Rent, buy, live in Bochum

Real Estate Urban lead a dynamic and experienced company that specializes in brokering, selling and renting real estate in Bochum. FIV Magazine has talked to the real estate agent team from Bochum in an interview about attractive districts, financing options and the Bochum real estate market. Here you can learn everything about buying your first home, different types of houses and apartments.

Overview of Bochum and surrounding cities:

Bochum from close up:

Rent: Contract & Settlement

After the successful purchase of the property and the execution of the purchase contract, you naturally want to furnish your newly acquired property according to your individual needs. From the living room furnishings, to the garden design, nothing stands in their way of your creative imagination.

Buy: Return on investment through real estate

In our interview you will learn everything about real estate and returns in Bochum. Should you buy a property in Bochum or is it more worthwhile to buy nearby, for example in Witten or Herne?

Real estate agent interview about real estate in Bochum

The first condominium or real estate as an investment? In this interview you will learn the most important tips & tricks. Buy, rent, live in Bochum but also tips for capital investments. We ask the questions, he provides the answers.

Urban real estate: Real estate agent in Bochum

FIV: Before we talk about Bochum and its real estate market and your recommendations for tenants and buyers, we would like to know a little more about your agency Immobilien Urban. Could you briefly summarize for our readers what your agency does and what you specialize in?

Immobilien Urban: I founded Immobilien Urban GmbH almost five years ago as a young and innovative real estate agency. We have specialized in the sale of residential real estate. We would like to set ourselves apart from old-established brokers in Bochum and the surrounding area with our service and our open and communicative manner. Technical means, such as drone photography, professional object photos, visualizations of exterior and interior spaces, as well as homestaging raise the brokering to a new level. It is our claim to inspire not only the seller, but also the prospective buyer.

Buying a property: emotional decision

Despite all the possibilities offered by technology, the purchase of a future home is “fortunately” still a very emotional decision. The communication with prospective buyers and a personal inspection as well as consultation are therefore essential. Our greatest ambition is to present the property perfectly and to accompany buyers as well as sellers in the best possible way during the buying or selling process.

Hallway in a luxury property in Bochum:

Real estate mediation

FIV: As an agent in Bochum, which properties do you personally prefer to broker?

Urban Real Estate: I prefer to broker the classic single-family home. Here it is primarily about emotional decisions and not about a rational return. On the one hand, I try to pick up on the seller’s personal connection to the property and incorporate it into our exposé. It is often an emotional moment for our clients to decide to sell their home.

The only thing that helps is a close exchange of ideas and a response to the seller’s personal wishes. On the other hand, prospective buyers are in the process of fulfilling their dream of owning their own home, and it is a pleasure to be able to accompany this process in most cases. Especially the handing over of the keys and the anticipation of the buyers for the object motivate me for further tasks. I help people with an important step in their lives and this task I take very seriously with pleasure.

Districts with future opportunities: Stiepel & Altenbochum

FIV: Neighborhoods for Singles, Families & Co. – For those who don’t live in Bochum yet and want to move to Bochum, which neighborhoods have a future? Where should you move to in Bochum if you want to live nicely?

Urban real estate: Bochum is on the whole a very beautiful and green city. Often as a gray mouse in the shadow of the big ones, Essen as well as Dortmund, Bochum offers singles and families very much quality of life. The complete south over Weitmar, Altenbochum as well as Stiepel, in order to name only the largest districts, offers families short ways and a large leisure offer. As a university city, it also offers singles many small apartments in and around the city center.

Real estate agent Peter Urban:

Ehrenfeld as a popular district

Especially the Ehrenfeld district, south of the city center, has grown in recent years into a very popular hotspot for young people on the one hand, but also for wealthy families for whom the short distance to the city center is important. This continues to spread in the direction of Springerplatz. Every Friday afternoon, for example, the Moltkemarkt takes place on Springerplatz, this offers special culinary experiences from merchants from the Bochum area. Here, especially in nice weather, many families with children meet and start the weekend with pleasure.

Young people and singles of all ages then find their way to the Bermuda Triangle. There are countless restaurants and pubs there.
But Bochum also has many beautiful neighborhoods to offer for families with lower incomes. It is particularly pleasing that there are no social hotspots in Bochum. Most of the neighborhoods have a very balanced population and that is what makes Bochum so special.

Development of rental prices in Bochum

FIV: Rents are a big topic, all over Germany. How has the real estate market and rental prices in Bochum developed in recent years and how will they develop in the future?

Urban real estate: In Bochum, too, purchase prices and rents have risen sharply in recent years, to be honest. However, with the exception of a few districts, we are still far from the prices in Düsseldorf, Cologne or Münster. Bochum offers sufficient living space for families of all income levels, even if the search for a single-family home is becoming more and more of a waiting game. Due to the many former miners’ settlements, however, there are also many alternatives to new construction.

The houses are somewhat older, but have large garden plots and offer a lot of potential. The purchase prices are much more affordable than a new construction project. In the future, the market will remain tight and will depend on interest rate policies. If these remain at the current level, owning a home is a perfect alternative to renting. For an investor, the investment in multi-family housing remains a perfect alternative to a savings account.

The office of Urban Real Estate:

Rent or buy as a young couple/ single person

FIV: In Germany, more people rent than buy. What would you recommend to a young couple or even a single person, renting or buying in Bochum?

Immobilien Urban: This is not an easy question to answer, because many personal factors of the seekers play a big role here. How flexible do I want to remain, how do I envision my future. Quitting a rented apartment often doesn’t require an emotional decision, which is likely to be much more difficult with a home of one’s own. We recommend taking one step at a time. Real estate has always been a stable value investment, so we always tend to buy, but it must fit into the life situation of the seeker.

Typical mistakes when buying real estate: tips for first-time buyers

FIV: Anyone who rents in Bochum is relatively flexible and can move if necessary. Anyone who buys a property, whether a home or a condominium, is at least tied to the property in the long term by the loan or financing. What are typical first-time buyer mistakes from your experience as a real estate agent and how can you avoid them?

Immobilien Urban: Many first-time buyers are inexperienced in terms of the buying process and the liabilities that a property entails. We can only recommend to everyone to get many opinions, to compare the market and not to make any hasty actions. The purchase should be well considered and fit into the medium-term life planning. In recent years, however, a purchase has rarely turned out to be a mistake, because even if your own use is no longer an option, an apartment or even a house can be rented out well.

The long-term nature of financing a property should, of course, always be linked to life planning. If you are planning to buy or even build something, always seek advice from an external expert. Both in terms of the condition of the property, but also on the financing of the object and on tax issues.

• Get many opinions
• No rash purchases
• Linking financing to life planning
• Broker advice the be-all and end-all
• Condition check of the object
• Financing & Taxes

Incidental expenses and taxes of a real estate

FIV: The purchase price of a property is one thing, but what ancillary costs and taxes must buyers in Bochum expect?

Urban real estate: In addition to the purchase price, the buyer has to pay the so-called ancillary purchase costs. First and foremost and the largest part is the land transfer tax. Here relatively briskly after the notarial authentication 6.5% of the purchase price become due to the tax office. Furthermore, the buyer bears the costs of the notarization at the notary, about 1% of the purchase price, as well as all costs that have to do with the processing of the purchase contract, for example, all entries in the land register. Here, too, you have to calculate with about one percent. Thus, the incidental purchase costs amount to about 8.5%.

Incidental costs at a glance:

• 6.5% of the purchase price to the tax office
• 1% Notary
• 1% Land register
• 8.5% Incidental purchase costs

Another important point is the brokerage fees. Here, the federal government has created a novelty. The buyer’s costs may not exceed the seller’s costs. This means nothing other than that the seller must either pay the entire brokerage fee or can pass on a maximum of half of it to the buyer. This must be clearly evident in the exposé for the prospective buyer. However, this regulation only applies to the purchase of condominiums as well as detached and semi-detached houses.

The modern office building from the inside:

Capital investment Bochum: Most future opportunities

FIV: Bochum neighborhoods for real estate investment – Let’s move on to real estate as an investment in Bochum, for those who want to buy and rent. If our*r reader*in decides for the purchase, with following letting: Which 2 districts or satellites around Bochum would you recommend to a buyer for their capital investment in Bochum? In your opinion as an expert, where do the most future opportunities lie?

Urban real estate: When investing in real estate, I would always recommend paying attention to the infrastructure. Apartment sizes must fit the location of the building. There is no point in owning small apartments outside the city, it will be just as difficult to rent out family-sized apartments in the city center. A good investment is also characterized by the ratio of the purchase price and the rental income, this should be balanced and be able to guarantee a long-term planned rent. The choice of the district depends solely on the willingness of the buyer to take risks. For the beginning with a manageable risk, districts such as Altenbochum, Weitmar or Riemke are perfectly suitable.

Objects in which to invest

FIV: In your opinion, what type of real estate has a future in Bochum, what should one invest in? Small, large, existing, new construction?

Urban real estate: This question cannot be answered so sweepingly. Bochum is a university town, small apartments for students are essential. The campus around the university continues to expand every year and there is a need for more housing for students and university employees. Small age-appropriate apartments are also needed and built for older city residents. On the other hand, Bochum has a great need for family-friendly apartments that are affordable for everyone. We often have well over one hundred inquiries for an advertised 4.5 room apartment, which speaks for little choice in the area. I prefer a healthy mix.

What’s wrong with building houses with different apartment sizes, mixing families with students and seniors?

Private investors are very important for the real estate industry in Germany. In addition to looking at returns, they must also look at the efficiency of buildings. CO2-neutral construction will certainly be a major topic in the future. It is important that the higher construction costs are offset by subsidies and support from the state and do not necessarily have to have an impact on rents. Real estate must remain an attractive investment in order to create more living space for all age groups and social classes.

Sell house or apartment in Bochum

FIV: Lastly, one more question – you had mentioned the typical mistakes buying a property. Many buy, but some also want to sell. As an experienced real estate agent in Bochum, what tips can you give to those who are selling a property for the first time? What are the first steps and how to sell a property in Bochum successfuly?

Immobilien Urban: Of course, we can only advise every seller to hire a real estate expert. It starts with the determination of the selling price, continues with the compilation of all necessary documents and the preparation of suitable photographs as well as an exposé. Often, these things are underestimated and the search begins after the first visits. We offer a property only when all the necessary documents have been compiled. As a more experienced real estate agent, I have a good eye for a possible target group of interested parties.

