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

Old properties: Aging properties

The age of a property is a decisive factor when it comes to buying a property. But what are the differences and defects depending on the age and year of construction of a property? Is it worth investing in an aging house or apartment?

Purchase price and return

Older properties often have a lower purchase price and thus lower ancillary purchase costs. Thus, the return is also significantly higher than for newer houses with a high purchase price.

Maintenance costs and defects

Due to the age of the property, the running costs are significantly higher. Different years of construction have different defects, which should be taken into account during the technical inspection of a property. The better the location in which you buy, the older a property may be.

Advantages and disadvantages

Here are briefly summarized the advantages and disadvantages of buying an old property!

Advantages:

• Favorable purchase price, better return
• Costs are calculable if defects are known
• Location in grown infrastructure

Disadvantages:

• Higher costs for maintenance
• Possible hidden defects

Existing real estate: typical defects

Among the disadvantages of buying existing real estate is the occurrence of possible defects. Generally, these include mold, water damage, vermin infestation or dry rot.

Here is a brief overview of typical damage and defects:

• Building fabric: cracks in the plaster or masonry, mold
• Building services: insulation of water pipes, sometimes still lead pipe in use
• Electrical engineering: Too few sockets in the rooms or cables too thin according to old standards
• Roof: missing and slipped roof tiles (moisture penetrates) or mold infestation
• Leaky: windows, basement and roof

Checklist 1900-1999: Defects, Damage & Co.

Here you can find a list of old buildings from 1900 to 1999 and what typical defects and damages they have.

Existing properties up to 1900

Properties built before 1900 are now over 120 years old! It should come as no surprise that these properties have defects. Weather, weather and Co. have here a large influence. But also the electrical and sanitary systems can be outdated and need to be replaced urgently. Here you can find an overview of the possible defects:

Facade, insulation, roof and basement:

• Cracks in plaster and masonry
• Non-existent thermal insulation (subject of energy efficiency)
• Single glazed windows
• No sound insulation

Plumbing and electrical:

• Damp basements and attics
• Lead pipes as water supply (No longer permitted!)
• Obsolete electronic system

Existing real estate 1900 – 1939

Properties in these years also have certain defects. Here is an overview.

• Missing underlays in the roof
• Dampness in the roof & basement
• Sponge infestation of wooden beams in ceilings
• Defects of the outer walls due to too thin constructions
• Condensation problems and mold
• Lack of fire protection
• Lead pipes as water pipe

Existing real estate 1939 – 1945

These years are considered very eventful in Germany. Political changes and the Second World War took their toll on the building stock, and as a result very little new construction took place.

Overview of deficiencies due to the Second World War:

• Severe shortage of building materials
• Construction waste and miscellaneous became building material
• Pest infestation due to wrong building material
• Fast building can also cause static problems
• Cracks in the plaster or masonry
• Exterior and interior, thin walls
• Leaking gas pipes
• Lack of fire protection

Existing real estate 1945 – 1959

Properties built in the post-war period from 1945 to 1959 also have some defects due to Germany’s difficult situation.

• Lead pipes still in use (increasingly steel pipes)
• Use of questionable building materials such as asbestos and lead paint
• Lack of fire protection (fire department access, fire doors)
• Gas pipes leaking
• Vermin in the wooden ceilings
• Poor sound insulation (thin walls and wooden floors)
• Here too, cracks in the plaster or masonry

Portfolio properties 1959 – 1969

While property defect lists were relatively long before 1960, the items on the checklist already shorten considerably for post-1960 construction. Here is a brief overview:

• Single glazing
• Building materials of concern (parquet adhesives containing tar)
• Insulation harmful to health (fibers too short)
• Roof trusses not insulated
• Concrete damage to balconies and loggias

Portfolio properties 1969 – 1979

From 1970 onwards, the introduction of soundproofing and insulation requirements allowed even more deficiencies to be crossed off the list. There was also a revolution in the subject of water pipes and building efficiency

Here is the brief overview of remaining deficiencies:

• Concrete as a building material with difficulties in cold / moisture
• Already, often in need of renovation (balconies, old water pipes, heating systems).
• Parquet adhesives containing tar were still in use
• Central heating (year of construction before ’85 must be replaced)

Portfolio properties 1979 – 1999

Here you can often find a very solid stock of used building materials that do not need to be replaced.

