When is a building too old?

The commercial audit and the technical audit are followed by the valuation by year of construction. So when does a building have too many years on its back? For you as a buyer of a property, the year of construction is a central factor in the final purchase price. The older and more dilapidated a property, the lower the price, but you have to expect high renovation and maintenance costs. The newer and more modern, the higher. Exceptions are buildings under monument protection.

When buying real estate applies:

• The year of construction and the age of buildings, are always a key value factor for real estate buyers.

If you want to know more about the years a property was built, read our article on properties by year of construction here.

Advantage and disadvantage of old real estate?

Advantage of old real estate:

• Lower purchase price

Disadvantage of old real estate:

• High maintenance costs

Does the age of a property matter?

Maintenance, renovation and modernization play an important role in real estate. If you are the owner of a building or apartment, you should take care of it regularly, so real estate will last for many years. Nowadays, the trend goes in the direction of old buildings, many people are attracted to the charming apartments with high ceilings and stucco. Such an old building is almost always in a good location, so in the city center and thus also cost a lot of money. So you should always weigh whether you buy a new or old building and in what location this property is located.

• Old building in downtown very expensive
• Through maintenance, renovation and modernization, real estate lasts longer
• Trend: old apartments

The next step: Incidental purchase costs

Buying a property is not always cheap. But so that you don’t rush blindly into financing, the final purchase price can be calculated quite easily. Find out how here! Important factors here are the incidental purchase costs, which include the land transfer tax and the broker’s commission. Here you can find out how these costs contribute to the final purchase price of your first home. This way, nothing can go wrong with your first real estate purchase!

Year of construction and condition of real estate: defects, damages & Co.

We know now, about the age of a property must be well thought. You want to invest in an old building? Then you need to consider a few things before buying. Old real estate brings some advantages, but also disadvantages. What defects do buildings from a certain period have? We have compiled a brief overview of all the facts of the different construction years in comparison.

• Year of construction and condition of real estate

New issue: ISSUE #10 Graft Architecture Office

Here you can find a small overview of the topics printed in the new issue:

• Interview with the architecture firm Graft about company philosophy, foundation, passion and exciting projects
• Apartment Guide: From the cozy old building apartment to the luxurious loft apartment
• House Guide: The big overview of different types of houses like detached houses to vacationhomes

Read online! Now on fivmagazine.com

Read the whole magazine online as well:

• FIV Issue #10

Architectural firm Graft in an interview: Current projects, company philosophy and successful foundation

Whether futuristic skyscraper, VoloPort or modern dental practice: Graft has a versatile real estate project portfolio! The globally successful architecture firm was founded by the 3 German architects Wolfram Putz, Lars Krückeberg and Thomas Willemeit in 1998 in Los Angeles. Since 2018, Sven Fuchs, Dennis Hawner and Georg Schmidthals have been part of the team of partners who continue to drive and develop the company in a future-proof manner. The company now employs over 100 people and has offices in Berlin, Los Angeles and Shanghai. Their project diversity is extensive, from modern office buildings to moveable home bases made of containers, or even residential buildings such as Villa M, to future projects such as e-charging stations or Volocopter ports. Their modern implementation of diverse projects is unique, and their passion is what sets Graft apart. The founders talked to us about their passion, founding the company and their numerous projects. Dive into the world of design real estate!

• Interview with architectural office Graft

Apartment and house guide: Here you will find the property that suits you perfectly!

We present you in our big apartment and house guide different types of real estate, so you can find your perfect property. We go into detail about the advantages, disadvantages and features of each type of property, so that you can choose your dream property.

Old building apartment: apartment with high ceilings decorated with stucco – advantages, disadvantages & explanation.

You’re a student, want to move in with your partner or just want to get away from home and into the city? Maybe you are even thinking about buying an apartment? Then an old building would be right for you. Due to their predominant proximity to city centers, Altbau apartments are hot on the market. High ceilings, bay windows and box windows are characteristic features of this architecture and promise a feel-good factor. Altbau apartments are often found in an apartment building or even in a historic villa. Whether renting or buying, here you will find useful tips, advantages and disadvantages around this special building type.

• Old building apartment

Loft apartment: buying, renting and living – how old factories become luxury apartments

If you are looking for an apartment or want to find out more about the market, you will come across a number of terms: apartment on a floor, attic apartment, maisonette and many more. We would like to answer the following question for you here: What exactly is a loft? During the 40’s lofts first appeared in large cities such as New York. In this process, old storage areas 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. Nowadays, old industrial buildings continue to be converted, but also new buildings are 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 at the right place.