This is important for the presentation of the property in the exposé. Our real estate agency also has a large database of searchers. This has the advantage that specifically selected interested parties can be adressed directly. We have enormous success with this and often find the suitable buyer after only a few viewing appointments. Also in negotiations about the purchase price, it is always easier if you can communicate your ideas to a third party, without a lot of emotion. It is then my task to implement these in the sense of the seller. Bochum has the advantage that there are many good real estate agencies, but to stand out from many others is a task that I gladly accept.

Avoid mistakes with these steps:

• Determination of the sales price
• Compilation of all documents
• Creation of suitable photographs
• Council: to hire a real estate agent

Thanks to Immobilien Urban for the interview!

Buying your first apartment: Owner occupation or capital investment

You want to realize the dream of the first own property, but do not know where to start? Learn everything about the first home and the most important steps in our article.

• Buy first apartment

Rent, buy, live in Bochum

For the realization of their dream of the first home, whether you rent with or buy, and how to achieve the maximum return in Frankfurt, you can learn in our article about realtors in Frankfurt.

• Real estate agent in Bochum

Self-disclosure for banks: Real Estate Financing

Whether Deutsche Bank, Volksbank or Sparkasse, banks need collateral for real estate financing. The more collateral you can offer, the less risk there is for the bank. So that bankers can assess your financial situation, there is the self-disclosure.

A self-disclosure has no fixed form. That means you will find different templates online.

Source: Real Estate Experience.com

What is the self-disclosure?

Self-disclosure lists your personal data, your monthly income and expenses, as well as your assets and debts. Your net worth (income and assets against expenses and liabilities) should be positive. This surplus is your financial leeway for the condominium or your new house.

In our article Buying an apartment, we have already explained the entire process of buying an apartment. Today we want to look again specifically at what must be in a self-disclosure. Because, importantly, once you submit the documents to your bank, everything should be accurate and complete.

Now let’s look at self-disclosure in detail.

What does the self-disclosure say?

• Summary of the financing request in short form
• Personal data of you as applicant, if necessary also of the co-applicant (e.g. your partner)
• Monthly balance sheet: income and expenditure
• Balance sheet: assets and liabilities (liabilities)
• Financing requirements in detail (property, financing structure, loan amount)
• Consent Schufa information
• Consent Data protection

Free Download: PDF and Word Template

Self-disclosure as PDF and Word template:

• Self Disclosure PDF Template
• Self Disclosure Word Template

Self-disclosure: simply explained

How does the self-disclosure, simply explained? Here are the answers!

Summary of the financing request in short form

Step number one is a brief summary of your financing requirements. In the self-disclosure form, you provide the following information:

Personal data of you as applicant, if necessary also with applicant (e.g. your partner)

After the short overview in the first step, the second step is the specification of personal data. Very basic information, name, address, date of birth, marital status, etc. Either by yourself as the applicant or together with a second person, e.g. a partner or a family member, the so-called co-applicant.

Monthly balance sheet: income and expenditure

Step number 3 deals with your monthly income and your monthly expenses. When you compare your monthly income and expenses, there should be a surplus. Or simply put, you earn more than you spend.

This surplus is the margin for your real estate financing, or the later monthly repayment.

This monthly overview is supplemented by your assets.

Income includes:

• Wage / salary (net)
• Recurring monthly variable income
• Income from self-employment
• Pensions and annuities
• Rental income (cold)
• Child benefit
• Maintenance
• Other income

Your expenses include:

• Housing costs; rent or loan and question: Will be eliminated in the future yes / no?
• Health insurance
• Other insurance (pension, building society, life insurance, etc.)
• Cost of living
• Loans
• Leasing
• Liabilities
• Child support obligations
• Other expenditure

Balance sheet: assets and liabilities (liabilities)

In the fourth step you compare your assets and your debts. Your assets include any simple savings account, but also securities and real estate, if you already own any.

Your credits include:

• Bank and savings accounts
• Securities (market value)
• Insurance policies (surrender value)
• Real estate assets
• Building savings balance
• Other assets

Your liabilities (debts) include:

• Bank, instalment and leasing loans
• Guarantees
• Other liabilities

Financing requirements in detail (property, financing structure, loan amount)

Step number 5 in the self-disclosure is a detailed description of your financing requirements. In detail, it is about the property that is to be financed, the financing structure and the amount of the loan.

Read more about it here (external):

• Self-disclosure: Financing

Consent Schufa information

In step number six, you give your consent for Schufa to obtain information about you. If you haven’t heard of Schufa yet, here’s a brief explanation!

What is Schufa? Schufa is a big card, so to speak, that collects information about consumers. This includes personal data, current loans, leasing contracts, as well as the general payment morale and creditworthiness of individual consumers.

Contractual partners can access the databases at any time and thus carry out rapid creditworthiness checks.

So when banks obtain a Schufa report, this is a completely normal process. That’s why you already give your consent in the self-disclosure.

Tip. Once a year you get this self-disclosure free of charge:

• Schufa (external)

Proof of income

In the last step of the self-disclosure, you collect evidence of your income. If you are an employee, you need to provide proof of income, if you are self-employed, you need to provide your tax returns.

Documents for employees:

• Last 3 pay slips
• Wage statement from December, previous year
• Last tax assessment
• If real estate assets, also income tax return
• Copy of identity card
• Schufa self-disclosure

Documents for the self-employed:

• Last 3 tax assessment notices
• Last 3 tax returns / balance sheets
• Ongoing BWA (business management analysis)
• Copy of identity card
• Schufa self-disclosure

Done! Self-disclosure ready for the bank

That’s it. With that you have your self-disclosure for the bank, with your financing request, complete.

Here again the free download of the templates

• Self Disclosure PDF Template
• Self Disclosure Word Template

Buying your first apartment: Here’s how

Buying your own apartment – As soon as you move into your first own apartment, for most people it’s rent, rent, rent. Every month you go to work many hours to spend the largest part ultimately for the next rent due at the beginning of the month. It’s no wonder that many young people are considering buying a condominium as soon as possible.

• Buy first apartment

Buy real estate in the most exclusive streets

From Harvestehuder Weg in Hamburg, to Annastrasse in north-west Frankfurt, to Tegernsee in southern Munich – the German real estate landscape is quite respectable by international standards. And not only that: Anyone who thinks that the most expensive streets in Germany are only to be found on the mainland is mistaken. Nowhere in Germany are properties as sought-after and exclusive as in Sylt. More about how much a square metre costs here in a moment. Here are the most expensive streets in Germany at a glance.

Berlin: Kurfürstendamm, Tiergarten & Co.

Berlin is not only the capital of Germany, but also an attractive location for international companies, a stronghold of German culture and a popular place to live for couples, singles and students. The capital of Germany is a breathtaking city in every respect. No wonder, after all, it is home to almost 4 million people. Thus, the metropolis inspires with its lively and diverse cityscape, its high historical value, its turbulent nightlife and its stable economy. While Kurfürstendamm is one of the most luxurious shopping streets in Europe, the area in and around Berlin-Mitte, Tiergarten and Charlottenburg are home to the city’s most exclusive properties.

• Most expensive streets in Berlin

The most expensive streets in Berlin include:

• At the circus, Werderscher Markt
• Breitscheidplatz
• Gendarmenmarkt
• Island Road
• Klopstockstraße
• Kurfürstendamm
• Paris Square
• Savignyplatz

The most expensive street in Berlin is Inselstraße.

Inselstraße in Berlin

The Inselstraße in Berlin-Mitte inspires with its exclusive location. The banks of the Spree River are within walking distance, the city’s most important monuments and sights are only a subway ride away, and for those who need a break from the colorful hustle and bustle of the city, the many green spaces and parks offer a relaxing change of scenery. Property prices here are around 23,000 euros per square metre.

Up to 23,000 euros per m²

Read more here about:

• Most expensive streets in Berlin

Düsseldorf

The capital of North Rhine-Westphalia inspires with its luxurious quarters, exclusive villa districts and its breathtaking skyline. The comprehensive good infrastructure, the diverse shopping facilities and the internationally positioned local economy also make Düsseldorf a superlative city. Düsseldorf’s attractiveness is also reflected in the local real estate market: especially the streets in the Old Town and Oberkassel are among the most exclusive residential areas.

• The most expensive streets in Düsseldorf

Here are the most expensive streets in Düsseldorf:

• Old Town
• Kaiser-Wilhelm-Ring, Kaiser-Friedrich-Ring

The most expensive street in Düsseldorf is the Altestadt.

Old town in Düsseldorf

The Altestadt in Düsseldorf is not only the most expensive street in the entire city, but also the most beautiful. The banks of the Rhine can be reached on foot, the historic Burgenplatz is only a few minutes away by car and Düsseldorf’s city hall is also at home here. One of the most famous shopping streets in Europe is also nearby: Königsallee. Property prices here are around €13,500 per square metre.

Up to 13,400 euros per m²

Read more here about:

• The most expensive streets in Düsseldorf

Frankfurt am Main

With a population of about 750,000 and an area of almost 750 square kilometers, Frankfurt am Main is one of the important German metropolises. As one of the most imposing German cities, the Hessian metropolis of Frankfurt is in no way inferior to the other cities of Berlin, Hamburg and Munich. The standard of living is high and the economy stable. While students appreciate the colorful nightlife, the strong banking and financial sector attracts mainly entrepreneurs and investors here. Thus, not only apartments in the city centre are popular here, but also villas and detached houses on the outskirts of the city.

• Most expensive streets in Frankfurt

Here are the most expensive streets in Frankfurt am Main:

• Anna Street
• Siesmayerstrasse

The most expensive street in Frankfurt is Annastrasse in the north-west of the city.

Annastrasse in Frankfurt

Properties in Frankfurt’s North End are particularly sought-after. Not only is Siesmayerstrasse located here, but also the most expensive street in the entire metropolis: Annastrasse. Here, property prices are around 11,000 euros per square metre.

Read more here about:

• Most expensive streets in Frankfurt

Hamburg

Strong economy, sea air, international orientation – all this makes Hamburg in the north of Germany. Hamburg has its very own charm, shaped by its unique history, maritime shipping and the many international residents from all corners of Europe. It is not only home to families, students and entrepreneurs, but also to famous faces from the worlds of film, television, music and sport. This, of course, makes the Hanseatic city’s real estate market particularly attractive. So anyone who owns a property in Hamburg can consider themselves very lucky.

• The most expensive streets in Hamburg

See some of the most expensive streets in Hamburg:

• By the quay
• Bellevue
• Elbchaussee
• Great Elbe Strait
• Harvestehude road
• Midway
• Beautiful view
• Strandkai

The most expensive street in Hamburg is Harvestehuder Weg.

