Buy a house or rent an apartment in Halle (Saale)

A good start in the real estate world is always the purchase of the first apartment. Jens Lehmann explains in her interview with us his experience with real estate in a good D-location. The yield here depends on the type of house or apartment. For example, micro apartments have different exploitation possibilities than single-family homes. The meso location is also decisive in pricing, whether in Hausen, Bockenheim and other districts such as the Gutleutviertel or Eschersheim.

Get acquainted with Halle’s neighboring cities like Morl, Petersberg and Kabelsketa. Halle (Saale) in macro location:

Here is an overview of the city and its districts. In addition to Trotha, the districts of Ammendorf, Neustadt and Lettin are popular in Halle (Saale). Halle (Saale) in micro location:

Rent, buy, live: Your future in Halle

Are you planning to move into a house or apartment for rent in Halle (Saale)? Then you should not miss these tips for bedroom furnishing and terrace design. How do you furnish your new home?

Or is your dream your own home in Trotha, Ammendorf, Neustadt or Lettin, but you do not know how to finance it? What you should consider before buying real estate, an experienced real estate agent from Halle (Saale) will tell you later in the interview.

Many want to become financially independent through real estate, you too? – Then another strategy is the right one for you. Tips from professionals on how to achieve your individual goals are available here.

Real estate agent interview about real estate in Halle (Saale)

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

Immobilienagentur Lehmann: Top real estate agent team

FIV: Before we talk about Halle (Saale) and its real estate market, we want to know a little about your real estate agency. What does your agency do and what exactly do you specialize in?

Answer: We are Immobilienagentur Lehmann and deal with three pillars of the real estate business: management, leasing and sales. The focus is on the interests and the goals of the customer. In recent years we have specialized in capital investors and investors. Our job is to develop a strategy from an idea of the owner and to apply it successfuly. In the interest of the owners. In doing so, we very often also take on an advisory role and accompany the processes until the goal is reached. This part is especially fun for us and our clients, because every property and the associated development projects are always different.

Condominium: A popular capital investment

FIV: As a real estate agent in Halle (Saale), which properties do you personally prefer to broker?

Answer: We prefer to broker commercial real estate, condominiums and apartment buildings. Why? Behind all this marketing are people who invest to “create” and make a difference. These people have values and high goals. Whether it’s an early twentysomething buying their first condo or an established investor planning the next step to buy their first multi-family home, these people are highly motivated. It’s just fun to support these people and accompany them on this journey.

Increasing returns is fun

But the seller’s side is also fun. Let’s take the seller of a condominium again, for example. They had been working with us for years because we were managing the condominium. We modernized, optimized and increased the return. The goal was achieved, the strategy worked and now these apartments are being sold at a profit. It is not uncommon that you have built up a good relationship with the seller during this time and you are almost sad to sell the condominium because it and the seller have grown close to you over time and you have had a good time with them.

Kitchen of a family house in Halle (Saale):

Rather rent or buy in Halle (Saale)

Which districts have potential in the future? How are rents developing in Halle (Saale)? Location and rental price trends are important factors that influence your decision whether to rent or buy in Halle.

Living downtown vs. further south?

FIV: Neighborhoods for Singles, Families & Co. – For those who do not yet live in Halle (Saale) and want to move to Halle (Saale), which neighborhoods have a future? Where should you move to in Halle (Saale) if you want to live nicely?

Answer: I think that especially for families, but also for singles, the city center, as well as the southern and northern city center are the most beautiful. Short distances, playgrounds, good infrastructure and social activities can be found right here. We are experiencing a huge increase in students and families in the southern downtown. Both in the purchase and rental market. A lot has been done here by the city of Halle in recent years and many beautiful old buildings have been renovated by owners and ownership associations. So if you don’t want to afford the prime location Paulusviertel or Mühlwegviertel, invest or buy in the southern city center.

This is how rents are developing in Halle

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

Answer: Rents will continue to rise despite the rent index. This is simply due to the high demand and the relatively low supply. Halle is not only a student city, but also well located thanks to the A14, A9 and A38 freeway connections. You can be in Leipzig in 40 minutes. Halle has a lot to offer and is constantly developing. In my opinion, the prices per square meter for both sales and rentals are below expectations.

Tip. Real estate as equity and security

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 Halle (Saale)?

Answer: It depends on what the couple’s life goals are. For example, we always ask our clients what the optimal state should be. What is the goal? The strategy depends on that and the path associated with it.

If, for example, the goal is to start a family and buy a house in Halle Kröllwitz or Dölau and live there with dog and children, then I would definitely recommend a rental apartment for the couple and develop a strategy to finance one, two, three or more condominiums in parallel to rent them out. These properties then serve as equity and collateral. It always depends on people’s individual goals. In principle, anything is possible if it is sensibly planned.

