General

The European Central Bank (ECB) has lowered its key interest rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.25 percent. This first interest rate cut since 2019 makes loans cheaper. This is particularly attractive for property buyers. Due to potentially lower loan costs, the interest rate cut can make buying property considerably easier. Particularly in an environment of rising property prices, this...

Building acceptance is a crucial step for private building owners - it signals that the building has been completed. However, experience shows that hardly any new builds are accepted without defects. For this reason, the Association of Private Building Owners (VPB) recommends that independent experts be consulted during the acceptance process in order to identify possible defects. A formal building inspection is advisable and should...

An attractive living room is the focal point of every home. This is where aesthetics meet comfort and personality is expressed. The first step in successful living room design begins with the right mix of function and design. The choice of colors and materials is also crucial. These can not only visually expand the room, but also create a...

The current interest rate uncertainty is making potential real estate buyers and developers hesitate. Many are waiting before entering into financial commitments. This reflects the concern that further interest rate hikes could drive up the cost of financing. This is the result of a study by the company "Civey". Despite the reluctance due to interest rate developments,...

The Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) supports energy-conscious construction with low-interest loans. If owners would like to receive a corresponding subsidy, they must submit an application before construction or renovation begins. The measures may only be started once the application has been approved. The reason for this is that the KfW does not provide subsequent...

Civil engineer Ronald Meyer has developed a refurbishment sprint that quickly makes old buildings climate-neutral. In just four weeks, a semi-detached house in Hamburg built in 1963 was completely refurbished in this way to become a KfW Efficiency House 70. This speed is possible thanks to optimized planning and parallel work by different tradesmen. Ronald Meyer's method could increase the refurbishment rate...

The position of landlords in the event of terminations for personal use has been strengthened by a recent ruling by the Federal Court of Justice (BGH). The BGH ruled that landlords who want to use some of their rented apartments for professional purposes can claim this under simplified conditions. To do so, they only need to prove a notable disadvantage that would arise if the apartment were not occupied...

Multifunctional furniture is indispensable in small apartments. This can include sofa beds, foldaway beds or bunk beds. These pieces of furniture offer multiple uses and save valuable space. In addition, foldable pieces of furniture such as folding chairs or extendable tables, which can be easily stowed away or reduced in size again if required, can be...

Residential real estate stocks are currently performing significantly better than commercial real estate stocks. At 21.1 points, the basic sentiment for residential real estate shares remains at a high level in the first half of 2024. In the second half of 2023, it was still at 22.8 points. In contrast, the basic sentiment for commercial real estate shares is -7.2 points. In the second half of 2023, the basic sentiment was -10.7...

Opting for a semi-detached house brings both financial and practical benefits. One key advantage is that it is often more affordable than a detached single-family home. In addition, a semi-detached house offers the opportunity to live in one side of the house yourself and rent out the other. The rental income can help to pay off mortgages or other...