Harvestehuder Weg in Hamburg

Enclosed by the Aussen-Alster and the Isebekanal, the Harvestehude district is located in the Eimsbüttel district. Harvestehuder Weg is also located here. Property prices here are around €16,000 per square metre.

Read more here about:

• The most expensive streets in Hamburg

Munich

The Bavarian capital impresses with its beautiful architecture, a wide range of cultural activities and a high standard of living. As a historic art and cultural metropolis, Munich fascinates families, couples, students and young professionals. Entrepreneurs and investors are also attracted by the proximity to the Alps, the multitude of breathtaking lakes and the proximity to the Italian coast in the south. As Germany’s third largest city, Munich also stands out for its very low unemployment rate, as well as its strong technology and science sector. No wonder that hardly any other city in Germany is as expensive as Munich. Whether it’s a spacious villa in Maxvorstadt, a renovated apartment in the Glockenbachviertel district or a modernised detached house in Bogenhausen – here you’ll find the most luxurious properties in Germany.

So the list of Munich’s most expensive streets is long. See for yourself here:

• Elizabeth Square
• Fleming Street
• Klenzestraße
• Queen Street
• Lake Road
• Mandlstrasse
• Maria-Theresia-Straße
• Müllerstrasse
• Schellingstraße
• Sophienstraße
• Stone Street
• Zuccali Street (North)
• Driveway (south)
• Titian Street
• Montenstrasse
• Bäumlstraße

Among the most expensive streets in Munich are Königinstraße, Seestraße and Mandlstraße in Schwabing.

Queen Street in Munich

The former art and cultural district of Schwabing is home to Königsstraße. The properties here are among the most exclusive in Germany. Property prices here are around 20,000 euros per square metre.

Norderney: Island dream in the North Sea

Norderney is one of the East Frisian islands in the North Sea. Only seven of the 12 islands are inhabited. With its almost 7,000 inhabitants, Norderney is the most densely populated island of all and delights with its unspoilt nature, picturesque beaches and multitude of sights and monuments.

• The most expensive streets on Norderney

Here are the most expensive streets in Norderney:

• On the west beach
• Kaiserstrasse
• Knyphausenstraße

The most expensive street in Norderney is the street Am Weststrand in the west of the island.

On the west beach in Norderney

The street Am Weststrand in Norderney convinces with its proximity to the beach. Several bars, restaurants, playgrounds and green spaces are also located here. Whether it’s an exclusive holiday apartment with a view of the sea or a permanent residence away from the mainland – everyone feels at home here. So if you want to buy a plot of land on Am Weststrand, you have to reckon with 11,200 euros per square metre.

Read more here about:

• The most expensive streets on Norderney

Lake Starnberg

Lake Starnberg is located just under 40 km from the centre of Munich and is thus midway between the Bavarian capital and the popular residential and holiday resort of Tegernsee. Grünwald is also not far away by car. Cultural richness, untouched nature and the quiet and relaxed atmosphere make the communities around the lake a popular place to live. German celebrities in particular appreciate this. So be prepared to run into one or the other famous face here.

• The most expensive streets at Lake Starnberg

Here are the most expensive streets at the Starnberger See:

• Front lake road
• Celtic Road
• Lakeside Road
• South lake road

The most expensive street on Lake Starnberg is Südliche Seestraße in Münsing.

Southern lakeside road at Lake Starnberg

While the north of Lake Starnberg convinces with its small town feeling and the community of Seeshaupt in the south with its family atmosphere, the east of Starnberg is considered a former residence of German nobility. And it is precisely here that the most expensive street in all of Bavaria is located, with its breathtaking view over the entire lake. Property prices in the southern lakeside street are around 25,000 euros per square metre.

Read more here about:

• The most expensive streets at Lake Starnberg

Sylt: The most expensive place to live in Germany

Sylt is and remains an island of superlatives. And there in many respects. The proximity to the North Sea and the unspoiled nature makes the clocks tick differently here. While a large number of European holidaymakers from the mainland are drawn here in summer, the autumn and winter months are all about peace and relaxation. This is also reflected in the purchase and rental prices. Nowhere in Germany is real estate negotiated as expensively as here.

• The most expensive streets on Sylt

Here are the most expensive streets on Sylt:

• Heideweg / Heidewinkel
• Meadow Path
• Hoboken Way
• Osterheideweg

The most expensive road on Sylt is Hobokenweg in the east of the island.

Hobokenweg in Sylt

Also called the ‘street of the super-rich’, Hobokenweg outstrips all other streets in Germany in terms of price per square metre. Only those who can afford it live here: From wealthy heirs to successful corporate executives. Nowhere else in the entire Federal Republic is it as expensive: property prices here are in fact around 35,000 euros per square metre.

Read more here about:

• The most expensive streets on Sylt

Tegernsee

Those who sometimes need a break from the colourful hustle and bustle of the big city will find it at Lake Tegernsee. The lake is located south of Munich and is easy to reach by car. Thus, the communities around the Tegernsee inspire with their idyllic landscape, the high level of discretion and the breathtaking nature. While the breathtaking view over the Tegernsee and the adjacent valleys is the charm of the Leerberg, the communities of Gmund, Wiessee and Rottach convince with their proximity to the lakeshore.

• The most expensive streets at Tegernsee

Here are also the most expensive streets around the Tegernsee:

• Bad-Wiessee
• Gmund
• Rottach-Egern

The most expensive streets on the Tegernsee are in the municipality in Rottach-Egern.

Rottach-Egern on Lake Tegern

One of the most popular residential areas is Rottach – a community south of Lake Tegernsee. Compared to Leerbach, the villas and apartment buildings here don’t have the greatest lake views, but they do inspire with their proximity to the village centre and the lakeside. Especially individuals who do not like to live on top of the mountain like to settle in Rottach. Property prices here are around 15,000 euros per square metre.

Read more here about:

• The most expensive streets at Tegernsee

Baden-Baden, Juist and Constance

Baden-Baden, Juist, Constance and Stuttgart are also home to the most expensive streets in Germany. As always, several factors determine the price per square metre. These include, above all, location, infrastructure, the local cultural offerings and the safety of the residential environment.

Here are some more of the most expensive roads in Germany:

• Lichtentaler Allee (Baden-Baden)
• Beach promenade (Juist)
• Alpsteinweg (Constance)
• At the Bismarck Tower (Stuttgart)
• Feuerbacher Heath (Stuttgart)

The most expensive residential streets in Germany

Source: Image / Engel und Völkers

Real estate agent T. Andrich about Hamburg real estate market

Thorben Andrich is the founder and managing director of Redhome Immobilien GmbH and, as a young and modern real estate company, has made it his mission with his team to score points with expertise and communication at eye level. They are not only experienced in the Hamburg real estate market, but in the entire region around Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg and northern Lower Saxony. The expert talked to us about his most exciting projects, costs, financing options, investments and popular districts in Hamburg.

Which properties do you particularly like to broker as an estate agent?

FIV: Before we go into the many details of the city: as a real estate agent in Hamburg, what type of house/apartment do you most like to broker? Are there any favourites, for example the normal 3-room apartment, the loft or rather the luxury property on the outskirts?

Andrich: I think that every agent likes to sell luxury properties, it’s different prices and often highly interesting personalities that you get to meet, and you always have to adapt to new people. With our in-house photographer, we have the opportunity to work very flexibly and present the property accordingly. Especially with luxury properties this is very important.

But also the classic 3-room apartment is presented by us accordingly, we make no distinctions. We are very self-critical and even a “small deal” includes good photos and a great exposé. Our goal is to pick up the customers with the exposé and even if we do not come into business, perhaps to be recommended.

• Website: Redhome Immobilien GmbH
• Instagram: redhome.realestate

FIV: What was the most exciting or beautiful property you remember from your years as a real estate agent?

There have been many great deals, but I always like to tell the story about one deal. It was an apartment building where I had been in regular contact with the owner for over 2 years. He was unable to get the price he wanted to put himself on the market for over two years. We kept talking very nicely and I often offered to take care of it for him. He would often call and ask all sorts of things and I would always help him along, even though I knew that if he sold the property himself, I would come up empty. At one point he called me and offered to let us show his house to our network clients.

After the exchange of documents and the photo session, we have created an exposé and offered the property to the appropriate customer from the network. The following weekend we visited the property and the following Friday we went to the notary. The seller received his desired sales price and the buyer was very happy to pay us the brokerage fee, because he knows that we always call him again for suitable properties. The buyer has since become a very good friend who has bought another investment property from us. The seller also came back to our office after 6 months and asked us for help regarding a planned new building. This example shows quite well how we work and what is important to us. We are happy to go the extra mile and convince with our service and expertise. Brokers who only want to make a quick buck will not be successful in the long run.

We see ourselves as a classic service provider and view every transaction and every contact in the context of a long-term cooperation. Especially with investment properties, this idea pays off time and again.

“If you’re a broker who just wants to make a quick buck, you’re not going to succeed in the long run.” – T. Andrich

Where should you move to in Hamburg? Districts for Singles, Families & Co.

FIV: The majority of our readers are buying a property for the first time. So that our readers have a direct insight: If someone newly moves to Hamburg and asks you as an expert in Hamburg the question “where should one move to?”, which districts would you recommend?

Andrich: This is not an easy question to answer, because there are certainly different approaches and ideas. If I may take myself as an example.

• Single / career-oriented? : Sternschanze, St. Pauli, Winterhude, Uhlenhorst, St. Georg, Eppendorf

Networking is the name of the game and extremely important, especially in this day and age. With social media (Instagram, Facebook, Xing, LinkedIn, etc.) there are endless possibilities to go to networking events and exchange ideas. Probably the most popular districts that offer a mix of networking, scene and fun are (Just to name a few): Sternschanze, St. Pauli, Winterhude, Uhlenhorst, St. Georg and Eppendorf. Here you meet the young entrepreneur as well as old hands and in general you have a very special mix. Each district has its own charm. Due to the central location, you can reach every district very quickly. I have lived here and have met many great people.

• Families with child(ren)? Lokstedt, Schnelsen, Eidelstedt, Poppenbüttel, Groß Borstel, Alsterdorf, Langenhorn and many others.

The central locations in Hamburg also offer great opportunities for families with children. Nevertheless, young families tend to move to the outskirts of Hamburg. Here you get a little more m² of living space for your money and that makes quite a difference. Popular districts are for example: Lokstedt, Schnelsen, Eidelstedt, Poppenbüttel, Groß Borstel, Alsterdorf, Langenhorn and many others. It simply depends on what people can afford and want.