• Loft apartment

Single-family home: build, buy or rent? Modern ideas for your own home

The traditional single-family home has not been so traditional for a long time. Quite the opposite. The single-family house is rightly the most popular type of house in Germany and is becoming increasingly modern, although it continues to compete with other types of house such as the villa, the solid house or even the prefabricated house, although the categories do not have to be mutually exclusive. From the floor plan, to energy regulations, to the little extras: your single-family home is up to date. Especially for young families, this type of house is something very special, as this will usually be the first home of their own. You are interested in building or renting, or maybe even want to buy a house? Here you can find out everything about the advantages and disadvantages of a single-family home, useful tips and everything you need to know, from the perfect plot of land to the right energy regulations.

• Single family house

Vacation home: buy or build dream house by the sea or lake? Advantages, disadvantages & tips

Who does not know it? You’ve simply fallen in love with a place and would love to spend every free minute there. But the workplace and the main focus of life are simply too much anchored in the actual home country. In such a situation the option of a vacation home opens up. Whether on the beach or on the lake: a vacation home or weekend house can be located basically anywhere, and have almost any house form. Whether it is a villa, bungalow or country house, a vacation home can be many things. Buying a house for rental purposes is also an option. Criteria, characteristics, and the question of if and how we try to answer you in the following article.

• Vacation home

Buy apartment

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

Old building apartment: What is actually an old building?

What does a typical apartment in an old building look like and does it suit me? You should definitely ask yourself this question before you decide on this type of apartment. Of course, the exterior facade, especially between the new concrete buildings, is an absolute eye-catcher. With the stuccoed walls and the small balconies or wall protrusions, Altbau houses definitely stand out. But what does it actually look like inside?

Are you looking for the right apartment? Then take a look at our guide to apartment types from A-Z! Here you’ll find definitions, meanings and lots of information about penthouse, granny flat, apartment & co.

Characteristics of old buildings: the unmistakable charm

An old building apartment has many characteristic building elements to offer. In addition to beautiful stucco-decorated interior walls, double doors or a bay window, the high ceilings are a characteristic of this type of building. These can rise from three to over 4.5 metres in height and give your room much more freedom and size. Likewise, the classic wooden floorboards and herringbone parquet flooring are a trademark of the old building and give your home something quaint. The box-type windows are also part of the architecture of the old building. In those days, double windows were built with a space between them, which was mainly used for insulation. All these features ensure that old buildings have a charm that is very attractive, especially for young adults.

We got our tips and information mainly from the following source: Altbauwohnung (Lukinski.de)

Special room layout of an old building: Large hallway, built-in cupboards & passage room

Old building apartments are known for their small passage rooms, storage rooms or built-in closets. It doesn’t matter if the rooms are smaller or larger in design. The most important thing is that you use the space upwards. No other building style has such high ceilings, giving you the opportunity to use that space as well and not waste it. Possibilities include high shelves to allow for storage or a large hanging lamp. You have many options, so get creative and don’t waste space.

Advantages & disadvantages of an old building apartment

As with any type of building, there are always different advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before you rent or buy such an apartment. We do the work for you and have summarized the most important advantages and disadvantages of an old building apartment for you. You can then weigh up whether this building style is something for you and whether you can make friends with the disadvantages.

Advantages: high ceilings, stucco and special windows

Living in an old building offers you not only many aesthetic advantages, but also some practical ones. Besides the advantages of high ceilings, most old houses also have a basement with possible storage space. In addition, most old houses are listed and if you plan to buy such a house, you have the possibility of 90% of the renovation costs (within 10 years) tax deductible. Also, the box-type windows not only look nice, but also insulate the room through the double windows to insulate sound and, for example, to store warm air in the room. These are not to be equated with today’s standards, but a nice side effect.

• High ceilings with stucco
• Monument protection
• Often cellar with storage space

Disadvantages: a charming creak of the floorboards

By law, buildings built up to 1949 can be called old buildings. Therefore, it is unfortunately inevitable to have to take some, small disadvantages with in purchase. On the one hand, it is often the case that you buy an apartment in need of renovation and must therefore bring in additional capital. However, you have the opportunity to renovate the apartment according to your creative wishes. In addition, the walls are usually thin, so it is more brighthörig and the old floors creak and crack from time to time. Also, there is usually no elevator and due to the high ceilings it takes longer to heat up the room.

• Renovation may be required
• Slow to heat up because of the high ceilings
• Light-hearing, creaking of the floor
• Mostly no elevator

Old building apartment: For whom is it suitable – students, singles & Co.

