Real estate investment for beginners: how to do it on a budget

Geld anlegen?

In conversation with Lukinski / Kapitalanlagen (Stephan M. Czaja) – Buying your first condominium (as an investment) without risking everything right away – it’s possible. Small apartments around 25,000 euros are the perfect place to start. In many German cities, you can find small properties near the university or in peripheral locations that can be transformed into modern micro-apartments with a little skill.

Invest cheaply: Small apartment, big style & clever returns

Why is that?

Why 5,000 euros can be enough

For many first-time buyers, this sounds too good to be true. But: if you can raise around 20% equity – i.e. around 5,000 euros for a purchase price of 25,000 euros – and the bank finances the rest, you have already laid the foundation. In addition, there is a small buffer for modernization – and this is exactly where your leeway lies.

• Only 20 % equity required
• Low entry hurdle for your first investment

Upgrading with style: color, kitchen, charm

What you can get out of a nondescript apartment with a small budget is enormous. A new wall color immediately creates a fresh atmosphere. A laminate floor from the DIY store enhances the feeling of living. And with an inexpensive fitted kitchen, you not only add function, but also real added value – especially for potential tenants.

Achieve more rent with little effort

Those who invest in simple furnishings often get significantly more per square meter. Especially for students, young professionals or single travelers, it’s not the size that counts – but whether everything you need is there. Renting out furnished means you can charge a premium and appeal to a target group that is looking for exactly that.

• Fitted kitchen increases the rental value
• Furnished apartments generate more income

Who you rent to: Students, Singles, Mobile

Your small, cleverly furnished apartment is in tune with the times. More and more people are living alone – and they don’t want to live in huge apartments. Whether student or digital nomad: An apartment with 25 m², furnished and in good condition, is quickly rented out. Especially in cities with universities or good public transport connections, the vacancy rate is often zero.

High demand for small apartments

So why spend more or opt for large properties? Small apartments are not only easier to finance – they are also back on the market more quickly. And with a property management company, you don’t have to worry about almost anything.

• Stable demand for small units
• Property management takes over letting & administration

Less risk, more control

A small start also means: you risk less, but learn just as much. You build up initial experience, benefit from monthly rental income and can sell again at any time. Thanks to the compact size, you have lower operating costs, less maintenance – and a very clear calculation.

More overview with a small area

Instead of renting out a 4-room apartment, where you might end up with three empty rooms, you invest in a single small unit – with a clear target group. Your fixed costs remain manageable and you have full control over your income.

• Less effort, more overview
• Lower operating costs

Start with little capital – but a lot of impact

You don’t need millions to start investing in real estate. Just 5,000 euros is enough to buy a small apartment, upgrade it a little – and turn it into a real source of income. And best of all, you’ll learn everything you need for your future portfolio.

Micro-apartment as a capital investment: advantages for you

Small apartment with 25 m² instead of a large 4-room apartment. Why? More and more people are living alone in single households. Students, singles, holidaymakers, but also professional groups such as fitters, who are often in different cities. Learn more about investing in small condominiums, so-called micro-apartments, here.

• Micro-apartment as a capital investment

Interview: Family foundation in Germany

FIV: So that we can all get an idea, what are the big family foundations that everyone knows about?

Stephan: There are some well-known examples that most people will be familiar with. The “Krupp Foundation” and the “Siemens Foundation” are two of the best-known family foundations in Germany. Both foundations have set themselves the task of preserving the family fortune and passing it on to the next generation. However, they also support social and cultural projects. The purpose of a family foundation is primarily to secure and increase the family’s assets in the long term.

FIV: What is their purpose, why do these well-known families set up foundations?

Stephan: Large family foundations such as Krupp or Siemens are often about keeping the company and its assets in the family and protecting them across generations. The foundation separates the assets from the private assets and they cannot be sold or inherited so easily. Family foundations also enable long-term tax optimization and provide a legal framework to protect the inheritance from external influences.

FIV: We also stand for names and who has what! Can you give us a small top 3 of the larger foundations?