Here are just the few defects that are present:

• Connections and terminations for flat roof
• Central heating (year of construction before ’85 must be replaced)
• Upcoming maintenance in view
• Weak insulation

More on the subject of construction defects/ Immobilien-Erfahrung.de

The next step: maximum size of your property

How big should my first condo be? Micro-apartment, 2, 3 or even more rooms? This question is answered here by comparing living space for owner-occupancy and capital investment. In general, the number of square meters and the room layout are particularly important. Everything else, you will learn here!

Villa: When is a house a villa?

Are you interested in the topic of villas and would like to learn more about it? Then you’ve come to the right place. If you want to fulfill your dream of your own dream villa, you should first find out what kind of house is suitable for you. Would you like to renovate an old building and thus preserve some of its charm and history? Or would you rather build it yourself and design everything according to your ideas? Meanwhile, many developers offer individual villas. You can choose between a solid construction or a prefabricated house. With both you will find many advantages and disadvantages. But more about that later.

Characteristics of a city villa: new construction or traditional?

When is a house a villa? There are several characteristics that distinguish a villa from an ordinary, large house. This starts with the floor plan, which is usually square and has two to three floors. This shape of house has become more common in recent years, especially in modern villas. The roof is almost always flat or has a slight slope and even in newly built villas it is common that elements of the facade are traditional and based on the Mediterranean architectural style (columns, oriels). Villas are usually located on the outskirts, have a large garden surrounding the house and often have a veranda and upscale amenities.

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

Criteria for a luxury property: location and quality

Are you interested in luxury real estate or would you like to live in one? We have summarized and written down the most important criteria to recognize a luxury property. These apply mainly to villas but also to other luxury properties.

• Location: The property should be in an exclusive villa district and yet centrally located.
• Spacious: an imposing house entrance, high, spacious and light-flooded rooms
• No thresholds: All access points to the house should be free of thresholds and barriers.
• Glazing: high windows and glass walls have a bright effect and are very costly
• Privacy: land is scarce in popular neighborhoods. Indoor/outdoor retreat a luxury factor
• Quality: Only special craftsmanship and noble building materials are used
• Freedom of design: new buildings should be tailored to the buyer down to the smallest detail

Advantages & disadvantages: Area, price, garden & co.

A villa is probably the dream of many people. It radiates luxury, elegance and wealth. Nevertheless, you should consider the construction or purchase of such a house well. We have compiled a list of the advantages and disadvantages of a villa and can hopefully help you to make the right choice.

Advantages: timeless and elegant

The advantages of a villa speak for themselves. A large living and garden area, the timeless elegance of the building and the mix between modern and traditional. Especially a city villa is usually found in a central location and in a prestigious neighborhood. In addition, a new build villa is ideal for making it energy efficient and you can get creative with the design. Another advantage is privacy, as each property is usually generously built, creating a distance from the neighbors. Still, you’re not isolated. If you want to renovate a villa, you can also add an extension or convert the lower floor into office space, for example. You have a lot of possibilities to design your house.

• Large surface, timelessly elegant
• Mix modern and traditional
• Central location (villa district)
• Design freedom
• Privacy, distance neighbours
• Extension/ office use possible

Disadvantages: high price for good quality

If you are interested in building or buying a villa, you should be aware of the financial costs. Especially in the city centre, land prices are very high and in villa districts they can rise even further. You also have to consider that building in a very central location is often not possible due to the size of the plot and you have to switch to outer districts. In addition to the construction costs, you must not forget the high ancillary and maintenance costs during living and especially the large outdoor area must be maintained in a time-consuming manner.

• High land price downtown
• Construction in central locations often not possible
• Higher construction costs
• Incidental maintenance costs
• Outdoor area time consuming to maintain

Source: Villa (Lukinski.de)

Villa perfect for…? Couples, seniors and more

Above all, you have to be able to afford a villa, which is why this type of house is more for high earners. A city villa is particularly popular with city and garden lovers, as you can live close to the city centre but still enjoy your privacy. Before you decide to buy a villa, you should take a look at your finances and see if this investment fits into your budget. We have listed two groups of people who are perfect for living in a villa.