• Wealthy people (property prices over 1 million)? : Rissen, Blankenese, Ottensen, Wellingsbüttel, Duvenstedt, Klein Flottbek

The 1 million euro mark is quickly cracked in Hamburg. Around the Alster it goes particularly fast, but also the city districts that are far away from the Alster are partly very expensive, or have become expensive. Examples: Rissen, Blankenese, Ottensen, Wellingsbüttel, Duvenstedt, Klein Flottbek.

Costs, rents & prices in Hamburg: Estimation from a professional

FIV: What costs should one expect in Hamburg when renting, and more importantly when buying an apartment or house? How would you compare Hamburg with other cities, and which districts are currently particularly attractive?

Andrich:

• Rent: The average rent in Hamburg is currently around 14,-/m².
• Apartment purchase: The average purchase price for condominiums is currently around 4,500/m².
• House purchase: The average purchase price for houses is currently around 4,200/m².

The prices vary extremely depending on location, size and equipment. Hamburg has a very good infrastructure, endless recreational opportunities. With the Alster and the many parks, this city also has very good recreational areas and is very popular with tourists. Hamburg is large, but still manageable and each location offers different aspects and has its own charm.

The most popular districts are: all districts around the Alster, such as Rotherbaum, Harvestehude, Uhlenhorst, Winterhude, Eppendorf, St. Georg, but also Ottensen, Sternschanze, St. Pauli, Altona, Eimsbüttel and Barmbek-Süd. I could certainly list more, but that would go beyond the scope now.

Hamburg districts for real estate investment? Tips from the investor expert

FIV: Another look at those who want to invest and rent out. As a real Hamburg insider, which district(s) are currently experiencing an upswing and are particularly interesting for capital investors / investors? Which districts are exciting for landlords and investors here?

Andrich: The outskirts of Hamburg currently still offer good investment opportunities. However, a large proportion of investors have already moved to Hamburg’s suburbs. This has also led to strong price increases here. As a rule, an investor still wants to exploit potential and achieve returns. A classic investor wants to “park” his money in a property, is perhaps still counting on appreciation and is interested in top locations.

Investors are therefore more interested in urban districts such as: Barmbek, Schnelsen, Stellingen, Hamm, Eilbek or Wandsbek. Larger investors and capital investors tend to focus on, for example: Winterhude, Eppendorf, Uhlenhorst, Neustadt and St. Georg. Each district also has good and bad locations.

“Every neighborhood has good locations and bad locations.” – T. Andrich

Real estate purchase & sale with broker or private search: advantages and disadvantages

FIV: According to statistics, well over 50% of all properties in Hamburg are bought / sold with an estate agent. From your point of view: when should one search privately and when should one hire a professional real estate agent for the search? Where are the advantages and disadvantages?

Andrich: If you are a private individual looking for a property in a specific district, you should introduce yourself as a customer to the local estate agents and have a corresponding search profile created. Many offers no longer go online and are offered internally in the customer files. As a private person who is looking for a property, one usually gets nothing of this. In addition, one should place “search agents” with the usual portals in order to be informed about new objects. Filled out customer profiles, with all information, help brokers to decide for customers. In addition, the financing should already be clarified in the rough, in order to be able to act quickly.

• Advantages of searching with a real estate agent: You get offered more properties, you may receive exclusive offers and you experience a different appreciation.
• Disadvantages of searching with a broker: Usually higher additional costs, the broker also works for other interested parties.

Typical first-time buyer mistakes, and how to avoid them

FIV: As I said before, the majority of our readers are first-time buyers. What are the mistakes that first-time buyers typically make? Conversely, as an expert, what advice would you give to someone buying his or her first property?

Andrich: It is extremely important to be quick, especially with good offers. If you know what you want and are looking for, you can go through a financing with a sample offer. You get so a good feeling up to which volume you can look, and in the case of the cases you can then strike quickly and give the broker a purchase commitment in the inspection, perhaps with a financing confirmation. Also, know how to read different documents. It’s best to enquire about different properties and “practice”.

Real estate financing: Annuity loans & Co. – options and tips

FIV: What financing options for a property would you most likely recommend in Hamburg – or in general – and what options do first-time buyers have?

Andrich: In most cases, buyers pay at least the ancillary costs themselves. Sometimes it makes sense to include the brokerage costs in the purchase price to make the financing more comfortable. I would generally recommend, for owner-occupied properties, to repay a little more than 2% and to secure the favourable interest rates with a longer fixed interest rate. The classic annuity loan is often used as the financing model. In some cases, it can also make sense to completely finance the ancillary costs – in addition, you should include necessary renovations in the calculation. Financing is a very complex topic and you should look into the possibilities in advance.

FIV: How much equity should you have and what other factors influence financing / creditworthiness? What tips can you give as an expert from your experience?

Andrich: The banks usually want at least the incidental costs to be paid from equity. The interest rates will be better if additionally a part of the purchase price is paid from equity. Whether and how far it makes sense, depends on the buyer and also the property. Here there is no right or wrong.

Service charges & taxes in Hamburg: These are the costs you have to reckon with

FIV: In addition to the purchase price, there are of course also additional costs. A big factor for buyers in Hamburg are taxes. What taxes do buyers in Hamburg have to reckon with when they buy a house on the outskirts of the city or a condominium in Hamburg Mitte/ Hafen-City?

Andrich: When buying a property, a different land transfer tax is incurred depending on the federal state. In Hamburg, for example, it is 4.5% of the purchase price and in Schleswig-Holstein 6.5%. If ancillary costs, such as the brokerage costs, are transferred to the purchase price, the purchase price increases and the land transfer tax also applies to these costs. Further taxes are only incurred in the event of a sale – depending on the constellation and the period of use. (speculation tax)

High prices Hamburg, when is an investment in real estate property worthwhile?

FIV: Rents and purchase prices in Hamburg have risen sharply in recent years. What is the decisive factor driving this development most strongly in the Hamburg property market? Would you currently recommend investing in property or wait?

Andrich: The achievable income in Hamburg is significantly higher than in rural regions such as Dithmarschen, for example. Young people in particular move to Hamburg to study and pursue a career.

On the one hand, it is the growth from the other regions that is causing prices to rise, and on the other hand, the favourable interest rates have made it possible for people with not so high incomes to purchase property in Hamburg. Hamburg is one of the most popular cities in Germany. In principle, I would always advise to own property, but only with the right income. The relationship to the value of the property and the income must fit and should be sustainable.

Tip: Luxury condominiums in HafenCity Hamburg – The Crown

Pure luxury: this is what the new residential tower “The Crown” in Hamburg’s HafenCity promises. Anyone who likes luxury real estate is definitely at the right address with this property. Imagine standing on your balcony, some 50 metres above the Elbe, looking down on the wave-shaped building of the Elbphilharmonie and enjoying the sun reflected in the Elbe, making the water glisten. Doesn’t that sound dreamlike? No wonder, then, that almost all of the residential units in the project have already been sold.

• Hafen City luxury condo: The Crown Hamburg

Real estate agent Robiné about the Düsseldorf real estate market, experiences & tips

Harald Robiné has made a name for himself with his company in Düsseldorf and beyond the city limits as a competent and exclusive real estate agent. ROBINÉ Immobilien attaches great importance to quality and customer service, and has specialised in the brokerage of premium properties. In addition to the brokerage and marketing of real estate, ROBINÉ Projektmanagement’s services also include the acquisition of land, the conversion & refurbishment of existing buildings, project development and management, as well as the turnkey construction of high-quality new buildings in the best locations in Düsseldorf.

In the interview, the real estate agent shared tips and tricks with us, talked about investments and he also gave us his assessment of what to consider when buying a property. Learn more about real estate in Düsseldorf and learn from the pros!

Tip! Luxurious living is also possible in Berlin! Take a look at a very special villa by Graft Architekten: Villa M

Brokerage introductions: Popular house types & most spectacular property

FIV: Dear Mr Robiné, before we go into the many details of Düsseldorf: As a real estate agent in Düsseldorf, what type of house or apartment do you most like to broker? Are there any favourites, for example the normal 3-room apartment, the loft or rather the luxury property on the outskirts of the city?

Robiné: The first property I brokered more than 25 years ago was a luxurious villa owned by a renowned Düsseldorf entrepreneur. Thanks to my good contacts and innate sales talent, I was able to successfuly market the property within a short time and quickly made a name for myself in Düsseldorf. After that, everything happened very quickly, I was offered one villa after the other for marketing and included in my portfolio.

However, this does not mean that we only broker premium properties today. Well-maintained detached houses in suburban locations are just as much a part of our range as courtyards in need of renovation, apartment buildings and commercial properties. Of course, it is much more exciting to broker high-priced properties in the luxury segment than a standard 3-room apartment in the city centre. Whether it’s luxurious villas, stylish loft apartments or classicist townhouses, it doesn’t really matter – ultimately, it’s important that the property has a certain character and represents something special.

• Website: Robiné Real Estate
• Instagram: Robiné Real Estate

FIV: What was the most spectacular property you remember from your years as a real estate agent?

Robiné: The most spectacular property was a historic castle complex from the 11th century. The tenant at the time was a U.S.-born goalkeeper for Borussia Monchengladbach, Kasey Keller. NBC visited the player at his home several times. Through these activities, the German media such as WDR, RTL etc. also became aware of me and the property. At the time, the landmarked property was literally getting quite old and was in dire need of renovation. Like me, the buyer at the time recognised the unique potential of this property and renovated it with great attention to detail for private residential purposes. It was incredible to see the property shine in new splendour a few years later. In an ambience that leaves nothing to be desired, a unique combination of history and modernity was created here.

Where should you move to in Düsseldorf? Districts and tips from the real estate agent

FIV: The majority of our readers are buying a property for the first time. So that our readers have a direct insight into Düsseldorf: If someone newly moves to Düsseldorf and asks you as an expert the question “where should one move to?”, which districts would you recommend for:

1. Single / career-oriented? Ober- and Niederkassel, Harbour, Derendorf, Pempelfort, Düsseltal, Bilk
2. Families with children? Grafenberg, Gerresheim, Golzheim, Kaiserswerth, Lohausen, Derendorf, Bilk
3. Wealthy individuals (real estate prices over 1 million)? Meerbusch, Ober- and Niederkassel, Golzheim, Zoo

Costs & prices for renting or buying a property in Düsseldorf + comparisons

FIV: What costs do you have to reckon with in Düsseldorf when renting, and more importantly when buying an apartment or house? How would you compare Düsseldorf with other cities and which districts are currently particularly attractive?