Stephan: Let me think for a moment.

• There is the Körber Foundation, which I believe has a volume of around 600 million euros and was founded by Kurt A. Körber,
• There is the Robert Bosch Stiftung, founded by Robert Bosch and worth a few billion euros,
• Or the Quandt Foundation, which everyone knows BMW with a volume of around 1 billion euros, founded by Johanna and Susanne Klatten.

Family foundation explained: What is it?

FIV: What exactly is a family foundation and how does it differ from other foundations?

Stephan: A family foundation is a private foundation whose main purpose is to preserve the assets of a family over generations. In contrast to charitable foundations, which focus on the common good, family foundations focus on the protection and preservation of family assets such as real estate, companies or other investments. The highlight here is that the assets are transferred to the foundation and therefore legally belong to the foundation and no longer to the founder or descendants. This offers a number of advantages, such as protection against inheritance disputes or third-party access.

What are the benefits of a family foundation?

FIV: What are the specific benefits of a family foundation? What advantages can you expect from it?

Stephan: The biggest advantage is certainly the protection of family assets. Through the foundation, the assets remain bundled and cannot be split up or sold so easily, for example in the event of a divorce or inheritance disputes. There are also tax advantages. Income generated within the foundation is usually subject to a lower tax burden than private income. Gift and inheritance tax can also be legally minimized by setting up a family foundation.

Here again very briefly:

1. Protection of family assets from sale or inheritance disputes
2. Tax advantages due to lower tax burden
3. Minimization of gift and inheritance tax

Who establishes a family foundation?

FIV: Who does this? Is there a certain type of person or family for whom a family foundation is particularly worthwhile?

Stephan: Family foundations are particularly attractive for entrepreneurial families who want to keep their company in the family for generations, or for families with large real estate holdings. But wealthy private individuals who want to secure their capital and optimize it for tax purposes also use this option. The establishment of a family foundation often comes into play when assets exceed the limit of around 1 million euros – at this point it really is worth considering.

How can you set up a family foundation yourself?

FIV: If you want to set up a family foundation yourself, what are the first steps?

Stephan: The first step is to get comprehensive advice. There are many legal and tax aspects that need to be considered, and mistakes can be expensive. Basically, everything starts with drawing up a foundation charter that regulates the purpose of the foundation, the organization and the management of the assets. The foundation must then be registered with the relevant tax office and the foundation supervisory authority. It is also important to think about the composition of the foundation board, as this is responsible for the administration of the foundation.

FIV: Can real estate and assets also be transferred to a newly established foundation?

Stephan: Yes, that is possible, I have a great guide online, maybe you can link to it: Transferring real estate to foundations.

FIV: Thank you very much for the interview, Stephan! Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers about the family foundation?

Stephan: Yes, I would say: inform yourself well and get professional advice. A family foundation is a great instrument for protecting assets and saving taxes, but it needs to be well planned and carefully implemented. If you do it right, you can protect your family and your assets in the long term. May I give you two more link tips?

FIV: Yes, of course!

Stephan: If you want to know more about

1. Foundations in general, you can also visit the Federal Association of Foundations
2. Establish family foundations for real estate, please have a look at my website under foundation establishment
3. And now generally on Saving One about family foundations in Germany

Your favorite perfume, delivered to your home every 6 months

Our deliveries are made directly to your home every 6 months, which means you never have to go through the stressful shopping trip in crowded stores again. You can test the fragrances in the comfort of your own home and decide which one suits you best. What’s more, our perfume subscription is the perfect gift for your loved ones to give them the joy of high-quality fragrances. Explore the world of fragrances in our perfume online store today!

• To the perfume store

Everyone has their favorite perfume, including me (Stephan, founder of FIV & Shops), hence the idea!

The most popular fragrance brands in the store

9 shopping ideas, our community loves these brands:

• Chanel
• Dior
• Dolce & Gabbana
• Giorgio Armani
• Gucci
• Jean Paul Gaultier
• Lancôme
• Versace
• Yves Saint Laurent

Your time is precious!

