The kitchens of 2024 offer a variety of visual, tactile and functional innovations. According to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Die Moderne Küche (AMK), these kitchens are characterized by their combination of natural and technical elements, flexibility and stability as well as sustainability and innovation. They offer a harmonious blend of authenticity and high-tech, which is suitable for both...

Although property prices recorded a historic year-on-year decline of 9.9% in the second quarter of 2023, buying a property remains more financially unaffordable than renting. Even if rents continue to rise by 20 percent, buying a property is still a less attractive option than renting due to the high interest rates on loans. This is according to a study by...

The German Bundestag has passed important amendments to the Federal Building Code (BauGB) that will make a significant contribution to legal clarity when drawing up development plans in outdoor areas. The focus is on the introduction of Section 215a of the Building Code (BauGB), a "repair provision" that replaces the previous Section 13b BauGB. This step follows a ruling by the...

Properties with high energy efficiency will achieve up to 33 percent higher market prices in 2023 compared to properties with low efficiency. This applies to both new builds and energy-efficient refurbished homes. These are the findings of a study conducted by ImmobilienScout24 on behalf of the German Energy Efficient Building Envelope Association (BuVEG). The average value advantage of...

Losses from the rental of properties with a living space of more than 250 square meters cannot be automatically offset against other income of the taxpayer. This applies in particular to luxury properties whose market rent does not adequately reflect the high residential value and the associated costs, which often makes it impossible to cover the costs of letting. The Federal Fiscal Court (BFH) has...

How can older people live independently in their familiar surroundings for as long as possible? The Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ) explains this in the brochure "Living at home for longer". The brochure encourages older people to make their own homes more age-appropriate, whether through structural changes or technical improvements.

How can older people live independently in their familiar surroundings for as long as possible? The Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ) explains this in the brochure "Living at home for longer". The brochure encourages older people to make their own homes more age-appropriate, whether through structural changes or technical improvements.

Permission may be required for the construction of bicycle garages in some regions. The Association of Private Builders (VPB) points this out. Those who already have an existing garage or tool shed usually have no problems. It is permissible to use these. However, according to the VPB, building owners who wish to erect a new bicycle garage should familiarize themselves with the respective...

In September 2023, residential construction in Germany reached a new low: according to the German Construction Industry Association, the number of building permits fell by 29.7 percent to 19,300 apartments - the lowest rate since 2013. Chief Executive Tim-Oliver Müller expressed his concern about this continuing decline. He emphasized that neither political summits nor previous...

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology IEE and their industrial partners have made progress in the development of photovoltaic power converters in the "PV-MoVe" project funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK). The aim of the project was to use innovative technologies to reduce the size, weight and cost of PV power converters...