Old building with bay window in Haale (Saale):

Avoid first-time buyer mistakes: Buy in Hall

FIV: Anyone who rents in Halle (Saale) 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?

Have conscious goals for the future – Tip 1

Answer: In principle, we see most first-time buyer mistakes in the first conversation when we ask the questions “Where do you want to go? What is the goal?” many are not really aware of this and make the wrong decisions here.

There are different approaches to achieve goals.

As in the example above with our pair. Furthermore, there are some points to consider in a strategy chain. For example, if you want to buy an owner-occupied property first and then buy an income property later, this is possible, but much more difficult than the other way around. If wealth accumulation or financial independence is the goal, you have to consider different criteria than if you “only” want to finance an owner-occupied property. It all depends on the goal and then you develop the right strategy for it.

Collect real estate knowledge – Tip 2

Since real estate is not part of most people’s core business, knowledge and experience are often lacking here. What do I have to consider regarding financing with banks, how much can I afford, what purchase criteria should my property meet, when do I want to sell it again, etc.?

Allow time or hire expert – Tip 3

Another mistake is to underestimate the time involved. There are things you need to know and understand, but not implement alone. For this, you can turn to a professional who will avoid mistakes, be faster in the end and also save you money. Rather, you should continue to focus on your goal. There are many people who want to do everything themselves in order to save money. Unfortunately, we see very often that expensive mistakes are then made and the most important and expensive asset, namely time, is wasted on things that should rather have been handed over.

Real estate agent Jens Lehmann:

Preventing mistakes when buying at a glance

The tips for buying real estate for the first time in brief. In summary, you should remember the following:

• Have clear goals
• Buy investment property before owner-occupied property
• Develop suitable strategy
• Collect knowledge
• Allow time

You should also be aware of the incidental costs of buying real estate.

Incidental costs when buying real estate in Saale

FIV: The purchase price of a property is one thing, but what additional costs and taxes must buyers in Halle (Saale) expect?

Answer: To the additional costs of a real estate purchase one should include the notary (1.5%), the land transfer tax (5.0%) and optionally the brokerage (3.57%). So if you buy a property for 100T€, you should calculate around 11% with broker and 7% without broker on the purchase price. If a broker is involved in the purchase, it is right and important to claim these costs for tax purposes. Here a good tax advisor (not a tax clerk!) is needed, who is familiar with the matter.

The costs summarized

When you buy a property in Halle (Saale), these are the incidental costs of purchase that come your way:

• Notary (1.5%)
• Real estate transfer tax (5.0%)
• Brokerage fee (3.57%)

Example: Purchase price 100.000€

With a purchase price of 100.000€ you pay:

• 11% with broker
• 7% without broker

New construction unit in Halle (Saale):

Expert recommendation: Real estate as an investment

FIV: Halle (Saale) neighborhoods for real estate investment – Let’s move on to real estate as a capital investment in Halle (Saale), 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 Halle (Saale) would you recommend to a buyer for their capital investment in Halle (Saale)? In your opinion as an expert, where do the most future opportunities lie?

Answer: Even if I repeat myself, it always depends on the goal of the capital investor. I continue to see good investment opportunities in the south downtown (the profit is made on the purchase) and also in the north downtown. Both districts serve as good investments for different pockets.

Existing real estate or new construction: investing the right way

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

Answer: In principle, you should have every type of real estate on the screen. All types have advantages and disadvantages and, as always, it depends on your goals. When building a new building, for example, the margin is highest if you build properly and have a good network of service providers that you already know and trust. For newcomers to real estate, existing properties are a good place to start.

Selling real estate in Halle: Hiring a real estate agent?

FIV: Finally, one more question: You mentioned the typical mistakes when buying a property. Many buy, but some also want to sell. As an experienced real estate agent in Halle (Saale), what tips can you give to those who are selling a property for the first time? What are the first steps and how do you successfuly sell a property in Halle (Saale)?

Answer: I am actually asked this very often. Anyone can sell a property. Somehow. Some do it better than others. Again, it’s a question of how involved you are and how often you will handle a sale. My own advice to anyone who wants to sell their property in the best possible way, who does not have the necessary expertise, who has no experience with authorities and notaries, and who does not have the time for marketing, is to hire a well-chosen real estate agent. As a counter-argument I sometimes hear that this is quite expensive. However, the past has shown in numerous cases that a broker can save costs, effort and a lot of trouble in the end.

Achieve a high sales price: Here’s how

In addition, sellers with brokers in most cases achieve a higher sales price and the sale is also much faster. Mind you, if you put a little time into choosing the right broker. Another mistake is getting too emotionally attached to the property and seeing a value that is not there. For some sellers, it is also the other way around and they value the property for less. That’s why a seller needs to take a hard look at value and how to calculate value, or hire someone who knows about it.

