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Apart from the substantial factors of a real estate, what counts for the living comfort above all:

1. Living
2. Bathroom, Cooking
3. Sleeping, storeroom
4. Stairs, Elevator

Old building apartment: stucco, high ceilings and floorboards

In Germany, apartments in old buildings are among the most sought-after properties. And rightly so: the era of old buildings ended an estimated 70 years ago, when the use of concrete walls and insulating glass windows became increasingly common. These buildings are thus filled with stories from the so-called Wilhelminian period around 1900, which is also noticeable in the architecture and the rooms, which are in the style of the Renaissance. Due to the predominant proximity to city centres, Altbau apartments are highly sought after on the market.

High ceilings, bay windows and box-type windows are characteristic features of this architecture and promise a feel-good factor. Whether renting or buying, here you will find useful tips, advantages and disadvantages around this special building type.

• Old apartment

Apartment: Small apartment, space miracle and often very modern

Apartment: Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne? Apartments are extremely popular in cities with millions of inhabitants and large cities. Many singles, students, trainees or seniors resort to this small but fine housing option. One-room apartments offer enough space for single people and score especially with lower prices. An apartment is a small flat with only one or at most one and a half rooms. The modern small apartment usually has high-quality furnishings.

Apartments are also available as fully furnished apartments. This type of apartment is mostly used for properties that are advertised for interim rent. An ideal solution for people who only need an apartment for a fixed period of time. Furniture and equipment can be taken over by the owner or landlord for a fixed price in the rent.

• Apartment

Top floor apartment: search, air conditioning and living with a view

A home under the roof can be super cozy if furnished correctly. But before you decide on a loft apartment, there are a few things you should consider that could complicate your move-in. Any apartment directly under the roof can be considered a loft apartment in and of itself. Penthouse apartments and lofts can also be attic apartments.

In the following article, however, we will focus on the general understanding of attic and mansard apartments as rooms that have special circumstances due to sloping roofs. We will introduce you to the advantages and disadvantages of attic apartments, and also give you a little insight into how you can make your life in this type of apartment a little more pleasant.

• Attic apartment

Granny flat: definition, features and advantages for landlords

As the name implies, granny flats are apartments that are “tucked in” to a house, i.e. a separate apartment in a house.

Granny flats are particularly popular for multi-generational homes: young adults or seniors can live here with their family, but still have privacy. However, a granny flat is not only attractive for members of a family. Due to the low rental and purchase prices, this form of housing is also popular with working singles, students or even au pairs. Whether in the attic or in the basement – granny flats can have just as much charm as normal apartments.

• Granny flat

Apartment: Lots of living space, several rooms & perfect flat share

Apartment is understood as all the apartments, which extend above the ground floor and below the top floor over an entire floor. This creates a lot of living space. Mostly, the apartments are found in apartment buildings, because smaller buildings often offer it to expand an entire floor to an apartment. Especially annoying stair climbing in your own home is omitted here. In addition, a flat on one floor is perfect for a shared flat. We have summarized the advantages and disadvantages of this type of apartment for you in the following article.

• Apartment

Loft: space for free development, luxury and modern equipment

During the 1940s, lofts first appeared in large cities such as New York. Old warehouses and factories were converted into living space in order to live inexpensively. This definition has nothing to do with today’s meaning of a loft. Nowadays lofts are highly sought after, exclusive and very expensive. Old industrial wastelands are still used as floor plans, but these have now been extensively modernised to meet luxury standards. Most of the residents are young, successful adults, also called yuppies. In addition, nowadays new buildings are also being built in loft style. If you want to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages or tips about this type of architecture, then you are exactly right here.

• Loft

Maisonette: Living on 2 floors, with gallery or spiral staircase

In Germany, a maisonette apartment is an apartment that is arranged contiguously on at least two floors of a building. It can be located both on the lower and upper floors of a house. In most cases, however, a maisonette apartment comprises the attic and the floor below. The second floor of a maisonette apartment can also be designed as an open gallery, as well as a comprehensive floor. Charming features of this type of housing are staircases, which often extend into the living space, and high ceilings. If you want to learn more about maisonettes, check out our article.