Although an old building apartment gives a beautiful charm, this type of construction may not be for everyone. You have to weigh the pros and cons and personally see if this type of architecture suits you. Here are a few groups that we think would be a perfect fit for an apartment in an old building.

Students: the perfect flat share

The unique charm of old apartments is especially popular with young adults. If you just want to move out or have to move to study, an old building is definitely perfect for you. For one thing, apartments in old buildings are often in the middle of the city centre and close to the university, giving you the opportunity to be flexible. On the other hand, they are perfect for living in a shared flat. Due to the many small rooms, you can easily live with three or four people and share the rent.

Singles: feel safe

Apartments in old buildings are also very attractive for single people. The proximity to the city centre or to work is also an important factor here. In addition, the special construction with the smaller rooms and high ceilings allow you to live out your individuality. In addition, this architecture lends a cosy and quaint atmosphere and makes you feel secure and familiar.

Couples: family in planning?

Often, old apartments are not only located in the city center, but also on the outskirts or in different neighborhoods. Especially these properties are suitable for young couples who may already be thinking about family planning. On the one hand, one is still quickly in the city center and can reach everything easily, on the other hand, one is no longer involved in the urban hustle and bustle has a little more peace. In addition, the small rooms and the high ceilings offer plenty of room for personal development, but also for potential children’s rooms.

Here’s what you should consider before buying/renting an old building

Whether you’re buying or renting, it’s always a good idea to find out exactly what the building type is so you’re prepared for anything. Especially with older buildings, there are some points that you should consider. We present you here the most important things, so that you can clarify everything in advance and no unexpected costs hit you.

Please also have a look at our article on the procedure, costs and advantages and disadvantages of buying an apartment!

What to consider when buying

First of all, you should inform yourself about the structural condition of your apartment. Especially in old buildings, there are some things that have not been modernised or that require special attention. Before buying, it’s best to find a specialist who can support you and give you an insight into the possible renovation work. For example, it could be that the exterior siding is damaged, causing moisture and mold to enter the home. In addition, it could be that the statics need to be repaired to ensure stability or that repair work needs to be done. So get help and then nothing can really go wrong.

• Structural condition?
• Statics
• Possible repair work?

Renting an old apartment: What to consider?

Even if you decide to only rent an old building, you should also consider a few things. If there is anything that needs to be renovated in your future apartment, you should definitely discuss this with the landlord beforehand and have it stipulated in writing. This will protect you from being stuck with unexpected costs later on and from being held responsible for any damage. You should also always discuss any changes with your landlord. So if you want to change something in your apartment beyond decoration, clarify everything in advance, because it could be that you are required to return the apartment in its original condition.

• Record renovations in writing
• Agree changes with landlord

Heating systems in old buildings: heating, insulation & co.

In old apartments, it’s not always easy to have the right temperature and still not get a heating bill that’s too high. Especially since there is a lot of emphasis on climate friendliness these days. If the temperature is too low, mold could form, if it is too high, the climate will be more stressed. Here we’ll tell you a few useful tricks to keep your utility bill as low as possible.

• Time switch on the heater

It would be best if the heating is turned off about an hour before you go to bed and turned on again an hour before you wake up. This way you don’t waste money unnecessarily during the night and still wake up in a warm environment.

• Temperature difference between rooms

You should not have too high a room temperature in rooms that you use less. Instead, you can set it higher in the rooms that you use often, because this also keeps your utility costs lower. However, always make sure to close the doors between the rooms, otherwise the warm air will escape, for example.

• Do not place furniture in front of the radiator

In order for the heat to be ideally distributed in the room, you should not place any furniture or objects in front of the heater. It would also make sense to keep a small distance between your furniture and the wall, so that the outer wall does not cool down too much.

Furnishing an old apartment: Furnishing tips for your apartment

With an old building you have many possibilities to let your imagination run wild. Especially popular is the style mix of quaint, vintage furniture and a modern, personal touch. Especially the characteristic construction method offers a lot of leeway and more freedom in the old building.

Furnishings: vintage, modern or a mix of styles?

Here you have the choice of going more in the modern direction, keeping the old building charm or mixing the two styles. The only thing to keep in mind is that you want to incorporate the whole room. For example, we would recommend a large bookshelf that goes all the way to the ceiling to create storage space. Also, long hanging lamps fit very well in the rooms to fill everything with light. Take a look at our interior articles from Dior Maison or Boca Do Lobo. You’re sure to find the right ideas there.

Tip. Everything on the topic of interior design, from Skandi style to industrial look, can be found here: Furnishing styles XXL