Robiné: The rents vary greatly depending on the district and the amenities. The cheapest properties in the simple locations start at around €7 per square metre. These apartments are very simply equipped and often there is even a renovation backlog. Even bathrooms from the 70s are not uncommon in such properties. Upwards the borders are open. Furnished apartments in good locations, on the other hand, reach prices beyond 30, – € per square meter. Of course, these are both extremes. The average rent for an existing property in Düsseldorf in 2020 was around €11.40 per square metre of living space, while the average price per square metre for a new-build property was around €14.

• Rents vary greatly according to district and amenities
• Cheap objects from approx. 7 € per m²
• High-quality, furnished apartments in good locations reach prices of 30€ per m² and more
• Average rent for existing property Düsseldorf 2020: €11.40 per m² living space
• Average price per square metre for a new property in Düsseldorf 2020: approx. 14€.

Robiné: It’s no different with condominiums. Here, too, location and furnishings determine the price, of course. While a simple 2-room apartment in the city centre can still be had for just under 250,000 euros, you pay three times that price for a well-equipped penthouse in a preferred location of the same size.

As a guide, the average asking price for existing apartments in 2020 was around €4,400 per square metre, while the average asking price for new builds was around €7,300 per square metre. Incidentally, the average asking price for detached houses is around 1.2 million euros.

Average bid price 2020 for:

• Existing apartments: € 4,400 per m²
• New buildings: approx. 7,300 € per m²
• Single-family houses: approx. € 1.2 million

Reasons for rising property prices in Düsseldorf

FIV: Rents and purchase prices in Düsseldorf have risen sharply in recent years. In your opinion, what is the decisive factor driving this development most strongly in the Düsseldorf real estate market?

Robiné: Düsseldorf is an extremely economically strong city in the Rhine-Ruhr conurbation. In addition to its central location, important factors include Germany’s third-largest airport and the Düsseldorf Trade Fair Centre with 24 leading international trade fairs. Düsseldorf is a leading location in the advertising, European patent, telecommunications and management consulting industries, as well as Germany’s “City of Fashion”. Our state capital is a globally oriented metropolis. Numerous internationally active companies and foreign firms have their headquarters in Düsseldorf.

The fact that the state capital of North Rhine-Westphalia is so popular as a place to live and work is certainly also due to the high quality of life on site. For example, the Rhine metropolis repeatedly takes one of the top places in various rankings for assessing economic strength and future viability.

As in most other major cities, Düsseldorf is experiencing a large influx of people from Germany and abroad. Since 2010, the demand for housing has increased permanently. However, land for the development and construction of new residential areas in the Düsseldorf urban area is scarce. Thus, the low supply of affordable housing combined with the high demand is constantly driving up prices in Düsseldorf.

FIV: As an expert of the Düsseldorf real estate market, would you currently recommend an investment in property or wait?

Robiné: In principle, I would always recommend investing in property, as tangible assets are sustainable and stable and the low interest rate policy encourages the purchase of property. In addition, there is the steady increase in the value of real estate. With a property you invest in your future and build assets for your retirement. Rental costs, on the other hand, are lost capital.

“Generally, I would always recommend investing in property as tangible assets are sustainable and enduring and the low interest rate policy encourages the purchase of property. In addition, there is the steady increase in property values.”

Where should you invest as an investor in Düsseldorf? Tips from the expert

FIV: Another look at those who want to invest and rent. As a real Düsseldorf insider, which districts are currently experiencing an upswing and are particularly interesting for capital investors / investors? Which districts are exciting for landlords and investors here?

Robiné: For capital investors, properties in the simple locations south of the city centre, such as Oberbilk, Wersten, Holthausen and Eller, are particularly interesting. Here, the price level is currently still relatively low compared to the other districts of Düsseldorf. Property prices for multi-family houses already start at around 2,000 euros per square metre. Since a rapid increase in value can also be assumed here in the future, these locations offer particularly good investment and yield opportunities.

Properties in central locations such as Bilk, Derendorf, Pempelfort, Düsseltal and Stadtmitte are also of interest. These parts of the city currently still have a rather average price level, but are very popular due to their central location and urban character. However, some of the prices per square metre are already almost twice as high as in the more modest locations.

• Simple locations with appreciation potential: Oberbilk, Wersten, Holthausen and Eller
• Medium-sized locations that are very popular: Bilk, Derendorf, Pempelfort, Düsseltal and Stadtmitte.

Real estate agent: advantages & disadvantages, costs and when to hire an agent?

FIV: According to statistics, well over 50% of all properties in Düsseldorf are bought / sold with an estate agent. From your point of view: When should one search privately and when should one hire a professional real estate agent for the search? Where are the advantages and disadvantages?

Robiné: Many owners and buyers underestimate the effort involved in selling / buying a property. For example, numerous documents such as energy certificates, floor plans, building and contamination information or the land register must be submitted in order to successfuly complete the sale. The real estate agent is familiar with all these requirements and covers all the necessary activities such as dealing with the authorities. Furthermore, he accompanies the seller and the buyer from the beginning and is still available for them after the conclusion of the sales contract. For this reason, I would always advise a layman to use the services of a real estate agent. A reputable real estate agent knows the local real estate market exactly and also supports the customer in finding a realistic purchase price.

I can’t think of any disadvantages. In most cases, the broker is commissioned by the owner of the property. However, since as a service provider he also represents the interests of the potential buyer, the buyer also pays a commission to the agent after the conclusion of a purchase contract. A new law, which came into force in December 2020, stipulates that in cases of dual consultancy, the owner and the buyer share the broker’s commission equally, mostly 3.57% incl. VAT of the notarised purchase price nationwide.

• Broker commission nationwide mostly 3.57% incl. VAT of the notarized purchase price
• Since 2020 law: owner & buyer share the brokerage commission in case of double consultancy half

Common mistakes & tips for buying your first property

FIV: As I said before, the majority of our readers are first-time buyers. What are the mistakes that first-time buyers typically make? Conversely, as an expert, what advice would you give to someone buying his or her first property?

Robiné: A mistake is often that real estate – as far as the purchase is not accompanied by a broker – is bought hastily and the buyer has not considered, for example, all technical data, a possible renovation backlog and special features of a property. Here it can come after a purchase to bad surprises. I recommend interested parties who are not familiar with the area to first rent a property in order to then calmly familiarize themselves with the individual districts and the available opportunities in the real estate market.

Real estate financing: equity, options & recommendations of the professional

FIV: What financing options for a property would you most likely recommend in Düsseldorf – or in general – what options do first-time buyers have?

Robiné: This depends primarily on the respective creditworthiness of a buyer. With the currently very low interest rates on loans, a loan from a bank is recommended. A real estate loan is a big financial and for many also a unique decision. All the more important it is to know the right financing partner at his side. Trust also plays an important role here. Therefore, it is understandable that many real estate buyers turn to the advisor of their house bank for construction financing.

Alternatives to the various banks are intermediaries. They compare the offers of many large banks for you and can sometimes offer you more favourable interest rates and better conditions.

FIV: How much equity should you have and what other factors influence financing / creditworthiness? What tips can you give as an expert from your experience?

Robiné: When it comes to equity, there is a simple basic rule: the more you bring in, the better, because bringing in your own money significantly reduces the financing risk. That’s why banks grant lower interest rates for financing with equity. Without equity, the interest costs can be twice or even three times as high. The existing equity should be at least between 20% and 40% of the purchase price, including incidental purchase costs. In addition, a buffer should also be set aside for maintenance reserves. Furthermore, a secure professional position should of course be a matter of course.

• Financing with equity: Bank grants lower interest rates
• Without equity, interest costs can be twice or even three times as high
• Existing equity capital should amount to between 20% and 40% of the purchase price incl. ancillary purchase costs
• Ideal: Financial buffer for possible maintenance measures

There is also the possibility of financing without equity, but this is associated with greater risks. This is because full financing runs over a longer period of time, and interest and repayments are considerably higher. Should it come to the foreclosure of your property, you are left with a mountain of debt. Therefore, it is advisable to buy a property only if you have sufficient equity available.

“The more equity you bring to the table, the better! That lowers the financing risk.”

Incidental purchase costs: land transfer tax, notary, broker’s commission

FIV: In addition to the purchase price, there are of course ancillary costs. A big factor for buyers are taxes. What taxes do buyers in Düsseldorf have to reckon with when they buy a house on the outskirts of the city or a condominium in Düsseldorf’s city centre?

Robiné: In NRW, the land transfer tax on the purchase of a privately used property is always 6.5% of the purchase price, regardless of whether it is a detached house or a condominium in an apartment building. For the registration in the land register and the notary approx. 1.5 % must be applied. If the purchase is made through a real estate agent, the buyer usually has to pay 3.57% incl. VAT of the notarized purchase price. Summa summarum one must plan thus on top approx. 11.5% of the purchase price as acquisition additional costs. Depending on the amount of the purchase price, there are quite a few additional costs, which should not be underestimated.

• Land transfer tax in NRW: Always 6.5% of the purchase price
• Entry in the land register and notary: approx. 1.5 %.
• Broker commission: usually 3.57 % incl. VAT of the notarized purchase price

“You should plan for about 11.5% of the purchase price as acquisition costs!”

FIV: Thank you very much for this competent and detailed interview Mr. Robiné. We wish you, your company and your team all the best!

Tip: To buy property or not? Big cities in comparison

Many people play with the idea of buying a property in one of the popular cities. These cities include Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Düsseldorf and Munich. But to find the right property is not so easy and as a layman it is often difficult to assess whether it is worth investing in an apartment or a house as an investment. We have conducted an interview with an expert for you.

• Buy a property? Düsseldorf

Terraced house: definition, features & everything you need to know

A terraced house is a row of individual houses which are built directly next to each other without any space in between. However, there is no access between the houses, so there is still the privacy of a normal house. Most of these houses have a minimum size of 160m².

This type of house has been popular with people since the 19th century, as more and more people have moved into cities and conurbations since industrialisation. Row houses prevent the waste of space in densely populated areas. In order for a terraced house to be called a terraced house, at least three houses have to be in a row, otherwise it is a semi-detached house.

Due to the construction of at least three houses in a row, two sub-types of the terraced house are created here: the terraced end house and the terraced middle house. As the name suggests, the end-of-row house is located at one of the two ends of the row and the middle-of-row house in the middle of the building complex.