Your time is precious, and we understand that. With our perfume subscription, you can save time and explore the exciting world of fragrances at the same time. Trust the experts and be surprised by the best fragrances. Start your perfume subscription today and experience the convenience, time savings and variety of the best fragrances the perfume world has to offer. Enjoy testing and discovering without leaving the comfort of your home.

Your perfume subscription: 3 advantages

Perfume subscription: Directly to your home! Our perfume subscription is the answer to this challenge. It’s designed to save you time and ensure you always have the best fragrances to hand.

Why store for the same perfume over and over again when it’s so easy?

Here’s how it works:

1. the expert selection: Only top brands

Our experts in the world of fragrances know which perfumes deserve attention. Every month, they compile a list of the best fragrances, including both well-known classics and up-and-coming niche fragrances. Always inspired by fragrance icons. You can be sure that you will always get the crème de la crème of the perfume world.

2. directly to your home: save time

No more need to rummage around in stores. Your monthly perfume selection is delivered directly to your home. Convenient and stress-free!

3. no testing in the store: no shopping stress

With our perfume subscription, you can test the fragrances in the comfort of your own home without having to spend time in crowded stores. You can try them out at your own pace and decide which one suits you best.

Recommendation: Our perfume store

You want the best and most popular fragrances in the world? Your Chanel No. 5 is running out? Good timing! Long-lasting and recommended by fragrance experts, discover ours now:

• Perfume online store

What is “It’s Greenhouse”?

I love bees! Our editorial team even has a small bee meadow on the rooftops of Cologne with lots of herbs, wild flowers, vines and apple trees. A small oasis, but is it also possible in XXL?

We’re taking you to Spain today!

“It’s Greenhouse” is a European program that focuses on the sustainable production of fruit and vegetables in solar greenhouses. These greenhouses are specially developed facilities that use solar energy to grow plants. The program was launched by the Spanish fruit and vegetable sector association, HORTIESPAÑA, and aims to promote a responsible and environmentally friendly production model in agriculture. It is implemented in Spain and Germany and is supported by the European Union.

How solar greenhouses work

How do solar greenhouses work and why are they beneficial? Solar greenhouses use innovative technology that makes them so advantageous:

Environmental protection: fewer pesticides and chemical fertilizers

In solar greenhouses, the use of synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers is minimized. This is because these closed environments allow control over the growth of plants. This allows pests to be better monitored and controlled without resorting to harmful chemicals. This protects the environment from harmful chemicals and reduces soil and water pollution.

Health: fewer chemicals, better food

As fewer harmful chemicals are used in agriculture, the food produced is safer and healthier for consumers. No pesticide residues are found on the products.

Sustainability: energy-efficient into the future

Solar greenhouses are more energy efficient and can be used all year round. Using solar energy to control environmental conditions helps to increase resource efficiency and make agriculture more profitable and environmentally friendly in the long term.

Biodiversity! Welcome bees and ladybugs

Solar greenhouses not only provide a protected habitat for plants, but also for beneficial insects. These insects, such as bees and ladybugs, play a crucial role in biological pest control and pollination of plants. As no harmful pesticides are used, these insect species can survive and help to maintain biodiversity.

Why less pesticides?

The use of fewer pesticides in solar greenhouses is a key feature of this program. There are several reasons for reducing the use of pesticides:

1. Environmental protection: Not using synthetic pesticides protects the environment from harmful chemicals that can pollute soil and water
2. Health: Fewer pesticides mean safer and healthier food for consumers as there are no pesticide residues on the products
3. Biodiversity: The reduced use of pesticides promotes biodiversity, as beneficial insects can survive to combat pests
4. Sustainability: Fewer pesticides mean lower costs for farmers and enable long-term sustainable agriculture

Overall, the “It’s Greenhouse” program shows that sustainable agriculture and the protection of biodiversity can go hand in hand. Not only does it protect our environment, but it also helps to conserve endangered insect species and reduce the use of harmful pesticides. By championing such sustainable initiatives, we can make a positive contribution to protecting our environment, our health and our wildlife.