• Maisonette

Penthouse: Enjoy luxury & living comfort with plenty of space

When the word penthouse is mentioned, it is often clear: this is something particularly exclusive. Penthouse apartments promise special luxury and an excellent living experience. Mostly you know the apartment form especially from media such as film, television and video games. A penthouse stands for space, luxury and living comfort. Quality and a lot of living space are often decisive features of a penthouse.

This type of apartment has become big in the U.S.A. and is still the most widely represented there. But also here in German-speaking countries you can find one or the other penthouse. If you are looking for a luxurious living solution, it is definitely worth taking a closer look at this type of apartment. After all, a penthouse has its very own charm and stands for luxurious living.

• Penthouse

Basement apartment: cool and close to the ground

Basement apartments are underground living options which can be found in the basement or cellar. In addition, they are usually located in the middle of downtown but because of the location in the house, many potential buyers are initially deterred. Whether renting or buying. We did the research for you and found out all about the advantages, disadvantages, possible mold and the rental prices. Maybe your first impression was wrong and you like this kind of apartment.

Basement apartments are one thing above all. Cheap and practical. Usually located in the middle of the city center, these properties are rather unpopular due to various aspects and scare people away. However, you should not be fooled by this, because this type of apartment also offers some advantages that you do not include at first.

• Basement apartment

Terrace apartment: Living with a view

Ground floor apartment with terrace: the residential dream of many, especially in big cities. To escape the turbulent and hectic life in metropolises, terrace apartments are perfect. Cafés, crowds and hustle and bustle outside the four walls, peace, comfort and a piece of nature in your own four walls. If you’re lucky, your terrace will lead on to a small garden. As you can see, a dream of many apartment renters. But this is not where the definition of a terrace apartment ends. Especially in cities, the “rooftop terrace” trend is constantly gaining popularity. Modern architecture is reinterpreting the terrace apartment! See for yourself what advantages and disadvantages a terrace apartment has to offer, who it is suitable for and what other information is hidden behind this gem of an apartment!

• Terrace apartment

What is a granny flat and what are typical features?

According to the legal text of the 11 paragraphs of the Housing Act, a granny flat is considered to be an additional flat in a single-family house. The decisive characteristic of a granny flat is that the flat does not have separate access from the outside. The granny flat can only be accessed through the front door or the staircase of the flat. In contrast to the main apartment, the granny flat is of secondary importance. The apartment is usually located in the basement or in the attic.

In principle, the rule applies here that running one’s own household must also be possible in a granny flat in a completely autonomous way. If this were not the case, this would only be a pure room rental. If the apartment is also locked from the outside and has its own entrance, it is again a two-family house.

The rental contract will state whether you will receive a furnished or unfurnished apartment. The costs for a furnished apartment can be reflected in the rent in the form of a one-off payment or as an additional monthly payment. Domestic duties such as participation in garden maintenance or winter service must be stated in the contract.

The Einlieger has its origin as a dwelling for unskilled workers on a farm.

Are you looking for the right apartment? Here you’ll find definitions, meanings and lots of information on penthouses, granny flats, apartments & co.: Apartment types from A-Z

Room layout: Separate kitchen & bath – with one or two rooms

The prerequisite for a granny flat is that it is possible to run a household independently. You must therefore be provided with a kitchenette for independent provisioning and a separate bathroom.

The number of rooms in a granny flat, on the other hand, is flexible: while in some granny flats the bedroom and living area share one room, there are also granny flats with several rooms and a higher number of square metres. However, the minimum size must be 25 square meters. The garden or terrace of the house can be shared depending on the arrangement.

You want more impressions on the topic of apartment types and apartments? Then take a look at our Pinterest account! Here you can also find our pinboard on the subject of granny flats and much more.

Pros & Cons: Pros and cons of a granny flat

Living in or owning a granny flat weighs up both various advantages and disadvantages. Living with another household may be seen as an advantage or disadvantage depending on the person and their living situation. You can use the following criteria to decide whether a granny flat would be the right option for you.

Advantages: Ideal solution for families and good investment for the future

With a granny flat there are two perspectives of benefits, one is the landlord’s perspective and the other is the tenant’s perspective. Homeowners can turn their unused space in the house into cash, whereas apartment hunters can find a cheap apartment. Just in the age results here a 2nd pension and the flatmates provide for more life in the house and can be helpful also with everyday work like the purchase. This variant of living together is therefore particularly popular with families: The children can stay in the parental home, but also have enough privacy later and can take care of the parents.