Often these are located near or on the outskirts of the city and are therefore not far from the centre and schools, universities and shops. For many, this makes the terraced house a cost-effective alternative to a house in the countryside with poor infrastructure. Every style can be catered for in a terraced house – from a retro charm inspired by the 60s or new build – you’re sure to find the right terraced house for you here!

Are you looking for the right house? Then check out our guide! Here you will find definitions, meanings and lots of information: House types from A-Z

Room layout: living room, kitchen, bathroom and co.

What kind of room layout can you expect in a terraced house? In many terraced house layouts, the living room and kitchen are located on the ground floor. The bathroom and other rooms, such as the children’s room, are usually located on the upper floor.

Suitable for whom? Ideal solution for families & couples

Row houses come in both simple and luxurious versions, accordingly, row house prospective buyers have people of different social groups. A terraced house is particularly attractive for families and young couples. How they benefit from a terraced house, you can read here.

Families: quiet zones to play with the neighbourhood children

The terraced house is very popular with families. The traffic-calmed settlements offer a suitable place for children to play, friendships can form here especially with neighbourhood children of the same age.

Parents who are employed and work full time have less time but also money to invest in their own property when they buy a townhouse.

Couples: togetherness in a home on the outskirts of town for couples

But it is not only families who see a terraced house as a perfect choice. Investing in a terraced house is also becoming increasingly attractive for young couples. Rather a small home on the outskirts than an expensive multi-room apartment directly in the center. In addition, the purchase of the terraced house can also be beneficial for later family planning.

Advantages and disadvantages: Purchase price, neighbors, garden & Co.

The uniqueness and special features can lead to many advantages but also disadvantages. We’ll get to the bottom of these and show you the upsides and downsides of a townhome, and help you make your next big decision.

Advantages: low purchase price, good infrastructure & neighbourhood support

Living in a terraced house brings with it a number of advantages. Lower land prices are a good reason to choose a terraced house over a detached house.

Due to the location in the city, you also benefit from a good infrastructure. Trams, buses and schools right near you. You have a wide choice when it comes to finding the right townhouse, if in the city you will find numerous such houses.

Sharing a plot of land with other people also has advantages when it comes to building. You also save costs when building the roof. The maintenance costs are also kept low.

With a mid-terrace house, the ancillary costs are kept within a manageable range, often these are only just above those of an apartment. The two adjacent houses ensure that the middle house is protected from heat and cold.

Direct proximity to the neighbours does not only have disadvantages: Joint barbecue and game evenings, mutual respect and caring for each other are the positive aspects.

• Low purchase price
• Good infrastructure
• Large selection of terraced houses
• Low construction costs
• Low maintenance costs
• Manageable additional costs
• Middle house is protected from cold and heat
• Neighbourly help and friendships

Disadvantages: Noise, small yard, neighbor dispute & low sales value.

But living in a terraced house can also bring just as many negative points and potential for conflict. Due to the closely built settlements, one is in close contact with the neighbours, especially here. Conflict issues such as noise or differences in joint decisions to be made.

Unlike a single-family home, the resale value here is comparatively low.

The two added walls created by the location of a mid-terrace home allow windows to be placed on only two walls of the home. If the right furnishings and color choices are not made here, the living space can quickly become depressed and gloomy.

There is usually only one mini-garden per unit per terraced house, but lovers of large gardens and their own green spaces can be put off here with an additional terrace. The open spaces of the house are between 50 and 100 square metres in size.

• Direct proximity to neighbours -> source of noise, points of dispute
• No big garden
• Low resale price
• Few windows for mid-terrace house
• Mid-terrace house: windows only possible from two sides

Source: Row house (Lukinski.de)

Buy: Yes or no? – Help for the right decision

Deciding to buy a townhome is just the thing for those who needed a little more space and still don’t want to completely break away from the city. But what should you consider when buying a townhouse?

The price of a row house is significantly cheaper than that of a single-family house you know now, but what is actually the cheapest among the row houses. The cheapest way you strike thereby with a row middle house. But besides the price, you should also be aware of other important points: How big do you want your home to be? Which rooms do you want to have and what is the layout of the individual rooms? These are important points, but external factors such as the surroundings, neighbours and parking facilities should also play a role.

Here’s what you should be aware of before buying your home:

• House size
• Building condition
• Purchase price
• Location
• Room layout
• Neighborhood
• Privacy
• Sound insulation
• Window/light incidence
• Basement
• Parking

Alternatively, you can also rent a terraced house, which saves you money and doesn’t tie you down to the house as much as buying it. So you are always flexible.

Small furniture, functional furniture, lots of light: this is how you feel comfortable in your terraced house

Narrow but deep – this is what the floor plan of a terraced house looks like. Your main furniture, for example, should best be positioned at the wall ends so that your room appears visually wider. You should also decide against placing your furniture lengthwise in the room, instead you should spread it out in the room as much as possible. Small and delicate furniture works much better here than large furniture, which can quickly appear oppressive.

Light wall colours for the long walls and dark accents for the short walls – this method makes your rooms look airier, more open and wider. Functional furniture and lots of light sources are also ideal for terraced houses.

Tip! Our Interior XXL Guide has everything for you on the subject of furnishing and design! Numerous interior brands of different styles are waiting for you here: Furnishing brands

What is a solid house? Features, durability and construction

A solid house is the construction method of a house, in which a house is built according to the plan of an architect with solid building materials. Each house here becomes unique due to the individual wishes of the respective builder.

The opposite of a solid house is a prefabricated house: In a prefabricated house, the house is built according to the modular principle and consists of a wooden construction. The house is built brick by brick. The building materials are delivered to the construction site, where they are assembled into a finished house by specialist companies. The building materials used for walls and floors are aerated concrete, sand-lime bricks or goat bricks. The staircase and roof construction, on the other hand, is usually made of wood.

On average, a house of this construction type has a lifespan of 100-120 years and is considered the older of the two construction variants. In terms of price, the average price for a square meter of a new building is 1,300 euros. for the pure construction costs without the land. There is no limit here for the upper price limit.

Tip. You want to learn more about risks and factors of building a house? Then take a look at our article on building a property! Here you will find expert videos that give you tips and tricks and information on important topics such as financing, equity & Co.

Are you looking for the right house? Then check out our guide! Here you will find definitions, meanings and lots of information: House types from A-Z

Room layout: room, space & unlimited possibilities

Since you can plan your solid house individually, the room layout of your house is completely up to you. Whether it’s a walk-in wardrobe, music room, open-plan kitchen or a house with a sauna – there are no limits to your wishes.

Advantages and disadvantages: Lifetime, individuality, costs & Co.

Even today, the majority of builders in Germany opt for an architect-designed house in solid construction. In the following two paragraphs you will find out which advantages and disadvantages this entails.

Advantages: high durability, individuality & own contribution

If you choose a solid house for the construction of your house, this will bring some advantages compared to a prefabricated house.

The biggest advantage and the reason why most builders choose a solid house is the great degree of individuality that is given to you. Size, floor plan, materials, shape and equipment of the house can be chosen at will.

The solid construction method influences the indoor climate and the air and moisture circulation inside the room through the material (concrete or stone). Other advantages of the building material are high sound and fire protection.

Up to 100 to 120 years of life – that’s what a solid house promises you. On average, three generations can live in this house. In contrast to a prefabricated house, this one is also more resistant to environmental influences such as flooding or heavy rain.

Solidity pays off not only in a long life span, but also in a possible later sale: Even after a few years or decades, a higher price can be achieved with a solid house than with a prefabricated house.

One way to save costs on a solid house is to do a lot of the work on the house yourself. Craftsmanship can thus reduce the costs of the craftsmen and also costs in the construction financing. The own work can be credited to you up to a certain point as equity.

• High degree of individuality (size, floor plan, material, equipment)
• Better indoor climate & air and moisture circulation
• High fire and sound protection
• Long service life
• Protected against environmental influences (flooding, heavy rain)
• Higher resale value
• Own contribution

Source: Massivhaus (Lukinski.de)

Disadvantages: long construction time, delays & high costs

Despite all the advantages, a solid house also brings negative aspects. The clarification of the financing should take place before the construction. If necessary, a possible subsidy programme can be claimed from credit institutions. Since financing of the new building and the rent of the past dwelling are parallel stemmed, this could be a good financial solution. Long periods of bad weather can cause delays in construction. This not only acts as a longer wait for the home, but also becomes an additional cost. This is where commitment interest can occur over a long period of time.

Many builders shy away from building a solid house because of the long construction time it takes to complete it. This construction time is often extended by long drying times of the components, this leads to the fact that the date of completion is delayed even further. Some stages of construction can only be completed depending on the weather such as work on the roof truss of the house.

For the construction of a solid house several different craftsmen are needed: Bricklayers, roofers, painters and tile layers are just the beginning. The coordination of these different craftsmen can be extremely difficult. Construction errors as well as compliance problems can easily occur.

• High investment
• Long construction time
• Delay of the construction
• Weather dependency
• Longer drying times
• Many different trades

For whom is a solid house suitable? Families, creative people & Co.

For whom is the solid house suitable? This solid house is suitable for large families, individualists and people who would like to use their house as an investment in the future. We show you here which target groups benefit from which aspects of the solid house.

Large families: house for several generations

A large family will find a dream home in a solid house. As the house has a long lifespan, this house can also be wonderfully bequeathed to future generations.

Individualists and creative people: house according to your wishes & needs

Is a solid house the right choice for you? You are the right candidate for a solid house if the individual plays a big role for you when building your house. Instead of a standard house, a house can be created according to your personal wishes and needs.

Developers who want to use a property as an investment

Since a solid house is in a significantly more expensive price segment than a prefabricated house, a solid house is more something for high earners. A solid house is also suitable for people who are looking for an investment and want to use the house later as an investment.

Construction of the solid house: what, when and how

Building a solid home can be done through three different ways: Through a developer, a general contractor, or independently.

The advantage of building through a developer is that you don’t have to worry about coordinating the construction work, as this is completely taken care of by the company. After the completion of the construction, the house will be handed over to you ready to move in.

When building with a general contractor, the coordination of the construction site is taken from you by the company. However, the land is usually not included in the service. As with building with a developer, you also have a contact person. Your contact person coordinates your schedule and ensures that the construction work is carried out correctly. The responsibility for the construction of the house is therefore in the hands of a third party.

The last option is to take the construction into your own hands and coordinate construction work and various necessary tradesmen yourself. Especially inexperienced builders should know that they face a great challenge here, because the construction of a solid house can be extremely complicated and stressful. Therefore, building a house on your own is only advised if you already have experience in the building trade. Wrong decisions can otherwise lead to a huge loss of money.