Couples and families: oasis near the city centre

A villa is particularly suitable for couples and families. With a city villa, the proximity to the city centre is very advantageous and yet you still live in the green and have your space. After a busy day, you can look forward to your own oasis at home and retreat. The modern construction of the new buildings is also very attractive for young couples and exudes a luxurious lifestyle. Many villas have a large garden as well as a pool, which is especially popular with children. They can spend a lot of time in the fresh air in the garden and you don’t have to worry as a parent.

Senior citizens: green spaces and design freedom

A villa is also very pleasant for pensions. Here, the proximity to the city centre usually does not play a major role and more value is placed on a large green area. Seniors have a lot of design freedom in the spacious building and could start new hobbies such as painting. They have the opportunity to sit on the porch or in a conservatory and enjoy nature. Grandchildren will also enjoy the large garden with a pool if necessary.

Energy efficient construction of a villa

Energy-efficient construction is becoming increasingly important and certain standards must be met, especially for new buildings. Even when building a villa you have to pay attention to this and this is not so difficult with this type of building. Urban villas as a solid construction can be built with little effort energy efficient and this is especially for young families an advantage. These get namely discounts from the state, so that the construction costs are minimized somewhat. If you want to sell the house after a few years, the resale value is higher due to the energy-efficient construction.

Energy-saving alignment

To build energy efficient you should start with the orientation of the house. The sun can make a big difference to the heat in the house, which is why the largest window fronts should face south. In addition, flat or gently sloping roofs are ideal for photovoltaic systems, and with good external insulation, little of the heating energy will be lost to the outside. An air, water, heat pump also generates heat for water and heating in the house.

Tip. In this article you will find even more on the topic of energy-efficient building and living: Low-energy house & zero-energy house

Important aspects during construction: construction, furnishing & Co.

When building any house, you have to consider some aspects so that everything can go smoothly and without problems. We show you here the most important tips that you should consider around the construction. From the special construction method, to the right interior design, to the renovation of a villa, everything is included. We hope that we can give you some useful information.

Construction: modern or Mediterranean?

Typical for modern city villas are cube-shaped bodies, straight lines and large windows. Mostly the façade is designed in a classic white, but often you also see basic colours like red, yellow or building. It is also not uncommon to see an almost completely glazed façade. If the villas are not to look modern, but rather classic, one chooses a Mediterranean style, as this should remind of traditional country houses. Natural stone is often used for the façade and brick elements are used. The plastering is often in an earth colour and in the entrance area one finds columns and doors with round arches. Large mullioned windows and an Italian country garden are also common here.

Interior design: spacious and open

If you are planning to build an urban villa, you can get creative with the interior design. Most of the time you have two floors, so usually the bedrooms are on the first floor and the living areas are on the ground floor. Often, you try to connect the living and dining areas so that there is plenty of open space and the large windows can accentuate it. The rectangular floor plan is ideal for this. If your villa has three floors, you could consider adding offices on the ground floor. This combination of living and working space is also very popular. Check out our interior brands guide and discover new interior brands!

Tip. Interior styles with trends and inspirations to style: Interior styles XXL

Renovate city villa: keep charm and history

Especially in the case of mansions, construction can cost a lot of time, energy, and most importantly, money. Therefore, you should consider renovating and extending an old house. This would save you a lot of time and money. Many construction companies offer finishing houses and you can choose yourself how much personal contribution you still have to make. If you want to renovate an old mansion, you could preserve much of the charm and traditional elements of the house. Be aware, however, that if you want to renovate on your own, you should have some manual skills. Otherwise, there will be further costs involved.

City villa as prefabricated house or solid house?

The two most popular variants to build a house are the prefabricated house and the solid house. Especially if you want to build a villa, it is a big investment for the builder or the customer. We now present the advantages and disadvantages of the two building options, so that you can decide for yourself what you like better.

Prefabricated house: fast and cheap

In the case of a prefabricated house, the individual parts of the building are manufactured in advance in a hall and then assembled on the construction site. This variant is usually cheaper, goes faster and no materials are wasted. The completed construction then takes only a few days.