Thanks to Immobilienagentur Lehmann for the interview!

Buying your first apartment: Owner occupation or capital investment

You want to realize the dream of your 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 Halle (Saale)

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

• Broker recommendation in Halle (Saale)

Rent, buy, live in Frankfurt

A good start in the real estate world is always the purchase of the first apartment. Rainer Ballwanz explains in his interview with us their experiences with real estate in a good A-location. The yield here depends on the type of house or apartment. For example, microapartments have different exploitation possibilities than single-family homes. The meso location is also decisive in pricing, whether in Hausen, Bockenheim and other districts such as the Gutleutviertel or Eschersheim.

Here Frankfurt is located in Germany:

Frankfurt up close:

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 Frankfurt. Should you buy a property in Frankfurt or is it more worthwhile to buy nearby, for example in Offenbach or Wiesbaden?

Real estate agent interview about real estate in Frankfurt

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

The real estate agent team from Frankfurt: Ballwanz Immobilien

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

Rainer M. Ballwanz: Ballwanz Immobilien has been specializing in residential tasks and challenges in Frankfurt-Rhine-Main for 30 years. With a highly specialized team, we advise cities and municipalities on concepts for planned construction areas as well as property developers and project developers on product concepts for new construction projects. Of course, we also handle the marketing of these new construction projects on the basis of marketing and communication strategies developed in-house.

We are just as happy to advise private sellers and landlords of residential real estate and to broker purchase and rental agreements. In all our activities, the focus is on the individual. Our aim is to meet their wishes and requirements.

Rainer M. Ballwanz and his real estate agent team from Frankfurt in the meeting:

Real estate with potential in Frankfurt

FIV: As a broker in Frankfurt, which properties do you personally prefer to broker?

Rainer M. Ballwanz: We prefer to broker properties where the price/performance ratio is right from the point of view of demand. In the case of new construction projects, there is also the requirement that the buildings integrate organically into the urban development through their architecture and quality and fulfill their responsibility for the public space.

Popular districts with a future: Rents in Frankfurt

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

Rainer M. Ballwanz: Frankfurt is rather small in terms of its geographic extent compared to other major German cities, so that actually all districts have a very good infrastructure and good connections to the core city.

Property in Sachsenhausen, Bockenheim or Frankfurt Ostend?

There are the established residential locations such as Westend, Nordend or Sachsenhausen, where it is somewhat more expensive, but fully satisfactory to live. Those who prefer more urbanity should look around in Bornheim, Bockenheim, for example. In addition to the Gallus and Gutleutviertel districts, Frankfurt’s Ostend district has been one of the most up-and-coming in recent years. If you are moving to Frankfurt with your family, you should definitely check out the new construction areas of Rebstock, Riedberg or the Lyon Quarter.

Rent: Is it worth it? Frankfurt rents

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

Rainer M. Ballwanz: Supply and demand naturally also regulate rents in the city of Frankfurt, which has been growing demographically by around 5,000 to 10,000 residents for years. Residential rents are rising sustainably and are already at a high level when measured against the national average. For existing apartments, average rents of €11 to €13 per square meter can be expected, but for new buildings, depending on location and quality, rents range from €16 to €20 per square meter. If you want to live in one of the modern and exposed high-rises in a central location, you have to calculate a bit more.

Rental prices in Frankfurt at a glance:

In summary, you can expect the following average rents in Frankfurt and the surrounding area:

• Existing apartments: Average rent from € 11,- to 13,-/sqm
• New buildings: Average rent from € 16,- to 20,-/sqm
• High-rise buildings in central locations: average rent over € 20/sqm

Rising prices for new construction rental apartments: Alternatives?

Rainer M. Ballwanz: Due to the fact that the space reserves for new buildings in the Frankfurt urban area are very limited, it can be assumed that there will continue to be an undersupply on the market and that prices for rental apartments will therefore continue to rise.

We should learn that Frankfurt does not only consist of the actual city area, but that there are a large number of towns and surrounding communities directly adjacent and excellently connected, which “feel” as if they belong to the city of Frankfurt. These locations in Frankfurt-Rhine-Main, such as Bad Vilbel, Neu-Isenburg or Offenbach, certainly represent a good alternative for those looking for a home. And usually at a more favorable price level.

Manageable risk for capital investors in Frankfurt

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 Frankfurt?

Rainer M. Ballwanz: That depends on personal circumstances and financial feasibility. To answer this question, it always requires an individual consideration. Anyone who basically wants to invest in real estate, whether for personal use or as a capital investment, can do so quite safely with the right property in Frankfurt with a very manageable risk.

