than buying one. In the seven largest cities...

According to the Bauherren-Schutzbund (BSB), only two to three percent of all homes are classified as barrier-free. According to the BSB, barrier-free living not only increases living comfort for older people, but also benefits all generations. A level-access shower or step-free access to the living area are examples of measures that make everyday life easier and improve...

Consumers can currently save 300 to 800 euros per year by switching electricity or gas providers. The North Rhine-Westphalia consumer advice center points this out. There are "cheap electricity and gas tariffs" again. In addition, some electricity tariffs are also back to "pre-crisis levels" according to the NRW consumer advice center. If a family switches from an electricity tariff with a basic price...

New regulations in the Condominium Act offer more flexibility in the allocation of costs for maintenance measures. According to the judgments V ZR 81/23 and V ZR 87/23 of the Federal Court of Justice (BGH), condominium associations can now pass resolutions that provide for a specific cost allocation at the expense of individual owners for the maintenance of the common property. This makes it possible to...

From July 1, landlords will no longer be allowed to pass on the monthly fees for a cable TV connection to their tenants. This was previously the case for apartment buildings with a shared cable connection. The reason for the abolition of the so-called "ancillary cost privilege" is an amendment to the Telecommunications Act. Tenants can then choose their own provider. For...

The provision of affordable housing by employers, known as "employee housing", is once again gaining importance in Germany. A recent study by the "RegioKontext" institute shows that companies from various sectors, from craft businesses to large corporations, are becoming increasingly involved in this area. Employee housing could be a...