One of the disadvantages is the poorer quality of a prefabricated house. The house will usually be poorly insulated and not as durable as a solid house. In addition, prefabricated houses are always built according to a pattern and you have few options to change something in the house / room design.

• Prefabricated house

Solid house: high quality and high value

Above all, solid houses are of high quality and the value remains constant over the years in most cases. It is also very easy to design a villa as an energy efficient home. You will have a lot of say in the construction of a solid construction and can make your room design as it suits you best.

With this option, you should keep an eye on the financial costs. Building a villa as a solid house is in any case more expensive than a prefabricated house. In addition, the construction takes more time and you have to put more energy into it.

• Massive house

Conclusion: Price & costs – you have to pay for luxury

Especially for people who rely on the proximity to the city and still want to live with a large plot and garden area, a (city) villa is ideal. A good connection and still enjoy the quiet surroundings. A villa combines all this. Especially the traditional and quiet way of living is also attractive for retirees and seniors, because you have a lot of design freedom and can be in the countryside a lot. Nevertheless, one should keep in mind with all this that one should have the financial means for a construction or a purchase and especially with renovations and new buildings one has to put a lot of time into it.

For whom is a villa suitable?

• If you want to live luxuriously and with plenty of space
• You should have the financial means for a construction/ purchase
• Consider high running costs (cleaning, ancillary costs, garden maintenance)
• Large property must be available

Loft apartment: What actually is a loft?

A loft apartment has its own unique charm. Knowing that this was an old industrial building makes you appreciate the historical background of the building even more. Not sure if this type of apartment is right for you? Here you can find out the most important facts and features of a loft and decide if it suits you.

Tip! Are you about to buy your first own apartment? Then take a look at our comprehensive article on the subject of buying an apartment. Here, topics such as the process, costs or advantages and disadvantages of buying an apartment are explained.

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

Important features of a loft: walls and floors with character

First of all, you should know by now that lofts were created from old industrial buildings. In most cases, the loft is not on the ground, offers one to two floors and is a large open space. Typical features are for example floors and ceilings made of concrete, as well as brick or unplastered walls, which already give character to the initially empty space. It is also not uncommon to see openly laid pipes. Imagine a loft like a blank sheet of paper, which you can design and convert as you wish.

Room layout: one room with many possibilities

Because lofts are former factory premises, there is usually only one large and spacious room, rather than several small ones. In addition, this type of construction offers very high ceilings and large window fronts. So you always have plenty of daylight to fill the large space, which makes your apartment feel open and friendly. You also have the possibility to arrange the rooms yourself and to furnish your loft according to your wishes and needs. For example, use high cupboards or shelves to create a specific room layout. This type of architecture offers you the chance to live out your creativity.

Advantages & disadvantages of a loft: free space, flooded with light etc.

Before deciding to buy or rent an apartment, you should find out about the particular type of apartment and consider for yourself whether you could live in it. Especially a loft apartment offers many advantages, but also some disadvantages. For sure, this type of architecture is not for everyone and for that we have compiled a list of the most important facts about lofts for you. Get smart and see for yourself if you could imagine living in such an apartment.

Advantages: a lot of freedom and opportunity for development

Lots of free space and an open ambience. These are probably the biggest advantages of a loft apartment. Especially for young adults, this can be the perfect place to live. It’s not uncommon to create a combination of work and personal life by dividing your apartment accordingly. So, you would have the option of designing your loft in such a way that you demarcate one private area and receive business partners or clients in the other. Due to the extravagant ambience and the charm of the listed building, you can create the perfect space for a variety of purposes. Be creative, flexible and have the possibility to design your loft according to your requirements.

• Very much free space
• Extravagant ambience, flexible design
• Historical background, mostly listed buildings
• Combination of professional and private life

Disadvantages: high price, a lot of gathering and little privacy

Despite the many advantages and the free space that you get in a loft, there are also some disadvantages that you have to consider. For example, you have to consider that many lofts are already very old and unkempt and therefore in need of renovation. If this is not the case and they are in top condition, the price is usually very high. In addition, one should take into account that there may be high additional costs. Since this type of construction usually only has one large room with high walls, it takes a long time to heat it and the brick walls make the apartment less insulated. Finally, you must always take into account that especially if you do not live alone, retreat and privacy is rather difficult.