• Property developer: Coordination is completely taken over by the company, handover when the house is ready to move in, specific contact person
• General contractor: coordination of the construction site, land not included, specific contact person
• Independent construction: complete coordination on own responsibility, stress, experience needed

Duration of the construction of a solid house: from the basement to the roof

Building a solid house takes time, waiting times for drying out and drying through delay the time until the next step takes place. Another decisive factor is the weather. Usually the main construction phase is moved to the summer, so that most of the construction can take place in the warm and preferably without much rain. The first step in the construction of a solid house is the casting of the floor slab and the construction of the basement. The second step is the masonry of the walls and the construction of the intermediate ceilings. The roof and the interior fittings are the last step.

Selecting materials correctly: Concrete, brick, sand-lime brick

With a house built stone on stone, you have to choose between different materials. Brick is considered the classic building material and the oldest building block in the world. The advantage of this building material is the good heat and sound insulation and the short drying time. A low susceptibility to mold and a good fire protection are other positive aspects of the stone. However, it must be noted that certain types of brick are not suitable for load-bearing walls.

Aerated concrete is convincing due to its light weight with a high insulating effect. However, a high sound insulation is not given here. In addition, the bricks easily absorb moisture and require good protection against environmental influences.

You are well protected from noise with the heavy sand-lime brick. In addition, there is the high compressive strength and the insensitivity to the weather. Negative aspects are the poor thermal insulation and the costly processing.

Lightweight blocks are a combination of materials that combine the advantages of different materials. This material is made of cement with added pumice or expanded concrete. Robust and good heat and sound insulation – these are the advantages of lightweight blocks. The lack of frost resistance, however, requires supplementary protection against the weather.

• Brick: good heat and sound insulation, low susceptibility to mould, good fire protection, not suitable for load-bearing walls
• Aerated concrete: light weight, high insulating effect, high sound insulation, requires protection against environmental influences
• Sand-lime brick: high compressive strength, insensitive to weathering, poor thermal insulation, costly processing
• Lightweight brick: robust, good heat and sound insulation, lack of frost resistance

Mixture of prefabricated house and solid house: The prefabricated solid house

An alternative to the solid house is the prefabricated solid house. The prefabricated solid house is an intermediate form between the prefabricated house and the solid house. A prefabricated house with wooden construction can be selected from the catalogue. The house is then rebuilt with solid materials by a builder. However, the costs and construction time are based on the solid house and not on the prefabricated house.

Individual furnishing according to your taste

As individual as you can design your house from the outside, you can also adapt the interior to your individual taste. Different interior styles are waiting to be discovered by you and to fill your house with life. In our interior brand guide you will find numerous luxury brands and their homeware collections such as Dior Maison, Fendi or Armani Casa.

Also exciting: Our articles on the subject of room furnishing, as well as our comprehensive guide with the trendiest interior styles: Furnishing styles XXL.

What is a country house? plot, garden and architectural style

A country house is a residential building on an estate. The large property in a rural environment usually has a spacious garden. A country house does not only convince by its size and the free space but also by its rustic, romantic charm. But nowadays you can find the country house style more and more often in the city.

This country house style is determined by massive buildings with generous proportions. The house entrances are usually strikingly designed, but the long balconies, terraces, dormers and pavilions are also eye-catchers. Folding shutters, doors, windows and railings made of real wood ensure the perfect harmony of the house. Sometimes the property also includes a conservatory or a carport.

Wood, rattan, stone and ceramics, country houses are mainly used natural materials. The floors are tiled in warm colours. A country house becomes cosy and warm with a tiled stove – the warmth radiates throughout the entire living space of the house.

Would you like to learn more about country houses? Then take a look at our Pinterest page! Here you will find the most beautiful pins on the topic of house types and also our pinboard on the topic of country houses.

Are you looking for the right house? Then take a look at our guide to house types from A-Z!

Room layout: large kitchen, dining room & more – including attic storey

Since you can choose any floor plan for country houses, it comes here to different room layouts. We will now introduce you to one popular variant:

The living room of the country house is usually furnished with large sofas and furniture in a historical style. Other textiles such as throws, tablecloths and cushions complete the picture of the living room. Next to the living room you will usually find a bedroom in the style of a log cabin.

The kitchen in the country house is anything but isolated: the kitchen is considered the second living room. Numerous chairs offer enough space to get together and communicate. Thus, everyone can participate in the preparation of the meal. For dinner, you can then move to the dining room with your loved ones. Generous wooden dining tables provide enough space for the whole family. There is also an attic with wooden floors.

Tip. You are thinking about building or buying a house, but you don’t know what to choose? Then take a look at our article on the subject of buying or building a house, here you will find reports on the experiences of builders from whom you too can learn and benefit!

Advantages and disadvantages: Is a country home right for you?

If you want to get a country house, you should be aware of the pros and cons of it. If you are not yet 100% convinced by a country house, then a small house in the city in the country house style might be just right for you.

Advantages: a lot of space & area, quiet location and individual house

The quiet location in the middle of nature offers you many advantages. Plenty of space allows you to own a spacious plot of land and living space, which you can design individually. Unlike in the city, you are not bound to a certain floor plan and can create your house according to your own ideas and needs. Natural materials, antique furniture and beautiful decorative elements make a country house.

The cosy interior with high living quality is joined by a green area according to your ideas. Lawns, flower beds and useful plants can be placed in your garden or on the terrace.

• Quiet location, close to nature
• Plenty of space, spacious garden and living area
• Cosy interior
• High quality of living
• Garden / Green spaces

Cons: poor infrastructure, long commutes & regular maintenance.

However, the quiet, remote location of the country house can also have negative aspects. Far away from the city, you will usually have to travel long distances to shops, schools, doctors or work. Due to the poor infrastructure, it would be advisable to have your own car. With the Internet connection, it can often come to problems with the connection due to the distant location.

Watch out when building a country house if it is a new construction! This is because you may incur higher costs for the laying of utility lines for electricity, water and gas. In addition to the construction costs, there are also maintenance costs for the country house over the years. In addition to the interior, the exterior also requires regular care: the garden must be maintained, fences and paths must be repaired and existing animals must be fed and cared for.

• Poor infrastructure, often somewhat remote
• Partly poor internet connection
• Risk of new construction: higher costs due to laying of supply lines
• Maintenance costs

Suitable for families, nature lovers and individualists

Country houses are an absolute eye-catcher in the tender green of nature and have a unique charm. But for whom is such a country house suitable? While large families with animals benefit especially from the large area and the spacious space, nature lovers the unspoiled nature and life away from the city is important. The individual style of the house also makes owning a country house palatable for some.

Families with children: own playground and space for pets

Large families benefit here especially through the generous space. Both living and outdoor areas offer plenty of space for children, pets and farm animals. Away from noisy streets and all kinds of exhaust fumes, you can live a relaxed life in the middle of nature. However, longer distances to school and kindergarten must be taken into account.

Relaxation seekers and nature lovers: relaxation away from the city

The quiet, secluded location is just right for people who like to spend time in nature. Relaxation and recreation – in this house you will find distance from the stressful city life and your everyday work.

Individualists: personal style from floor plan to decoration

Each country house is recreated in its own individual style. Therefore, the country house is the perfect solution for individualists. According to your own taste, you can design and build a house that suits your personal style and needs. You can also find your own taste in decoration.

Source: Country House (Lukinski.de)

Building styles country house: English, French, Bavarian & Co!

Country houses come in a variety of styles: From a Bavarian country house with an open-plan ground floor, to a Nordic idyll, to an English cottage. Each type of construction is determined by special features that reflect different tastes.

Bavarian country house: Open floor house with terrace and balcony

The Bavarian country house is just one example of the different country house styles. In this type of house, the floor plan has an open ground floor and usually several floors. Ornate wood with patterns meets white plaster. Generous outdoor areas are created via the wind-protected terrace and the open balconies. The country house garden can be embellished with wooden elements and flowers that optimise the picture.

English country house: Dreamy little cottage in the countryside

An English cottage is the dream of many! Dark natural colours such as brown, ochre and terracotta enter into a symbiosis with light pastel shades, creating a unique look.

The house without a cellar has a generous architecture with light-flooded rooms and large window fronts. Wood and natural stone, dark furniture on light backgrounds and colourful patterns such as flowers or checks make up the interior design of an English cottage.

An English cottage naturally also includes a real English country house garden! Old walls, large hedges and many colorful shrubs and flowers – this is how we know the outdoor area of an English cottage. You can relax here in a small sitting area or in a tea pavilion between fragrant roses. For hobby gardeners, we recommend a small glass greenhouse for growing your own fruit and vegetables!

French country house: light-flooded rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows

Unrendered natural stone or brick walls, wrought iron fences and railings, stone or brick walls – this is how we imagine the idyll of a French country house. Bright and flooded with light, this room has floor-to-ceiling windows with shutters, which, with their subtle tones, harmonise perfectly with the rest of the house. Open beams and ceiling beams give the French country house a very special charm. Mediterranean and maritime elements enter into a unique symbiosis here and create an incomparable image. In this house with open, elegant architecture you can spend cosy, nostalgic hours.

The perfect country house garden is waiting for you on your doorstep: Baroque, stone or country gardens with water features or stone figures invite you to spend a relaxing day in the green. You can decorate your own garden dream with colourful flowers, hedges or bushes in geometric shapes.

Italian country house: charming wooden interior with herb garden

What makes the charm of an Italian country house? Wood from pine, pine and walnut for the exterior and interior furnishings give the house a Mediterranean flair. Other important materials are rattan, wicker and hyacinth fibers.

Tiled or wood-clad walls, unplastered natural stone, ceiling beams and shutters for darkening – this is how you create your own Italian country house. With the help of built-in columns and warm colours, you can create an authentic Mediterranean paradise.

A typical Mediterranean country house garden includes a large terrace or garden. Natural stone and terracotta are used here for the walls, for example. You can plant Italian herbs or a small citrus tree, which will fill your garden with a fresh scent. The Tuscany atmosphere is made perfect by a pond, fountain or water feature.

American country house: large veranda meets Cape Cod style

There is no particular floor plan attributed to the American country house. Different floor plans and styles can be used here in the construction. For example, the house can be modeled after the Cape Cod style, the L-shape or the Craftsmen.

Spacious rooms and a wide covered porch – these are the first things that come to mind when you think of an American country house. The house with the typical wooden construction consists of a boarding of brightly painted narrow, horizontally aligned boards. The roof is usually covered with small-format shingles.

