General

In 2023, 64.6 percent of new residential buildings in Germany were equipped with heat pumps as their primary heating source. This proportion has more than doubled since 2014. The use of heat pumps is particularly widespread in detached and semi-detached houses at 68.9 percent, while 41.1 percent of multi-family houses use this technology. This is according to a statement from the Statistical...

Hedge owners whose own plants also exceed the statutory heights may not assert any reduction claims against their neighbors. This is the result of a ruling by the Frankenthal Regional Court (AZ: 2 S 85/23). In this case, this legal principle was applied due to a dispute between two neighbors in Ludwigshafen who both had hedges that were too high. One...

Everyday life can be made considerably easier thanks to smart technologies. Volker Irle, Managing Director of the working group Die Moderne Küche, emphasizes how the integration of smart appliances enriches the cooking experience. Appliances can be conveniently controlled via smartphone or tablet, making everyday kitchen work easier. Innovative functions such as camera monitoring in the oven or...

Investors plan to invest 63.8 billion euros in the European residential real estate sector over the next three years. Almost half of the investors surveyed (48 %) would like to increase the proportion of residential real estate in their portfolios by 2026. This was the result of a survey conducted by Savills and Savills Investment Management. Multi-family houses and student accommodation are the preferred...

Prefabricated houses are becoming increasingly popular because they can be built quickly. Nowadays, they also offer individual design options. Builders can incorporate their personal preferences into the design and, for example, have modern adaptations made to facades or interiors. Different types of prefabricated houses make it possible...

Photovoltaic systems with connected battery storage offer the decisive advantage of increasing independence from the public power grid. Users can cover most of their electricity needs themselves by storing solar power generated during the day and using it as required. This not only significantly reduces energy costs, but also improves the energy efficiency of the home.

Resolutions on the levying of a special contribution are valid even if they do not state the exact amount. However, owners must be able to calculate this themselves. This was recently decided by the Federal Court of Justice (BGH; V ZR 132/23). In this case, a community of condominium owners wanted to conduct a lawsuit. The owners decided with...

The trend towards elegant furnishings shows that style and functionality do not have to be considered separately. Modern furniture brands offer products that are both aesthetically pleasing and of high quality. This combination makes them an ideal choice for those who want to make their home stylish without sacrificing comfort. Minimalism remains...

The enormous potential of existing properties for reducing CO2 emissions is highlighted in the latest Sparda study "Living in Germany 2024". Florian Rentsch, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Sparda Banks, emphasizes that the energy-efficient refurbishment of existing residential buildings is crucial for achieving climate targets. Especially as private households account for a significant proportion of...

The importance of early legal advice for builders in Mallorca is particularly important. Even before buying a plot of land and starting construction, potential homeowners should consult a local lawyer. This way, legal pitfalls can be avoided, especially if contracts are written in a foreign language. A thorough check of all documents is also strongly recommended.