Current

Property owners can receive government subsidies for both replacing and optimizing an existing heating system. The two main points of contact for applying for subsidies are the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) and the Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle (BAFA). KfW is responsible for heating optimisation as part of energy-efficient building renovation, while BAFA exclusively supports the switch to renewable energies.

The Baukindergeld is a government subsidy for families with children who are purchasing residential property, regardless of whether they are building a new home or buying an existing property. The subsidy was previously set to expire at the end of 2020. It has now been extended by three months. This means that in order to still be able to apply for the Baukindergeld, you must have obtained a building permit, started a construction project, or concluded a purchase agreement by this deadline. Applications must be submitted to KfW.

The year 2020 and the associated coronavirus pandemic had a major impact on social and business life. Despite all the restrictions, we still managed to complete numerous real estate transactions to the complete satisfaction of our customers. We intend to continue this work with energy and passion in 2021. We will continue to support you with our expertise and experience in the sale and purchase of your property.

On December 23, 2020, a new law regulating brokerage fees will come into effect. It essentially contains uniform regulations for the whole of Germany on how brokerage commissions are to be divided between sellers and buyers. In future, both parties will pay half of the commission.

As a property owner, you may often wonder whether you should leave your property to your heirs or give it away during your lifetime. Giving away property can sometimes have advantages. However, not everyone saves the same amount. That is why property owners should know when and how giving away property is worthwhile.

On November 1, 2020, the new Building Energy Act (GEG) came into force. It serves to consolidate regulations for limiting the energy consumption of buildings, which were previously spread across various laws such as EnEV and EEWärmeG, into a single document. However, the previous energy saving regulations continue to apply for the most part, so the practical implications are limited. We have compiled some details that are nevertheless of interest to property owners, sellers, and real estate agents for you here.

Since selling a property is a very complex process, it is easy to lose track of things. However, such oversights can cost you money. Which documents are important for the sale? What needs to be considered when preparing the property to ensure that the marketing process is short and the property is not sold below its value? Our checklist will help you keep track of everything.

When couples get divorced, the most important question is: "Who gets what?" When it comes to jointly owned property that now has to be divided, the battle is often fierce. With the equalization of accrued gains, the legislature has attempted to create a fair solution for the division of property after a divorce. Unfortunately, in practice, the regulations are usually anything but easy to implement.

Around 46 percent of Germans are active on social media. This undoubtedly includes potential buyers for your property. Sooner or later, most users of Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms will be looking for a place to live. Many real estate agents have jumped on the bandwagon and are using social media directly as a marketing channel. How does it work, and what is behind it?

At first glance, the answer to this question seems obvious. After all, real estate in Germany is very valuable, so who would want to pass it up? However, when you inherit, you not only inherit assets, but also debts. Before accepting an inheritance, it is therefore highly advisable to find out as much as possible about the financial situation of the deceased.

Demand on the real estate market is currently high almost everywhere. It therefore seems easy to find interested buyers and sell your own home. This may be true in some cases—but only if you don't care about the sale price you achieve. Behind every successful sale, where an optimal price is achieved within a reasonable period of time, there is usually a lot of work involved.

A lifetime right of residence allows people to live in a property without owning it or paying rent. Securing this right can be useful in various situations, such as in the case of a gift or property retirement. There are a few details to consider. So how does lifetime right of residence work?