2023

In his commentary "The housing market could put the ECB in a quandary", analyst Jochen Möbert from Deutsche Bank Research assesses the current situation on the housing markets. He says: "If inflation remains high, further interest rate hikes could lead to distortions on the housing markets." In his opinion, housing markets could find it difficult to cope with further interest rate hikes...

Individuals, companies, universities, research institutions and research associations from the field of construction research can still apply for "Zukunft Bau" research funding from the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Building (BMWSB) and the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (BBSR) until June 1, 2023. Funding is available for research and development projects in the...

Anyone who has questions about the calculation tool for self-assessment by system operators in accordance with Section 29 of the Electricity Price Brake Act (StromPBG) can now seek advice from experts at the German Energy Agency (dena). The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) has commissioned the establishment of a corresponding hotline there. In April, plant operators subject to the levy will receive a letter from...

For a compulsory portion penalty clause in a so-called Berlin will to be valid, third parties must actually inherit something. If this is not the case, they do not face any penalties. This has now been decided by the Higher Regional Court (OLG) of Frankfurt am Main (decision of 21.2.2023, 21 W 104/22). In this case, the spouses appointed each other as sole heirs. The man had inherited from his previous marriage...

Furniture surfaces should also be cleaned during spring cleaning. However, there are a few things to bear in mind when cleaning solid wood furniture in particular. The Initiative Pro Massivholz points this out. "Especially with solid wood surfaces, aggressive cleaning agents should be avoided and water should only be used sparingly," says Andreas Ruf, Managing Director of Initiative Pro...

The Hamburg-based agency for financial and corporate communications Kirchhoff Consult AG recently published the "Real Estate Stock Sentiment Indicator 2023". The sentiment indicator shows that analysts' basic sentiment remains at a low level of 3.8 points (H1 2023). Previously (H2 2022), analysts' basic sentiment was still at 4.5 points, with the possible scale...

The Association for the Promotion of Fair Conditions in Construction recently published a revised leaflet on the subject of "Building free of explosive ordnance". It not only explains the obligations of those involved in construction, but also provides information on the rules of conduct when explosive ordnance is found. In the leaflet, interested parties will find a flow chart for...

There is little difference between rented and owner-occupied apartments in terms of energy efficiency. This is the conclusion reached by the "RWI - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research". On average, the difference is only 1.8 percent in terms of energy consumption per square meter. According to the researchers, this corresponds to a difference of two kilowatt hours per...

Condominium owners are not allowed to make structural changes without further ado if the other condominium owners have not been informed or do not agree to them. Due to the so-called "obligation to pass a resolution", they must, if necessary, bring about an authorization resolution by way of an action to replace the resolution. This is the result of a ruling by the Federal Court of Justice (BGH)...

Before the start of the garden season, the portal "schoener-wohnen.de" has identified and summarized the current trends. Furniture made from oak, pine or teak is still modern, beautiful and relatively easy to maintain. In addition, wicker furniture made of rattan or willow will also be on trend in 2023. If you want to set accents, for example with the covers for the cushions of garden furniture,...