The probability of losing money on a residential property with an investment period greater than 10 years is rather unrealistic. Those who come to Frankfurt for work and know that they will probably only stay in the city for one to three years should rather look for a rental property that suits this current stage of life.

Dining room and living room area in a penthouse:

Photo: XOXO Studios

Home & condominium: avoiding buying mistakes

FIV: Anyone who rents in Frankfurt 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 for 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?

Rainer M. Ballwanz: The biggest mistake is to believe that real estate prices in the Rhine-Main region will fall again on a sustained basis. Assuming that the world remains more or less the same as we know it, prices will move sideways at most as a result of temporary external influences. It is unlikely to get any more favorable.

Tip. Assess investment risk correctly

Contrary to common practice, we recommend not only evaluating the current purchase price, which is often perceived as too high, when making an investment. In our opinion, it is more important to estimate the price that the property is likely to achieve at a later resale and with what probability. Only in this way can the buyer assess the risk or the possible success of his investment.

Attention: Take a long-term view of construction interest rates

Construction interest rates have been at a historically low level for some time, even though they are currently slowly starting to rise. This sometimes tempts potential buyers to underestimate the potentially significantly higher burden when the first fixed interest rate period expires. Financing should also fit the buyers’ individual circumstances and life plans in the long term. We recommend seeking advice from independent financing experts in good time.

Apartment for rent in Omni Tower:

Do not do without expert knowledge

One big mistake is to believe that when buying a residential property, it is best to do everything yourself, without the expertise of a lawyer, financial broker or real estate agent, and thus save money. Digitalization has supposedly made the markets more transparent, at least on the supply side. We do not believe this and advise first-time buyers in particular to seek out trusted advisors who can provide expert guidance through the complex process of a purchase. The decision to buy a property is often rather emotionally driven. Assessing the expected value development, setting up individual financing or evaluating purchase contracts are certainly tasks for experts.

In short – so what you should consider

All tips on the subject of home ownership and condominiums from the expert at a glance:

• Real estate prices in the Rhine-Main region will not fall again on a sustained basis
• Assess investment risk in the long term
• Construction interest rates slowly starting to rise
• Financing must be considered in the long term
• Do not do without expert knowledge

Buying in Frankfurt: Factoring in ancillary costs

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

Rainer M. Ballwanz: In Hesse, the purchase of real estate is subject to 6% land transfer tax, notary fees for the notarization of the purchase contract and, if applicable, the creation of a land charge, as well as fees for the land registry. If one adds the brokerage costs of up to 3.57% of the purchase price, which are to be paid in half by the buyer, for existing properties, ancillary purchase costs of 10 – 12% can arise.

However, the price trend for residential real estate in Frankfurt should also be taken into account here, which has risen by around 8% on average over the past 10 years for existing apartments and by around 9.5% for new apartments. This means that with a similar price development forecast for the coming years, the relatively high ancillary costs of acquisition would be compensated for relatively quickly.

Costs in the purchase of real estate summarized

Incidental purchase costs in Frankfurt and the surrounding area at a glance:

• Real estate transfer tax –> 6
• Brokerage costs –> up to 3,57 %
• Notary fees

Total incidental purchase costs = 10 – 12 %.

Bedroom in the rental apartment Omniturm:

Buy and rent in Frankfurt: Tips

FIV: Frankfurt districts for real estate investment – we come still to real estates as capital investment in Frankfurt, for those, which want to buy and letting. If our*r Leser*in for the purchase, with following letting, decides: Which 2 districts or even satelites around Frankfurt, would you recommend to a buyer for their capital investment in Frankfurt? In your opinion as an expert, where do the most future opportunities lie?

Have clear goals as an investor – Tip 1

Answer: As in the stock market, this depends significantly on the investor’s profile. What does he want to achieve? Is he prepared to take a certain speculative risk with perhaps a higher increase in value, or does he prefer to “sleep soundly” and go for a lower increase in value with the highest possible value stability at the same time? What time horizon is the buyer planning for his investment?

Priority Safety: Investing Westend & Nordend – Tip 2

A large or metropolitan city like Frankfurt always develops from the inside out. Those who tend to seek security are excellently invested in the established locations close to the city center, such as the Westend or Nordend. The city center and the Ostend of Frankfurt have developed exceptionally positively in recent years and have the potential to remain quite exciting for capital investors in the future.

District of Frankfurt with potential: Offenbach – Tip 3

If you are a bit more of a visionary and have some time to spare, you should take a close look at Offenbach, which is separated from Frankfurt only by the Main River. We assume that Offenbach could be one of the biggest winners in the Rhine-Main region in the coming decades.