Organic Farmin Supersize: Solution for the planet?

Even in dry regions, tens of tons of food can be produced in this way.

Launch of the TikTok Shop in Germany

FIV: When does TikTok expect to launch the TikTok Shop in Germany and what features can users expect?

Sina Kadir, Social Expert

Sina: Various sources report that the TikTok Shop will soon be available in Germany. The launch brings with it exciting features, such as the ability to buy products from creators and brands directly via the app. Particularly exciting is the “buy with one click” feature, which simplifies the purchasing process.

Advantages for companies and creators

FIV: What advantages will the TikTok Shop offer German companies and creators?

Sina: The TikTok Shop enables companies and content creators to present their products to a broad audience and strengthen the bond with the TikTok community. The “buy with one click” option makes shopping on TikTok easy and attractive for the target group.

FIV: How is the security of payment transactions in the TikTok Shop guaranteed?

Sina: The security of payment transactions is a top priority. TikTok uses encryption technologies and offers well-known payment methods to ensure the confidentiality of user data and the security of payments.

Effective use of the TikTok Shop

FIV: How can companies and content creators effectively use the TikTok Shop to market their products? Sina: The TikTok Shop can be used as a marketing tool to present products creatively via videos. Authentic and appealing videos arouse the interest of users, and the simple redirection to the product in the app simplifies the sales process.

Offers in the TikTok Shop

FIV: Who can offer products in the TikTok Shop – and are there restrictions for certain categories?

Sina: The store is open to (almost) all companies and brands, but there will probably be restrictions in certain product categories to ensure the quality and safety of the products on offer.

Advantages for companies

FIV: Are there any advantages for companies using the TikTok Shop?

Sina: TikTok plans to introduce special incentives and promotional opportunities for businesses using the TikTok Shop, such as promoting products in TikTok ads and promotions.

FIV: What does the integration of the TikTok Shop into the TikTok app look like? How are users made aware of products?

Sina: The TikTok Shop will be seamlessly integrated into the TikTok app, and users will be able to discover products in their feeds and in creator videos. Personalized recommendations based on users’ interests will suggest interesting products.

Store: This is what the TikTok Store looks like

FIV: What steps should companies and creators take to prepare for the launch of the TikTok Shop?

Sina: Companies and creators should create high-quality product images and videos, develop a clear product marketing strategy and adhere to the TikTok Shop Guidelines in order to be successful. Authentic and creative content is key.

FIV: Sina, thank you very much for the interview! How can interested parties find out more about possible strategies?

Sina: With pleasure. Anyone who would like to find out more is welcome to contact me directly. I would be happy to discuss possible strategies without obligation.

TikTok Shop: What you need to know

Sina Kadir, Social Expert

In this interview, we learned that the TikTok Shop is expected to be launched in Germany soon and will offer exciting features, including the ability to “buy with one click”. Companies and creators can benefit from this integration to promote their products to a wide audience and strengthen the bond with the TikTok community. The security of payment transactions is guaranteed and there are benefits for companies using the TikTok Shop. The integration of the store into the TikTok app promises a seamless experience for users. To prepare for the launch, companies should create high-quality content and develop a clear strategy.

Thanks to our TikTok marketing expert Sina for the interview!

Our top recommendation: selection, models & their advantages

Here you have already got to know a small selection of our favorites, but there are many more brands in the sky of rooftop tent brands. For a detailed overview of 13 rooftop tent suppliers, you can read on here:

• Rooftop tent manufacturer

5 mistakes! What to look out for when investing?

Your goal is financial freedom? Anyone can build wealth with real estate. Investments allow you to build up money over the long term. By investing, you can make your real estate work for you and benefit from interest, dividends and price gains over time. However, investing in real estate without any knowledge is too risky. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Every real estate professional has already made mistakes that you can benefit from. Stick to this checklist, avoid the 5 mistakes and minimize your risk of failure. Let’s go!

