Attic apartment: Low prices for full living experience?

“But it’s an attic apartment” has been an argument against an apartment for far too long. Yet the qualities that this type of apartment brings with it are completely underestimated. Because the disdained apartments have potential, which you can bring out especially as an owner quite great.

Are you looking for a suitable apartment – whether as a tenant or investor? Then take a look at our guide to apartment types A-Z!

Modern attic apartments: Area and room layout

What exactly is a loft apartment anyway? The name is actually pretty self-explanatory. Attic apartment is the term that describes an apartment on the floor directly under the roof.

A prerequisite for an apartment to actually be understood as an attic apartment is that the roof slopes are also part of the living unit, and thus reduce the space in the apartment, for example. Sometimes roof slopes even have a negative effect on the usable living space. Penthouse apartments can also be living units on the top floor of a house, but these are never characterized by slopes.

Another type of apartment under the roof is the mansard apartment. This also refers to a form of living on the top floor of a house. However, the name already reveals that the roof form is not the classic pitched roof, but a mansard roof, which can be found increasingly in large cities such as Paris. The slope of the side walls under the mansard roof is not quite as extreme as that of a classic roof form.

Calculate area and determine room layout

Of course, the roof slopes can have a negative impact on the living space, because according to the regulation for calculating the living space, living space is only fully counted from a ceiling height of 2 meters. Everything under 1 meter ceiling height falls out completely in the area calculation. From a height of 1 meter, the square meters count half.

So, in an attic apartment, you can get decent floor space, but it is limited in use. For this reason, it is important to cleverly design the layout of the apartment to get the most out of it.

This option opens up to tenants, as well as owners who have more options for expansion to maximize the space under the roof.

Advantages & disadvantages of the attic apartment: temperature, area and service charges

After we have already touched on certain factors, we will now go into more detail about the advantages and disadvantages of this type of apartment. This should help you to make a decision about your future rental apartment, your own home or even the apartment that you want to rent out as an owner and make it palatable to interested parties.

Advantages: Reduced utility costs and living with a view?

Many of the advantages of an apartment also bring disadvantages. This is not only true for the attic apartment, but many different types of apartments. After all, tastes and priorities also differ massively. These are the advantages we have found in relation to attic apartments:

• Low heating costs
• Beautiful view
• Large windows
• Favourable living space

Cons: Stormy highs and hot summer nights?

Of course, the apartments do not come without drawbacks, but let’s face it, no apartment does. The important thing is to make the little quirks as pleasant as possible and especially to know them during the expansion to avoid as many problems as possible from the start.

• Summer heat
• Noise during storms
• Reduced living space
• Limited accessibility, if applicable

Tip. Building in the attic: prices & insulation : Read even more about attic conversion here.

Convert attic flat: Upgrading, costs, planning permission & co.

Converting the top floor into a fully functional living unit is something that many people rack their brains over. And it should be, so that at the end of the project you have premises that meet your needs. You or your tenant will hopefully spend complaint-free, enjoyable times in the apartment. So that this hope comes true, we have put together a few aspects for you.

Costs: How much does the conversion of an attic apartment cost?

The price for the conversion of an attic apartment depends entirely on the amount and scope of the conversion measures. For example, if the kitchen and bathroom are to be refitted, it may be necessary to lay new pipes, which will cause the price to soar.

If you want to maximize the living space, you should consider raising the roof if necessary. Depending on the size and condition of the house, this measure alone will cost 5000 € and more.

The best thing to do is to think about what measures you want to take to transform the apartment under the roof. Once you are clear about this, find out about the prices of the individual points. The internet, building companies and engineering firms can all help you with these questions.

Planning permission: What is the legal situation regarding the extension of apartments under the roof?

You have decided on the extension and there is no turning back? Then there is only one thing that could get in your way: the lack of planning permission. Depending on the extent of the work, you will always need planning permission. This will cost approximately 0.5% of the total conversion.

A little tip for those who want to save money: In some federal states, no building permission is required for loft conversions, as long as it is only an extension to your own premises.

Removal without a permit can result in a fine, a halt to construction, or even the dismantling of the measures taken.

Checklist for attic conversion

That can be quite a lot to consider. To make sure you have a few things in mind, we’ve put together a list of the most important factors:

• Funding
• Building permit
• Connections for water, electricity and co.
• Insulation and insulation
• Temperature measures, such as air conditioning
• Extension of the window areas
• Clever room layout

5 things you should consider before buying a loft apartment

Finally, your dream of owning your own home will come true and this one attic apartment is particularly appealing to you. But the decision is difficult, because you have heard so many bad things about living under the roof that you are not sure whether it should really be this apartment? We’ve got some handy tips to help you make sure your own apartment isn’t a total disaster. This should be special for attic apartment in any case:

• Air conditioning
• Water, electricity and heating connections
• Natural light
• Enough usable living space
• Sound insulation from the roof

Want to finally own your own apartment? Then take a look at our guide to buying an apartment, which prepares you in detail for the purchase of a condominium.