All tips at a glance:

• Have clear goals as an investor
• With safety a priority: investing in Westend & Nordend
• District of Frankfurt with future potential: Offenbach

These types of real estate have a future: new construction & apartments

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

Real estate trend: micro apartments, student rooms & one-bedroom apartment

Answer: Investing in residential real estate will generally be a good decision in Frankfurt for the foreseeable future. Those who want to diversify their risk and are not looking for self-interest should perhaps rather buy two small apartments instead of one large apartment.

New construction, condominium or existing property?

New construction has the advantage that the buildings are built to the current state of the art and building regulations and one does not have to expect any subsequent investments in the first few years. If the location of the property is more important to you, you will find a broader offer in existing apartments. When investing in existing properties, however, we recommend checking in advance whether the legal requirements to be expected in the medium term with regard to energy efficiency upgrades will be feasible in principle.

Last but not least: Prices for condominiums in exclusive high-rise buildings have developed disproportionately well in Frankfurt and also represent an exciting sub-segment of the investment market for the future.

Selling real estate: Advisor for help

Finally, 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 Frankfurt, what tips can you give to those who are selling a property for the first time? What are the first steps and how do you successfuly sell a property in Frankfurt?

Answer: We recommend to the private seller of a property to take an expert advisor to the side, who understands the market/price mechanisms analytically and knows how to estimate the value of the property well-founded. Only in this way can the best possible price be realized in the time frame in which the seller would like to dispose of the proceeds.

Many thanks to Rainer M. Ballwanz for the interview!

Rent, buy, live in Gelsenkirchen

The real estate market in Frankfurt is large and for this reason it is important to find the best real estate agent for you. In our overview you will find the 10 best real estate agents from Frankfurt, who can make your dream of your property possible.

• Broker Frankfurt

First apartment? Step by step to capital investment

As soon as you move into your first own apartment, for most people it’s rent, rent, rent. Every month you go to work for many hours in order to spend most of it on 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

House types from A – Z: Features, definitions and advantages & disadvantages

You want to take the next step and are looking for a new property – preferably a house? Then you’ve come to the right place! There are so many different types of houses, it’s hard to choose, and it’s not easy to keep track of them all. We have listed all the house types below with brief definitions and a link to a comprehensive article for you. Get to know the different house types with their respective characteristics and find exactly the right house for you!

Tip. Are you looking for the perfect property for your future? Here you will find tips and necessary information for buyers: Buying a house

Bungalow: no stairs, one floor, flat roof & space

Many people know the word bungalow from the context of holidays. But bungalows are not only popular holiday homes, but also a possible choice for your own home. A bungalow is one thing above all: practical – and modern. This type of house is especially popular with young families, as it combines all living spaces on one floor and, especially due to the absence of stairs, does not pose a danger to children or senior citizens. Choosing the right house is certainly not easy, because it is an important decision that may affect your whole life. Here you can find out everything you need to know about bungalows.

• Bungalow

Semi-detached house: Living with direct neighbours & garden

The semi-detached housing solution can be a slightly cheaper alternative to whole houses. Often you don’t even have to compromise on living space. Rather, the space is saved around the house. As a result, semi-detached houses can save you money. Additionally, it could be that you share garden space with neighbor.

A semi-detached house promises the optimum living comfort with the area of a house at a lower price. Sounds very appealing in itself, but any other option, this concept also comes with its own positive and negative factors, which we will discuss in more detail later. However, for now, we’d like to tell you a little more about what the living spaces of a semi-detached house might look like.

• Semi-detached house

Single-family home: building, buying or renting

The traditional single-family home hasn’t been so traditional for a long time. Quite the opposite. The single-family house is rightly the most popular house form in Germany and is becoming increasingly modern. From the floor plan, to energy regulations, to the little extras. Your house 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. Are you interested in building, buying or renting?

Of course, when you ask this question, you’ll think directly of a townhouse or duplex. However, this is not everything. A detached house can be much more than just standard. Especially if you are interested in a self-build, you should look into the latest and most modern standards. Here you can find out all about the advantages and disadvantages of a detached house, useful tips and everything you need to know, from the perfect plot of land to the correct energy regulations.

• Single-family house

Half-timbered house: renovation and historical charm in facade & co.

The rustic houses, which are especially widespread in Europe, have their own personal charm. Especially in the countryside and in villages, you can still find some of these historic buildings. But what looks so appealing to many from the outside can quickly be associated with high costs: renovation or even refurbishment are often necessary for a half-timbered house. But if a half-timbered house has been modernised or at least overhauled, it is an absolutely unique and magical piece.

In classic half-timbered houses, materials such as straw, clay and even calf’s hair were used not only to build a wall, but also to insulate it additionally. The most striking feature of half-timbered houses is the façade, in which the literal half-timbering – the beam construction of the house – is openly visible. Often the “work”, i.e. the wooden beams, is not plastered in the interior either, and accordingly a unique living atmosphere is offered. How you can protect yourself from too high costs and still fulfill your dream of a half-timbered house, we tell you here.