Risk checklist: What you should avoid

Stick to these points and nothing will stand in the way of your successful investment:

1. Don’t invest in real estate with too low a return
2. Designing financing for the long term instead of the short term
3. Bring in enough equity
4. Financing compared
5. Calculate net return not just gross return

Find out now what the 5 biggest mistakes are that you can make when investing.

Advantages: Freedom on the car roof

Roof tent camping is becoming increasingly popular and not without reason. A camping vacation with a roof tent offers you many advantages. One of the biggest is that you are flexible and independent. You can camp almost anywhere as long as you can find a suitable pitch. You can discover new places without depending on fixed accommodations. So camping with a roof tent adds a sense of adventure and freedom to your travels.

Make sure you don’t sleep outside the campsite uneralubt. Read more: Wild camping.

Fold & go: Travel independently

When you want to travel further, you can simply fold up your roof tent again and drive off. Roof tents are usually quick to set up and take down. Most models have mechanisms that are designed to allow you to open the tent as quickly and conveniently as possible. You save time and can focus on exploring the surroundings faster. On the roof of the car they are also extremely space-saving and you hardly notice the roof tent on the onward journey – you can even continue to use the trunk as normal.

Small to large: different models

Unlike traditional tents, rooftop tents don’t require additional floor space. This means you usually don’t need a particularly large pitch either, which can be cheaper. Even with an awning, there are rooftop tents that require less space than a caravan or camper. For roof tent are also available for purchase in different sizes. There are different models and sizes of roof tents that can be adapted to different needs. Whether alone, in pairs or as a family – there are suitable options.

You can see the different sizes here:

• Roof tent 2 people
• Roof tent 3 people
• Roof tent 4 people
• Roof tent 5 people

Sleeping on the roof of the car: free from bad floors

The fact that your roof tent is on the car roof protects you from the cold or uneven ground. The ground plate, which is attached to the top of your car, is always straight. This way you can lie comfortably and not get stabbed in the back by a root in the middle of the night. Often it also gives you a better view and closeness to nature. Despite the feeling of being in the middle of nature, you are protected from curious animals.

In the middle of nature: but still weatherproof!

If you have a roof tent with hard shell, you usually also have extremely high stability in rain and wind. This means you are better protected from rain, moisture and other weather conditions. Nevertheless, most of the roof tent models have windows and sometimes even skylights. So you can experience the sunrise, the starry sky and the surroundings directly.

Overview: 9 advantages of roof tent camping

And finally, roof tent camping can be a social experience. Many campgrounds and meetings offer the opportunity to meet other campers and share ideas. For example, about these nine advantages of camping with a roof tent:

• Flexible travel
• Quick assembly and disassembly
• Space-saving
• Protection from animals & weather
• Versatility
• Proximity to nature
• Spirit of adventure
• Community
• Higher comfort & better view

Disadvantages & why it is still worth it

There are always two sides to the coin. A roof tent can also bring its problems. For example, the purchase price is first higher than most conventional tents or a one-night hotel stay. After that, however, the price is worth it, as there are rarely many more costs after the purchase price. With a hotel stay you would have to pay again for the next vacation, with a roof tent you have only a small fee for the campsite, because you have your sleeping place directly with it.

Pay attention to the fuel: extra weight

Of course, the extra weight on the car roof can also increase your fuel consumption. However, it is fair to say that this still does not come close to the consumption of a caravan or motorhome. The roof tent is lighter in comparison and therefore requires less load on your car. There is also a maximum speed for some roof tents. You should adhere to this in order to prevent accidents and to save fuel.

Unsafe during storms & thunderstorms: Attention lightning!

Rain and wind can withstand most roof tents, but in case of a stronger storm or a thunderstorm you should better stay in the car or drive to the nearest hotel. A roof tent does not have a closed metal structure, like a car. Additionally, its place on the roof of the car puts it in an elevated position. This can make lightning strikes dangerous very quickly.

