General

In former industrial areas where housing is to be built, contaminated soil can be a costly challenge. Heavy metals and other toxins often make extensive soil remediation necessary before construction can begin. The Association of Private Builders therefore recommends that the quality of the soil should be checked in detail before purchasing a plot of land. This way...

Digitalization will result in 10 to 20 percent less energy consumption in the future than in 2020, according to a calculation model by researchers at the Paul Scherer Institute (PSI). They use it to describe the influence of "digital lifestyles" up to 2050, based on rebound effects. This means that any higher consumption that occurs - for example in the home office due to...

According to a recent BGH ruling (AZ: V ZR 241/23), condominium owners have the option of delegating decisions regarding the common property to an administrator. This applies in particular to decisions regarding the implementation of maintenance measures that the owners have already decided on. In the case at hand, a homeowners' association had decided to replace...

"Empty nesters", i.e. people whose children have already moved out, represent the largest group with the potential to downsize their living space. However, a study by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) shows that this potential often remains untapped. Although 26 percent of empty nesters feel that their home is too big and 38 percent have more than two extra rooms, the...

In his book "Bau keinen Scheiß", building expert Tobias Beuler warns against the frequent tricks used by house builders who exploit the ignorance of builders. He emphasizes that building a house, although complex, does not have to be complicated if builders are well informed and prepared. Tobias Beuler advises prospective builders to insist on their own planning. Many construction companies rely on...

A "white tank" is often required on unreliable ground. This refers to a construction made of waterproof concrete, which is used particularly in damp or difficult ground conditions. This method effectively prevents the ingress of water, but requires precise execution and special concrete mixtures in order to be reliable in the long term.

Effective insulation can contribute to climate protection and reduce energy costs. The German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) points this out. In its campaign "Zukunft Zuhause - Nachhaltig sanieren" (Future at home - sustainable renovation), it emphasizes that proper insulation ensures greater living comfort and preserves the value of properties all year round. Energy-efficient refurbishment measures are used both in summer and winter.

Landlords cannot simply demand higher rents due to inflation. This is the result of a landmark decision by the Regional Court of Munich I (case no. 14 S 3692/24). In this case, the plaintiff demanded consent to a rent increase that exceeded the rent values of the 2023 rent index. She justified this with an unusual increase in local comparative rents...

In the fall, homeowners should carry out various maintenance tasks to make their home winter-proof. This includes cleaning the gutters to avoid blockages caused by autumn leaves and to prevent water damage. It is also advisable to thoroughly check the condition of the roof in order to detect and repair any damage at an early stage, and the thermal insulation of the house should also be...

Rotterdam leads the Europe, Middle East and Africa economic area as the most inclusive city. However, German cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Munich and Cologne also show strong performance in the EMEA region in terms of social, economic, spatial and environmental inclusivity, according to the "Inclusive Cities Barometer" by Cushman & Wakefield. The highlights of the study...