• Half-timbered house

Holiday home / weekend house: Living at the holiday resort with sea view

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 focus of life are simply too much anchored in the actual home. In such a situation the option of a holiday home opens up. Whether on the beach or by the lake – a holiday home or weekend house can be located basically anywhere.

Whether a holiday home or a holiday apartment is really suitable for you, if the property is not purchased for pure investment purposes, is determined above all by whether the chosen place pleases you and makes your heart beat faster with every visit. Criteria, characteristics, and the question of whether and how we try to answer you in the following article.

• Holiday home / weekend house

Prefabricated house: The quick dream of a house, construction phase, selection and more

What is actually a prefabricated house? This question is very difficult to answer, because this type of house is very diverse. Most providers have a large repertoire of prefabricated house types and you are spoilt for choice. Do you want to live in a detached house? In a housing estate or rather a bungalow? With a cellar, garage and garden? These are all important aspects that you should and can consider when planning your house. Because a prefabricated house is one thing above all: versatile. The main advantage is that there are no long and costly construction phases, because the house is literally already finished. Features and advantages & disadvantages you will find in the following article.

• Prefabricated house

Country house: land, garden and life with the closeness to nature

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, natural materials are mainly used in country houses. The floors are tiled in warm colours. A tiled stove makes this country house cosy and warm – the warmth radiates throughout the entire living space of the house.

• Country house

Solid house: construction, durability & features

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. Learn more about solid houses in the following article.

• Massive house

Terraced house: door to door with the neighbours, purchase price & Co.

Looking for an affordable home near the city? Then how about a terraced house? A terraced house is the perfect alternative between a city apartment and a house in the country. Low purchase price, small garden and/or a terrace in a friendly neighbourhood. We show you what makes a terraced house so attractive and why families and couples in particular like to settle in this type of house.

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.

• Terraced house

Beach house: House by the sea – the dream of a house on holiday

You love to listen to the sound of the sea, gaze at the starry sky while the sand tickles between your toes and you breathe in the salty sea breeze? Who says these classic holiday memories should only be part of vacations? Why live in a cramped rented apartment, expose yourself to daily exhaust fumes, and work out in a gym with concrete walls? In this day and age where mobile working has become the norm, Pilates and surfing on the beach are among our favorite activities, and the thirst for adventure is constantly on the rise, the beach house seems to have established itself as the new dream property par excellence. The beach house as an investment, vacation home or home of your own! Convince yourself!

• Beach house

Villa: Living in luxury with lots of space & garden

In the past, a villa, especially the city villa, was often used as a second or country house to be close to the city. This applied exclusively to the wealthier urban population. Nowadays, that has changed. City mansions are no longer used as second homes and are primarily occupied by many families. Meanwhile you have the possibility to renovate an old building or to build a new one. A special advantage is the large garden and the pool, which is often included. In this article you will learn everything important about villas. Buying, building, in a modern style or more traditional? You decide!

• Villa

Energy efficient building

1. Low-energy house
2. Zero-energy house
3. Passive House

Low-energy house: characteristic values, construction & requirements

Sustainable living is a trend that is becoming more and more prevalent and also enjoys state support. Therefore, the interest in environmentally conscious housing solutions is growing more and more. For this reason, we have decided to put together the most important facts about efficient living, so that you can decide whether a low-energy house could also be interesting for you.

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.

• Low-energy house

Zero energy house: definition & advantages and disadvantages at a glance

Since November 2009 the long constructed idea of the zero energy house has become reality and more and more people are now dreaming of turning their own house into a zero energy house. Especially when buying a new home, this type of house has gained popularity. However, many do not know much about the term and simply associate it with sustainable living.

Zero-energy houses are small, building planning and energetic masterpieces. A zero-energy house is oriented in its standard value to the passive house. This means that it does not exceed the energy requirement of 15 kWh/sqm per year (regulation of the Passive House Institute Darmstadt) and also produces the consumed energy itself through photovoltaics and solar thermal energy. This means that a zero-energy house forms a completely self-sufficient entity and is not dependent on electricity purchases. What is actually behind this type of house, you will learn in the following article.

• Zero-energy house

Passive house: new construction, features and costs

Sustainable housing options are divided into different house options. Part of them are zero energy houses, low energy houses and also passive houses. You can also find detailed articles on other options in our magazine, but here we will only talk about the passive house for the time being.

A house is called a passive house as soon as it requires less than 15 kWh/sqm per year. This value is achieved through various measures in the construction of the house. Multiple glazed windows and high-quality insulation reduce the transmission heat loss and thus minimise heating costs.

• Passive House

Prefabricated house: what do you mean by this?