No space for heavy furniture, such as cabinets

A rooftop tent is already one of the space-saving ways to vacation in nature. But due to the more compact size, the space in the roof tent is not comparable with the living space in a fully equipped caravan or motor home. But in return, of course, it is much lighter and cheaper.

Fold in the roof tent: then drive on!

And while you can easily drive from destination to destination, your car is still not 100% freely available. If you’ve already unfolded the tent in the evening, you’ll still have to fold it up to make one trip to the supermarket. However, most models are designed for quick setup and tear down, so this should be quick and you can still buy your well-deserved snack for dinner.

Summary: 5 disadvantages

Here you can find an overview of all 5 disadvantages.

• Higher purchase price
• Slightly increased fuel consumption
• Not suitable for storm & thunderstorm
• Limited living space
• Must be folded in before moving on

Roof tent manufacturer: Our recommendation

If the advantages have made you curious, then you will find here the various roof tent manufacturers. You will find many different sizes, types and models, so you can find exactly the roof tent that suits you.

• Roof tent manufacturer

Roof tent comparison: the best roof tent?

Looking for the right roof tent or strong accessories and equipment for the camping site? Here you will find our shopping recommendations:

• Roof tent comparison

Over five decades of adventure: Airpass roof tents

If you want to go camping with a roof tent, then you may have thought about which roof tent to buy? Maybe Airpass is an idea for you. Airpass is a roof tent that is suitable for any car and has worldwide appeal. Originally an Italian invention, the car roof tent was patented on September 16, 1958 at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Milan and has accompanied research trips and adventure travel for over fifty years.

You can check out the roof tents in the store here at Airpass:

• Airpass

Mounting a roof tent: Simply sleep on the car

The assembly of a roof tent is uncomplicated and can be done in a few minutes. It is simply attached to the roof rack system or roof rack of the vehicle and thus offers a space-saving solution for camping enthusiasts and travelers. You should only check the load capacity of the vehicle and the roof rack system before buying to ensure driving stability and safety.

Roof tents come in different sizes and designs to meet individual needs. The assembly and disassembly is effortless thanks to sophisticated mechanisms and does not require special skills. Modern roof tents are made of high-quality materials that ensure good insulation and weather resistance. The elevated position of the roof tent provides not only an uninterrupted view, but also safety from wild animals and insects, as you are above the ground.

That is why it is so uncomplicated to sleep in the roof tent:

• Assembly: Easy & fast done in a few minutes
• Mounting: On the roof rack system or roof rack
• Space-saving solution & still diverse selection
• Easy assembly & disassembly thanks to intelligent mechanisms
• Elevated position: safety from animals & insects, uninterrupted view

Flexible to stay overnight in different places

Many adventurers choose a rooftop tent to enhance their camping and travel experiences and provide flexibility to stay overnight in different locations. Whether in the mountains, on remote beaches or in national parks, a rooftop tent allows travelers to carry their sleeping space comfortably and safely.

Overall, rooftop tents offer an exciting way to explore the outdoors and have unforgettable outdoor experiences. With Airpass and other rooftop tent brands, camping enthusiasts and travel enthusiasts can discover the world in a unique way.

Structure: Quickly explained & super easy

And this is what an Airpass rooftop tent looks like when it is being set up:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_N44dNIvum8

Roof tents models: couple to family

In the product range of Airpass and other manufacturers, there are various roof tents available to meet the needs of camping and travel enthusiasts. These include 2-person rooftop tents that are ideal for solo adventurers or couples, 3-person rooftop tents that provide space for small groups, and spacious 4-person rooftop tents that provide sleeping space for families or larger travel groups.

Whether for leisurely camping trips or challenging adventure travel, a wide selection of rooftop tent sizes allows travelers to meet their individual preferences and requirements. Find the right size for you here:

• 2 person roof tents
• 3 person roof tents
• 4 person roof tents
• 5 person roof tents

Manufacturer list: Quite a lot of choice

You can always find Airpass roof tents and many other good manufacturers and suppliers in our list:

• Roof tent manufacturer

Cheap equipment and extras? Look in our:

• Roof tent comparison