Financing: equity and loans for the purchase of a home

Before you buy a home, you should think about how much discretionary capital you use each month for rental costs. In addition, it is worthwhile to include the reserves, which you would otherwise make, in the calculation.

In combination, you then get the monthly installment which you are able to pay for the home loan. For this purpose, you should also have assurance that this amount would not change much in the next few years in which your loan would run.

Another factor is the equity to be raised. As a rule of thumb, it is assumed that the available equity should cover at least 10% of the purchase price.

• (available capital for rent + savings rate) x loan term in months + available equity n = realistic property purchase price
• N > 10 % of the property price

In addition, it is important that this calculation is not too tight, because in addition to the pure real estate costs, there are a lot of costs, such as the payment of a notary and some other things that are often forgotten. A house purchase should be well thought out in any case and the financial sustainability must be given in any case.

Purchase and rental agreement: recognising pitfalls at an early stage

As a buyer or tenant of an apartment, you are not only taking a big step, you are also taking on responsibility and making legally binding agreements with the landlord or seller of the property. These binding decisions are very difficult to revoke afterwards and can cost you more than just nerves.

For this reason, it is worth checking the contracts thoroughly for possible pitfalls. If you have legal expenses insurance, it is quite possible that you can have a lawyer do this for you. However, if you want to check the contract yourself, the following things should be taken into account.

• No waiver of termination
• No graduated rents
• Consideration of rental defects
• Who pays for minor repairs?

Everything you need to know before renting a property can be found in our article on renting a property!

When is a house a villa? – Features & Definition

Are you interested in investing in a luxury property and would like to build or buy a villa? Then you will find a few useful tips on the subject here. Decide for yourself whether you want to renovate an old building to keep the charm or build a new building to design everything according to your ideas. Choose between a prefabricated house or a solid house because both have their advantages and disadvantages. More about this later.

You want to buy or build a house, but don’t know which one is right for you? Then take a look at our guide to house types from A – Z! Here you will find all house types, from bungalow to solid house to holiday home.

Features of a city villa: large and open

There are some characteristics to find out when a house is a villa. This starts with the plot of this property. This is usually square and has two to three floors. This is a particularly popular shape for newly built villas. Also with the roof form there are frequent similarities, because usually a villa has a flat roof or has a slight slope. Likewise, the facade of newly built houses is often based on a Mediterranean architectural style and you can find traditional elements such as columns or oriels. Villas are usually found in many cases in outer districts or villa districts. This is because there is usually no room for such a large property in the inner city. The large garden with a porch and upscale amenities are also among the features.

Criteria for a luxury property: checklist

Are you interested in luxury real estate, would you like to invest in it or live in it? We have summarized the most important criteria of a luxury property for you, so that you can quickly recognize such a property.

• Location: to be found in exclusive villa quarters and still centrally located
• Generosity: imposing house entrance, special facade, large rooms and large window fronts
• Threshold-free: All accesses should be without thresholds and barrier-free
• Glazing: large window fronts and glass walls appear costly
• Privacy: indoor/outdoor retreats are a luxury factor in popular neighborhoods
• Quality: use of noble building materials and special craftsmanship are required
• Freedom of design: new buildings should be tailored precisely to the customer’s needs

Tip: Learn all about luxury real estate agents here.

Advantages & disadvantages of a villa: price, area, plot and co.

A villa is probably the dream of many future homeowners, as it exudes luxury, elegance and wealth. Nevertheless, before making any investment, especially in a villa, you should consider the advantages and disadvantages of this type of house in advance to see if it suits you. We have summarized the most important advantages and disadvantages of a villa for you, so that you can make the right decision.

Advantages: timeless investment and lots of privacy

About the merits of a villa can talk for a long time. It is an ideal investment because this type of house is timeless. The large areas, the elegance and the mix of modern and traditional have been very popular for centuries and are built with pleasure. The central location in an exclusive villa district close to the city centre is also a big plus. You create distance to the neighbours due to the large plot, you have your privacy and yet you are not closed off. Another advantage is the freedom of design, because you can live out your creativity freely in a villa and in a new building you can furnish everything according to your wishes. You could also build an extension or convert the lower floor into office space.

• Timeless investment
• Mix of modern and traditional
• Central location (villa district)
• Privacy
• Design freedom
• Extension as office space

Disadvantages: high price for exclusive location

When building or buying a villa, the financial costs play a major role. Before you decide to make such a large investment, you should plan and calculate everything carefully. In most cases, the price of land is already extremely high, as land in the city centre is limited and villa districts are exclusive and expensive. In addition, due to the size of the floor plan, building in the middle of the city center is often not possible. In addition to the high cost of construction, you shouldn’t ignore the utilities and maintenance costs. For example, while you live in a villa, heating costs can be high because you have to heat a large property. Another point would be the maintenance of the large outdoor area, which is also time-consuming.

