When discovering unclear moisture damage or mold growth, it is crucial not to start any hasty repairs. These can often destroy evidence that is important for clarifying responsibilities. The Association of Private Building Owners (VPB) points this out. Instead, Marc Ellinger, head of the VPB's regional office in Freiburg-Südbaden, advises calmness and careful documentation of the...

Builders or owners who want to convert their loft should find out the necessary budget and all the important steps in advance. This is because in some federal states, planning permission is required if you want to do this. This is the case, for example, if the statics of the house are affected by the addition of a balcony or the external appearance of the house.

12.4 million families in Germany live in owner-occupied property. This means that 57% of families live in their own property. Couples with children are particularly likely to live within their own four walls (62%). This is according to surveys conducted by the census on May 15, 2022. In addition to couples with and without children, families also include single parents with children. Where especially...

New housing concepts are gaining in importance as the traditional concept of the family changes and loneliness increases. Shared housing projects that offer more than just a roof over your head could be an answer to the challenges of modern living. These projects aim to create spaces in which people not only live, but also have social and supportive relationships.

Five German cities in particular are at high risk of extreme weather events - Frankfurt am Main, Leipzig, Saarbrücken, Dresden and Erfurt. These are the findings of a recent study by commercial real estate and investment management company JLL on the future development of climate risk up to 2050. The forecasts are based on detailed climate models that predict the frequency and intensity of...

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...

Building expert Tobias Beuler warns in his book "Bau keinen Scheiß" ("Don't fuck around") against the frequent tricks used by house builders who exploit the ignorance of clients. 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...