What is actually a prefabricated house? This question is very difficult to answer, because this type of house is very diverse. Most providers have a large repertoire of prefabricated house types and you are spoilt for choice. Do you want to live in a detached house? In a housing estate or rather a bungalow? With a cellar, garage and garden? These are all important aspects that you should and can consider when planning your house. Because a prefabricated house is one thing above all: versatile.

Tip! In this article you can find videos with testimonials from builders and experts that you can also benefit from: Buy or build a house?

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

Features: special construction, many house types possible

The main feature of a prefabricated house is the special construction method. It is not built stone on stone on site. The individual house elements are created in production halls and only pulled up on your property and fastened together. The main material in this type of house is wood. However, you have the option of mixing it with concrete or lightweight concrete to make it more weatherproof. Another special feature is the fast construction time and the lower costs compared to a solid house. So if you want to move into your own home quickly, you should definitely consider a prefabricated house.

Building services: electrics, pipes & co. planned in from the outset

No matter whether you want to build a prefabricated house or a solid house. A new building is almost always modern and state-of-the-art in terms of technology. The special thing about a prefabricated house is that the building services are planned into the structural elements right from the start. You have the advantage that you only have one supplier who takes care of all areas in your house. This means that the electronics do not have to be agreed with a third person/company and are integrated and planned from the beginning. Only advanced heating systems are used and of course energy saving is taken into account.

Advantages & disadvantages of a prefabricated house: Fast, low prices, inflexible?

The biggest advantages of a prefabricated house are mainly the fast construction time and the low construction costs. Despite this, one must also note with this type of house that there are some disadvantages that one should not lose sight of. The question you have to ask yourself is: solid construction or prefabricated house. Here we will present you the advantages and disadvantages of a prefabricated house, so that you can form your own opinion.

Advantages: fast construction time and lower costs

As already mentioned, the most striking advantages are the fast construction time and the low construction costs compared to a solid house. The ease of planning is also a plus point, as you only have one contact person for all topics relating to house construction. The house technology is already co-ordinated during the planning and is considered in the production of the individual construction elements. At the same time, new prefabricated houses in most cases have a high energy efficiency and are also up to date in this area. Another advantage is that construction can take place in any weather.

• Fast construction time
• Lower construction costs
• Good plannability due to a single contact person
• High energy efficiency
• Integrated building services
• Construction independent of weather conditions

Disadvantages: hardly any design options

One of the disadvantages is the limited individuality. With a prefabricated house you cannot design the layout yourself and have to lower your expectations. In addition, the building material is not as qualitative as with a solid construction and therefore the sound insulation is worse. This is also a reason why the resale value is lower.

• Hardly any design options
• Poor sound insulation
• Low resale value

Source: Prefabricated house (Lukinski.de)

Prefabricated house: For whom is this type of house suitable?

For whom is a prefabricated house suitable and who can live in it? Of course, it is up to you to decide where and in which house you want to live. Nevertheless, a prefabricated house is particularly suitable for a few groups of people due to its concise advantages. We have summarized and listed these for you.

Families: quickly into the new house

Young families are probably the main prospective buyers of a prefabricated house. As you have already learned in the course of the article, a prefabricated house is inexpensive and goes quickly. Because of this, it is very attractive to young adults. Most of the time, these people do not have too much money yet to afford a big solid house and therefore they have to take a smaller loan with this type of construction. At the same time, with a prefabricated house, you don’t have to worry about all the little things. You have a single contractor overseeing everything and moving forward quickly. In that time, you can take care of your kids or go to work. So you’re spared a huge time commitment.

Seniors & Pensioners

A prefabricated house is also ideal for pensions or senior citizens. The main argument here is the lack of work. You should sit down with your provider at the beginning and plan the construction. After that, everything will be done on its own and you won’t have to deal with small details. There are also prefabricated houses in the bungalow style. This type of house is especially appealing to seniors because there are no stairs. If you want to learn more about the
bungalow, feel free to check out our article on it.

Energy-efficient prefabricated houses: passive house, low-energy house & Co.

Saving energy is an important topic. Our generation in particular must pay special attention to our environment and everyone should do their part. This must also be taken into account when building houses. New buildings are built to the latest standards and must therefore comply with various guidelines. Energy-efficient construction is also an important topic for prefabricated houses. Here you can find out everything you need to know about this important area.

Energy-saving building with insulation, solar energy & more

The modern construction method of a prefabricated house brings above all a saving effect with itself. The various elements are made in advance, which has the advantage that no materials are wasted. Everything will be up to date and you also have the possibility to build your prefabricated house as a plus energy house. It is best to find out in advance what your builder offers and whether you agree with it. If you want to learn more about energy-saving construction, you can read everything important in our guide.

Tip! Learn more about the house types low-energy house, passive house and zero-energy house here!