Scandinavian country house: idyllic house with self-cultivation of fruit and vegetables

A Scandinavian country house embodies the idyll of the north. Natural, warm and quiet, this is how your home appears in the Scandinavian country house style. The wood gives the house its typical cosy charm. Organic shapes provide a clear design. Simple, elegant and functional – the dream home from Scandinavia is perfect for lovers of natural beauty.

Furnish the wild country garden with white garden furniture, homemade decor completes the decor of the garden. Herbs, fruit and vegetables for your dinner at home – fresh food from your own garden. Eye-catcher and your favourite place in the garden will surely be the typical Swedish red garden house and the Finnish outdoor sauna.

Building a country house: costs & planning with prefabricated house

Due to the individuality, the construction of a country house also incurs higher costs than normal detached houses. Due to the remote location, the builder may also incur high development costs, as the connection to the public grid must first be established.

When building a house, the builder can choose between a prefabricated house and a solid house. Building a country house in the form of a prefabricated house promises you lower construction costs and a shorter time to move in. Despite this, there is still enough room for individualization and the typical rustic-romantic flair. A prefabricated house is usually built with natural, sustainable materials.

In addition to the costs arising from the construction itself, you should also never lose sight of additional costs such as insurance costs and maintenance costs. Especially white facade and wood on the exterior requires regular renovation and maintenance.

Our tip: It is best to seek the advice of an expert in planning before starting the building project and thus create your own country house according to your own ideas.

Vintage, Used Look, Shabby Chic: Find your interior style

You can design your furnishings as well as your house individually. Whether vintage style, shabby chic or used look, find your own style!

Furniture and accessories that look used or used have a particularly authentic effect here. Other characteristics are faded, peeling colors and rough surfaces.

Antiques and older furniture give the house a very special charm. Highlights such as terracotta dishes, old vases, rustic carpets and large mirrors complete the interior. You can set colourful accents very well with carpets and cushions.

You can find more inspiration on the subject of furnishings and interiors in our Interior Brands Guide!

Tip. Furnish in country house style or Scandinavian style

You want to furnish your country house in a classic country house style, or bring the reduced, charming Scandinavian interior style into your own home? We have summarized the trendiest and most popular interior styles for you and show you how you can also implement the style of a certain interior direction in your home. Boredom adie, decorate your country home in country style or Scandinavian now and feel a little bit like you’re on holiday every day!

• Furnish country style
• Scandinavian furnishings

Low-energy house: features, characteristic values and more

Caution is advised when buying and renting a low-energy house, because: The term is not associated with specific requirements for the house! Only if one would like to make the housing unit energetically valid with KFW, certain requirements are made. These should meet a low-energy house in any case. What exactly these are, we will explain to you in more detail below.

Tip. You want to move into a house, but you don’t know if buying or building a new one is the right thing for you? Then take a look at our article on the subject of buying or building a house, there you will find testimonials from builders that will help you with your decision!

Are you looking for the right house? Then check out our guide! Here you will find definitions, meanings and lots of information: House types from A-Z

Characteristics of low-energy houses: What your house should be able to do

Although low-energy houses are oriented towards the Building Energy Act, they aim to achieve values that are significantly lower than those that can be achieved by a house built in accordance with the standards set out in the Act.

These figures are achieved through construction measures that may seem strange to some. For example, in low-energy houses the windows often cannot be opened, which means that the air exchange depends almost exclusively on a ventilation system. But that doesn’t mean you have to do without daylight. Quite the opposite, in fact, as the windows of buildings are often oriented towards the south in order to take full advantage of daylight.

In general, a house is classified as a low-energy house if it falls below the legally permissible energy values by at least 30 %. This is the classification in Germany.

Advantages and disadvantages of low-energy houses: Building, costs and indoor climate

Low-energy houses sound very much like the building of the future, but are certainly still far from the optimal solution. Nevertheless, the form of housing has many advantages and should definitely be at the top of the list of targeted houses when building a house, because in the long term you can save a lot of money with an energy-efficient house and also do something good for the environment.

Unfortunately, increasing efficiency requires a few changes to the house, which ultimately require a bit of getting used to. However, once the adjustment phase is overcome, nothing stands in the way of sustainable living.

Advantages: Sustainability is at the top

logically, low-energy houses are designed to be particularly energy efficient. This factor is also the biggest one that distinguishes them from standard housing options. This results in circumstances that also play into the hands of the residents. For example, the living space of the compact houses is planned in a particularly efficient way, but also many more things bring you advantages:

• Low ancillary costs
• Sustainable housing option
• Focus on efficiency
• KfW funding

Disadvantages: Goodbye to ventilation? – Mould, windows & Co.

Of course, not everything can be perfect all the time. So even the environmentally conscious houses have their little quirks that you have to learn to deal with. Which exactly are we have summarized here for you:

• Windows that cannot be opened
• Moisture build-up
• Risk of mould

Who should buy or build a low energy house?

The energy efficient housing solutions come in many different forms. So, you can opt for prefabricated houses and wooden houses that still provide energy efficient living. This also means that it is not reserved for anyone to have a this living experience. Almost everyone can find a house that suits them.

Families, couples, singles, retirees and co.

Anyone who wants sustainable, energy-efficient living can opt for a low-energy house. Age is not a factor either. Although, of course, care should be taken that personal limitations do not conflict with the architecture of the house.

Regional differences: What requirements must be met?

There are also different definitions for low-energy houses in German-speaking countries. All of this can be somewhat confusing, which is why we have compiled the different criteria here. However, these are subject to constant change, which is why it is advisable to seek expert advice again if you are seriously interested:

• Upper Austria: < 50 kWh/sqm heating energy demand
• Germany: – 30 % final energy demand compared to stately standards
• South Tyrol: < 30 kWh/sqm final energy demand
• Switzerland: Heating energy demand < 55 kWh/sqm final energy demand (Minergiehaus)

Where is the best place to build low-energy houses?

The question of location is not so easy to answer, because low-energy houses naturally benefit from a warmer climate, but they make more sense in colder climates, where there is more potential for savings.

There tends to be no restrictions on the locations of low energy houses. Especially since they are urgently needed and are a modern housing solution, the sustainable houses are tried to be made possible in many locations. Whether in the countryside or in the suburbs, the low-energy house should always be in the room as an option. Even in the middle of the city, a sustainable house can be built on a sufficient plot of land.

The housing solution is particularly practical for a smaller plot of land, because in order to optimise the houses, the use of space is also optimised, so that no unnecessary heating costs are incurred for large, empty rooms.

Important aspects when building a low-energy house

To give you an overview of what exactly you can expect when building and planning the house, we have collected a few aspects that every low-energy house tries to meet. These are mainly structural and technical things.

Even if I want to convert my existing house into a low-energy house, the conditions for these changes must be met. Of course, you can also renovate your house in terms of energy technology without aiming for the designation “low-energy house”. Because in the end there is always a saving on the side of the energy costs.

• Windows facing south if possible
• Compact
• Exact heating settings
• Sensible ventilation system

Source: Low energy house (Lukinski.de)

Tips for renovating a house: optimise energy efficiency

Most older homes have potential for energy efficiency improvements that go untapped by their owners. However, if you’re interested in upgrading your home a bit, we’ve got a few ideas, some of which you can do with a little effort, and some of which you can do with a little more.

Windows: Protect from cold

Glass is not a particularly efficient material when it comes to the insulation factor. For this reason, most homes are double glazed. But if you still feel like a lot of heat is escaping through your windows, there are a few options that can help you protect yourself from the costs that come with it.

On the one hand, it helps quite classically hang thick curtains, which when closed additionally protect the room from the cold and thus require less heating. In addition, the right curtains can create a beautiful light and conjure up a nice color accent in the room.

Another option are insulating films, which can both protect the from UV rays, as well as insulate the room somewhat from the outside.

Roof: Insulation is the order of the day

After 20-25 the roof insulation of a house requires renewal. This undertaking is somewhat larger, so it is recommended to call in the support of craftsmen, especially if the insulation is to last for a longer period of time. If you are confident to redo the insulation yourself, we do not want to discourage you from doing so, after all, you know your strengths and weaknesses best.

Photovoltaics: Using solar energy

The government offers every now and then subsidies for private households, which want to build a photovoltaic system on the roof. Thus, after an investment of about 12,000 €, a household can obtain its own electricity from solar energy and become partially even completely self-sufficient. In case of overproduction, there is also the possibility to sell the energy to electricity providers. In addition, a part of the produced electricity can always be stored in the own battery.

Poggenpohl: Making the kitchen better

Germany’s oldest luxury kitchen manufacturer offers its customers a broad product portfolio. Always with an eye for small and large details. At the same time, the art of individuality is not neglected. From the Venovo product range to the Segmento kitchen collection and the final Mood Design. Find out more about the Poggenpohl product range.

• Poggenpohl

Light: High-quality brand-name fitted kitchens

The supplier of luxury kitchens stands out due to its high level of individuality and adaptability – and has done so for many years. The product types of Leicht present themselves in great variety, which we will illuminate from the ground up. A distinction is made between the product types modern style, handleless kitchens and the traditional variants. You can find out exactly what is behind them here:

• Easy

Bulthaup: Experience creates consistency

Whether completely according to requirements or even minimalist. The b design series from bulthaup offers an all-round solution. Whether it’s a personalized b3 concept made to measure, the b2 model consisting of just three basic elements or the simple and understated b1 module. Based on experience. Click here for an overview.

• Bulthaup

SieMatic: Every kitchen is unique

The German kitchen empire Siematic has also stood for luxury kitchens in perfection for years. As the inventor of handleless kitchen units, SieMatic sets new standards. Today, the luxury kitchen manufacturer presents three product lines. For example with SieMatic Pure, elegant yet minimalist kitchen elements, the SieMatic Urba series, with a modern, as well as unconventional approach or yet the traditional variant in the name of SieMatic Classics.

• SieMatic

Eggersmann: Always reinventing the kitchen

The Eggersamnn company specialises in the furnishing and distribution of luxury kitchens. The German luxury kitchen expert also focuses on the attributes of individuality and first class. With Eggersamann Unigue minimalism is guaranteed. Large-scale furnishing with plenty of freedom of movement is the keyword. Added to this is the E3.0 product range, in which the individual wishes of each kitchen lover are taken into account. Last but not least, eggermanns-work’s rounds off the wide product range. With Works’s Eggermmann guarantees a professional kitchen according to your preferences,

• Eggersmann