You can earn an even higher income by renting out the rest of the house instead of the granny flat and living in the granny flat yourself instead. Finally, if you ever consider selling your home, the additional living space will further increase the value of the house.

Costs incurred in the construction of the granny annexe can be deducted from the tax, but only if they can be clearly allocated to the granny annexe, such as the installation of a kitchen.

If certain conditions are met, the granny flat can also reduce the tax burden, but in this case the rental income must also be taxed.

• Lower rent for the tenant
• Only consideration for a neighbor
• Mostly shared use of garden
• Often already furnished
• Social contact
• Additional income for the landlord
• House has higher value when sold
• Ideal for several generations living together
• Invoice may be tax deductible if applicable

Disadvantages: Loss of privacy and intimacy.

Many people associate a granny flat with a disturbance of their own privacy due to another person crossing their own four walls. For many tenants, a granny flat may therefore not seem as attractive as a normal attic flat.

The extended notice period can be problematic for the landlord if there are problems with the tenants and especially if there are delays in payment.

• Limited privacy on both sides
• Extended notice period (possibly problematic for the landlord)
• If necessary smaller than normal apartment
• Participation in garden maintenance and winter service
• Good relationship with the other party is important

Source: Granny flat (Lukinski.de)

For whom is a granny flat suitable? Students, families and singles

A house with granny annexe is attractive for many people. This variant of the house with apartment is most popular for families. Several generations can live here together under one roof, but have enough privacy through a separation within the house.

This housing solution is particularly attractive, but also for professionals such as caregivers or au pairs who work in a private household. For whom granny flat, due to the low price are still suitable, you will learn in the following paragraphs.

Singles: Live cheaply and collect social contacts

Especially for singles who are not bothered or deterred by living with another household, this apartment is a good solution. Working young adults thus benefit not only from cheaper rent, but also from the social contact and less loneliness.

Students: Study and live cheaply in the basement or attic

For students for whom a room in a shared flat or a student hall of residence is out of the question, but who can’t afford their own apartment, the granny flat offers a good intermediate solution. The separate apartment in the basement or attic offers you enough peace and space to study.

Seniors: Living together with the family with their own privacy

Several generations of a family under one roof – a house with a granny flat is the perfect solution here. Adult children or grandfather and/or grandmother can move into the apartment and still keep some privacy for themselves.

Buy or rent? This is what you should consider!

Garden maintenance, participation in winter services, use of other household items such as the washing machine – these are points that you should definitely clarify and consider before moving into your new apartment – before misunderstandings or even unpleasant surprises arise in the end.

Likewise, tenants should note that the operating costs incurred are only charged proportionally to the living space. Alternatively, a separate water meter as well as gas and electricity meters can be used here. Additional costs that may arise if you take over the apartment furnished, you should also keep in mind. You should also take into account shared costs that may arise if, for example, repairs are necessary by craftsmen.

If you do consider buying a granny flat, be sure to look in a new development. Many builders who need money to finance their own house turn their basement into a granny flat and sell it. Unlike a regular home of your own, the purchase price of a granny flat tends to be low. This is especially suitable as a good investment for life in old age.

• Arrangement of participation in garden maintenance & winter service, joint use of other premises/household appliances
• Allocation of operating costs
• Buy: Location in a new development area
• Good investment for life in old age

Tip. Please also read our article on the subject of buying an apartment with even more tips & tricks: Buying an apartment

Furnishing: Homeware, colours and furniture for your next home

In most cases, granny flats are basement flats or attic flats. But what is the best and most attractive way to furnish such a granny flat? Since these apartments are usually rather small in terms of space, it is important to ensure that the room appears as bright and flooded with light as possible.

Light wall colours are a good start here; soft colours such as white, cream, sky blue or violet make your living space appear visually larger. You should also choose light and friendly shades for the floor and furniture. Instead of thick, heavy curtains, we recommend pleated blinds. Decorative, light, stylish and an ideal privacy screen.

Your granny flat is not yet furnished and you are still looking for beautiful furniture? In our Interior Guide you will find the top interior brands of this world such as Dior Maison, Fendi Casa or Moooi. Also for the inhabitants of furnished apartments you can find great homeware and decor, which will turn your apartment into your personal feel-good paradise.

Another tip: We have written a guide with tips and tricks on trendy styles for your interior! Read more here: Furnishing styles XXL