In view of rising energy prices, the Federal Association of German Housing and Real Estate Companies (GdW) is calling not only for a temporary moratorium on layoffs, but also for support for financially overstretched households in the form of a trust fund. However, the GdW emphasizes that this support should not be limited to recipients with housing entitlement certificates...

If landlords modernize a rented apartment, they must make the costs transparent. However, a breakdown of the individual items is not required, as the BGH recently ruled (VIII ZR 337/21, VIII ZR 339/21 and VIII ZR 361/21). In the cases in question, modernization measures had been implemented by landlords in Bremen and had resulted in tenants having to pay...

The Arbeitsgemeinschaft Die Moderne Küche (AMK) knows how owners or tenants can use the niche between the kitchen worktop. There are several design options for the niche, starting with the choice of niche splashback. For example, glass, glass laminate or real wood can be chosen. The niche rear wall can then be fitted with so-called railing or...

The Deutsche Anlage-Immobilien Verbund (DAVE) is observing increasing pressure on the investment market. On the one hand, sellers are asking themselves whether they have missed the right time to sell. On the other hand, portfolio holders are unsure how the follow-up conditions will develop when extending an existing mortgage. According to DAVE, among other things, rising...

Although the number of trainees in the construction industry has risen for the fifth year in a row, the German Construction Federation (ZDB) is calling on young people to apply to a construction company. According to ZDB Managing Director Felix Pakleppa, many training positions have not yet been filled and there is a shortage of personnel in the German construction industry. In many companies...

If thermal insulation measures are implemented, the homeowners' association (WEG) must almost always approve them. This applies if the common property is affected. The association Wohnen im Eigentum (WiE) points this out. WiE advises owners to find out about the costs in advance, especially for larger measures such as roof and façade insulation. Furthermore...

In Berlin, tenants benefit from a ten-year protection against dismissal whenever a rented apartment is to be converted into a condominium. In a recent ruling (VIII ZR 356/20), the Federal Court of Justice clarified that "the period of non-termination after the formation and sale of condominiums within the meaning of Section 577a (1) BGB is limited to ten years for the entire area of...

The Arbeitsgemeinschaft Die Moderne Küche (AMK) provides tips on how glass can be used in kitchens. For example, it can be used as an illuminated niche back wall, as a kitchen worktop or as a room divider between the cooking and living areas. According to AMK, a niche back wall can be individually designed, for example in your favorite color, in your own desired decor or with a...

Empirica Regio has published the real estate price index 2/2022 under the title "The pig cycle is running out of food". This shows that rents for condominiums have increased by 2.0% compared to the last quarter. This is the first time in a long time that rents for condominiums have risen more sharply than purchase prices for them (1.1% compared to the last...

In future, heating systems are to be powered by at least 65 percent renewable energy. This is according to a press release from the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Building (BMWSB). It is expected that from January 1, 2024, owners of new or existing properties will have to comply with this when installing/replacing heating systems. On this topic, the Federal Ministry...