Those who already own a detached house often prefer to extend it. However, owners must comply with various building regulations. Before the first brick is laid, it is important to study the development plan carefully. After all, only a certain proportion of the property may be built on, distances to neighboring properties must be maintained, and facade and ridge heights must not be exceeded. Owners also need a building permit for many extensions.

In addition, there are many requirements for thermal insulation and ventilation. In theory, the building authority can thwart owners' plans if they only want to convert the basement or attic into living space. It is therefore important to plan an extension well and, ideally, to hire a professional. Otherwise, there may be unpleasant surprises. In the worst case, the extension will never be completed or may even have to be demolished.

Experts also advise not to underestimate the costs of an extension. This can quickly become expensive, especially if the roof shape needs to be changed. In many cases, an extension is therefore not worthwhile. Too many compromises have to be made and the construction costs are higher than originally planned. In such cases, moving is the better solution.

Conversions are therefore generally only suitable for single-family homes. Those who live in an apartment usually have no choice but to move, unless an adjacent apartment becomes available that can be connected to their own. However, families who live in central locations often get a good deal when selling their apartment. After all, prices per square meter in city centers are significantly higher than in the suburbs in most cities. This means that the sale price of the old apartment can often help finance the new, larger property—but how can you manage such an undertaking in the current real estate market?

In our daily work, we repeatedly see the following scenario: Many owners are stuck in a property that no longer suits them. High demand and low supply in the real estate market often make it difficult to find something new at present. So the family of four is forced to stay in their apartment that is too small, and the elderly couple continues to live in their single-family home that has become too large. So there aren't too few properties available—as one might think at first glance—there are too few interested parties who ultimately find each other because everyone is waiting for the other to make the first move. As a result, these properties never come onto the market, even though they are available.

Property swapping is based on precisely this principle: that there may be an older couple who find their family home too big after their children have moved out and are looking for an apartment close to the center— in this case, your current apartment would be perfect for this older couple, and their house would be ideal for you and your family.

A real estate agent who specializes in property swaps could help everyone involved. They have a comprehensive database of buyers, sellers, and properties in the region and can use it to find suitable matches. And the success rate is higher than you might think: the agent does not necessarily have to bring just two parties together, but can also arrange a "swap" involving three or four parties – so that in the end everyone is satisfied and has exactly the home they wanted. This is completely independent of the "official" offerings on the real estate market, but much more accurate because the agent acts as a connecting link.

The considerable time savings come from the fact that you don't have to wait until you've found a new place to live before selling your current property. The property search and sale take place simultaneously. This means that both parties find a home that meets their current needs much more quickly.

However, as much as an exchange simplifies the search for a suitable buyer and a new property, you should not forego demanding a fair price for your property from your exchange partner. It goes without saying that the person buying the more expensive property must pay the difference in the purchase price. As with any other sale, a professional valuation of both properties is required to determine this difference.

Your real estate agent will take care of everything else that is necessary to complete the exchange and, as a neutral broker, will ensure that both you and your exchange partner are completely satisfied with the financial outcome of the property exchange.