Have a prefabricated house built: Construction time and show houses

If you decide to buy a prefabricated house and have it built from scratch, you will have to decide on a certain type of house and calculate and plan the expected construction time. You can find out more about the topics of construction time and model house below.

Construction time: Planning, building permit & Co.

The construction time of a prefabricated house is in any case significantly shorter than for a solid construction, but you can never specify an exact duration, because something can always come up and the wishes of the customer vary. The big advantage of a prefabricated house is that the individual house elements are built beforehand in a hall and only have to be joined together on the building site. This usually only takes a few days and can be done in any weather. In order to be able to plan approximately, we have compiled a list with the approximate times per work step.

• Planning: up to several weeks
• Building permit: 0.5-3 months
• Production: 2-5 weeks
• Shell: 1-3 days
• Interior work: 8-12 weeks

Show houses: examples and role models

This is probably one of the biggest advantages of choosing a prefabricated house. You have the opportunity to inspect your future home beforehand and see if everything meets your expectations. Many sellers have a small town of mother houses that you can visit. Get an idea of their repertoire and also take the opportunity to go inside the house. You can think about the interior design, plan your house and also make changes if you want to.

Turnkey house: from planning to moving in

Not all prefabricated houses are the same. In contrast to a solid house, it is possible with this type of construction to hand over the house to the customer in different stages. This naturally results in a price difference between the houses. For example, you have the option of having only the individual parts of your house manufactured and doing the final construction on your own. This would save you money. Here you can read more about the different stages.

Different stages Prefabricated houses: Kit house or finishing house

Kit houses: In this prefabricated house variant, the provider does not undertake any construction work and is only responsible for the procurement of materials. In this case, the customer is responsible for the construction and also responsible for it. A possibility would be it to require hollow wall elements with the offerer and to fill these then on the building site with concrete. This would be a solid construction variant. In general, however, it is advisable that only experienced builders should build a kit house.

Finished houses: When a house is handed over in a weatherproof condition and only basic interior work remains to be done, it is referred to as a finished house. For example, non-load-bearing interior walls could still be put in place, pipes or flooring laid. If the house is handed over at this stage, the builder/customer still has some work to do to move in which saves money but also takes time. Here, too, the builder should bring craft experience and support (friends, family).

What does turnkey mean?

The house is called turnkey when it is completely built. It is weatherproofed and all plumbing and flooring is in place. The customer only has to put in his personal furniture, paint the walls if necessary and decorate it. There are no more own contributions necessary, nevertheless, you should specify everything in the contract with this variant, so that nothing is missing at the end.

Advantages and disadvantages of a turnkey house

One of the advantages of a turnkey house is definitely the time saved. In most cases, a prefabricated house takes between five and nine months to build. In this time you hardly have to deal with your house construction and have time for other things. In addition, all costs are already clarified in advance and all work is supervised by the supplier.

One disadvantage is definitely the cost. If you don’t have any experience, you won’t be able to buy the house at an earlier stage and do the rest yourself. If you do have this experience, you will lose time and certainly nerves on the building site. Likewise, you have only a small scope for design in the room layout.

Comparison: prefabricated house and solid house – who wins?

Prefabricated house or solid house? That is the question here! You have now informed yourself about a prefabricated house and also learned about the advantages and disadvantages. Now you have to make the choice whether you want to opt for this type of house or are more interested in a solid construction. We have compared the two types of houses for you and summarized them compactly. If you would like to learn more about the topic of solid houses, you are welcome to take a look here.

Prefabricated house: inspection before construction possible

The advantages you have already learned in the course of the article. In summary, it can be said that it is fast and the costs are low and fixed from the beginning. You can also take a look at your house in advance by visiting a park with show houses.

• Short construction time
• Low and fixed costs
• Visit to a show house park

One of the disadvantages is that you can rarely change the room layout of a prefabricated house and this is only done by a few suppliers. Also, good thermal insulation is only available in energy-efficient houses.

• Individual room design restricted
• Thermal insulation only for energy-efficient houses

Solid house: Robust, individual design and resale value

The advantages of a solid house are, for example, that you can plan from the beginning and customize your house and room design. As long as there are no load-bearing walls, it is possible to construct rooms according to your wishes. Another advantage is the more balanced indoor climate, the better quality and the higher resale value.

• Individual room design
• Better indoor climate
• Better quality of construction
• Higher resale value

The higher price and the longer construction time is definitely a disadvantage, especially if you want to move into your own home quickly. In addition, you have more effort and have to put a lot of energy into building a house. In contrast to a prefabricated house, you also don’t have the opportunity to inspect your future house beforehand, as it is built individually according to your ideas. In addition, you have not only one, but several providers, with whom you must clarify everything.

• Long construction time
• Higher costs
• More effort
• Viewing in advance not possible