• High prices or in need of renovation
• High ancillary costs, difficult to heat
• Little retreat, no privacy

Source: Loft apartment (Lukinski.de)

Loft Apartment: For whom is a loft suitable?

Loft apartments, while usually highly sought after, are certainly not for everyone. By being a large, open space, there is little room to retreat, which could be difficult if you have a family of several. Still, this type of architecture would suit a variety of people. We’ve listed a few groups here that would certainly think highly of the extravagant ambiance and could do a lot with it.

Company – space for exchange

You don’t have to use a loft just as a living space. During the last years it has become more and more attractive for companies to rent a loft apartment as office space. You have the possibility to work in an open atmosphere and to live out your creativity. There is less and less emphasis on a sterile, segregated office atmosphere, but rather the focus is on collaboration and, above all, quick exchange. The building structure of a loft also offers charm and is modern, which is particularly in demand with young companies or start-ups.

Yuppies – young, successful adults

Especially for singles or single people a loft is perfect. The target group here is young, successful adults who can afford this kind of apartment. If you have this option, everything is open to you with this type of construction. You have the possibility to give free rein to your creativity, you can create and design rooms and live freely. Since you live alone, you don’t need a specific retreat and even if you receive visitors, the atmosphere is open and friendly due to the architecture. It is also very popular to combine the professional with the private space, for example by changing your furnishings to create a place for customers or business partners.

Seniors – functional and creative

Lofts would also be ideal for retirees to live in. Because there is only one large room, it is at ground level and there are no stairs. So it is extremely practical, because you can reach every room quickly and everything is designed barrier-free. In addition, the large, free space also offers space for new hobbies, as you can give free rein to your creativity and so, in his later years well passes the time.

What you should consider before buying/renting a loft space

Especially with older buildings, you should do thorough research before buying or renting. Something unexpected could always come up and to avoid that, you have to consider a few things. We took the trouble for you and did some research. Here you will find the most important points that you should consider before buying.

In addition to the location and condition of the property, factors such as the process or costs must also be clarified before the purchase. You can find more information on this in our article on the subject of buying an apartment.

Surroundings & location – no city centre, but outskirts of town

You should definitely find out beforehand where your loft apartment is and whether the infrastructure is sufficient for your needs. The old warehouse or industrial buildings are usually not located in the city center, but rather on the outskirts in industrial areas. Of course, it’s not uncommon that trains or buses don’t run every hour. So think about whether such a location would be suitable for you and whether you need to be connected to public transport. If you have a car, you will usually have no problem finding a parking space or getting to the motorway quickly.

Need for renovation – you have to get creative

Another important point is to check the need for renovation of your loft. As you already know, it’s not uncommon for old industrial buildings to be run down and unkempt. Therefore, we recommend you to consult an expert to avoid unnecessary costs. Have the apartment inspected beforehand and compile a list of the costs still to be incurred. Then you can decide for yourself whether the purchase plus the renovation fit into your budget. With the right planning, nothing can go wrong.

You should also look at the walls and insulation. Most lofts have brick walls, which are not well insulated. This is also an important point to avoid higher utility costs. So check this and make the necessary improvements.

How do you furnish a loft? Tips for furnishing & Co.

When you choose a loft, there are no limits to your creativity. Mix between modern and vintage and design your space as you see fit. Take advantage of the generous daylight that is given to you due to the window fronts. Create your own room layout with cabinets, shelves or curtains and keep the charm of the old building by highlighting certain industrial elements. Use your freedom and go wild. Feel free to check out our interior items from Rolf Benz or B&B Italia. The furniture would fit perfectly in a loft.

Tips for the perfect interior

Who wants to furnish his new apartment perfectly, it is not always easy. Who the furnishings and decorating was not laid in the cradle often needs a few tips and inspiration to implement his dreams of living. Here you will find some helpful tips that can help to create a cozy interior and atmosphere.

Tip! All trendy styles such as Skandi style, retro look, industrial style and much more can be found in our comprehensive overview: Furnishing styles XXL.

• Modern, vintage interior or style mix
• Use the daylight
• Create your own room layout
• Highlight industrial elements

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