• High land price downtown
• Construction in central locations often not possible
• Higher construction costs
• Incidental maintenance costs
• Outdoor facilities are time consuming to maintain

Energy-efficient construction of a villa: save energy and reduce costs

Especially in this day and age, energy-efficient construction is an important part of new buildings. Certain requirements must be met in order to build and subsequently live as environmentally friendly as possible. Even when building a villa, these standards must not be ignored and this is even relatively easy with this type of building. Urban villas as a solid construction can be built energy efficient with a little effort. In particular young families profit from it, since one receives national privileges with the building and thereby the expenditures are minimized thereby. The resale value is also higher due to the efficient construction method.

Energy saving alignment of a villa

You can already do a lot right with the right orientation of your future villa. The sun can generate a lot of heat in the house, which is why it is recommended that the largest window fronts face south. In addition, the flat roof is ideal for photovoltaic systems and with good external insulation, only a little of the heat from the heating system can get outside. An air, water, heat pump also generates heat for water and heating in the house.

Would you like to learn more about energy-efficient building? Then take a look at our guide on this topic!

Important aspects when building a villa: construction, planning & costs

Whether you want to build a detached house or a villa, there are a few things to consider when planning so that nothing can go wrong. We present you here the most important tips, which you should consider when building your dream villa. From the special construction method, to the right interior design, to the renovation of a villa. Here you will learn everything worth knowing about this special and exclusive building type.

Construction: modern or Mediterranean?

When building a villa, one basically decides between two construction styles. You choose either a modern or Mediterranean style. If you choose a modern style, a cube-shaped body, straight lines and large windows or fully glazed walls are typical features. The façade is usually painted in a white colour, but colours such as red, yellow or blue are rarely used. If you choose a Mediterranean style, materials such as natural stone or brick elements are often used to resemble country houses. The plastering is often in an earth colour and in the entrance area you will find columns and doors with round arches.

Interior design: use the free space

Since you will have a lot of space in your villa, you can give free rein to your creativity in the design. Typically, the private rooms such as bedrooms or bathrooms are located on the first floor and the living rooms are on the ground floor. Often, the living and dining areas are connected so that there is a lot of open space and the generous window fronts can accentuate this. The mostly rectangular floor plan is ideal for this. If your property has three floors or an extension, you could consider whether a mix of living and working space would be something for you by creating office space on the ground floor. This combination is also very popular.

Renovation of a city villa: keep the charm

Especially with villas, building can cost a lot of time, energy and most importantly, money. Therefore, you should consider renovating and building out an old house. This would save you a lot of time and money. Many construction companies offer finishing houses and you can choose for yourself how much more you want to put in. If you want to renovate an old villa, you have the opportunity to keep much of the charm and traditional elements of the house. Be aware, however, that if you want to renovate on your own, you need to have some manual skills. Otherwise, there will be additional costs.

Tip! Read more about house building here: prices, costs, planning, property tax & Co.

City villa as prefabricated house or solid house?

Especially if you decide to build a villa, this involves a large investment for the builder or the customer. You have the choice between a prefabricated house or a solid house. Here we present the most important advantages and disadvantages of these two types of houses, so that you can make the right decision.

Prefabricated house: fast, simple, cheap

A prefabricated house is usually faster and less expensive than a solid house. The individual parts of the building are manufactured in advance in a hall and then assembled on the construction site. This usually takes only a few days. Another advantage of this method is the low waste of material, because everything is measured exactly beforehand.

With the disadvantages you have to include the low quality. The villa will usually be worse insulated and is also not as durable as a solid house. Since prefabricated houses always correspond to a certain model house, you can also not change much in the house / room design.

• Prefabricated house

Solid house: quality and durability

A solid house is high quality and very durable because of the materials used. With this construction, it is easy to build the villa energy efficient and you will have the opportunity to plan a lot with and design everything according to your ideas.

With this option, you should not ignore the time required and especially the financial costs. Building a villa as a solid house is more expensive than a prefabricated house and you have to put a lot of energy into the planning of such a house.

• Massive house

Villa as an ideal capital investment: purchase, sale or rent

A villa is a particularly good capital investment and usually serves only incidentally as a place to live. Due to the high demand for an investment in this type of property, prices have risen sharply in recent years. Often villas are also located in southern countries and are rented out as a vacation property. This provides the owner with additional income.

Are you interested in investing in real estate? Then take a look here and learn more about buying a property!

Rent a villa: make money from the purchase of your dream villa

If you decide to buy a villa, you have the possibility to rent it out to get additional income and to get back some of your investment costs. For example, you can buy a villa in the south and by the sea to get tourists as potential tenants. Especially properties in such a location are extremely popular and many people would pay a lot of money to spend their relaxing holidays in a luxurious environment.

Buying or selling a villa? Tips on the process, taxes, investment & Co.

Are you interested in buying luxury real estate and want to learn more about the topic? Here you can find out everything about buying a villa, the process, financing and get lots of useful tips and information.

• Villa Purchase

Are you interested in selling luxury real estate? In this article you will get insight into the most important information about the sale of a villa, the costs, speculation tax & Co. Here you will learn what all must be taken into account and get important tips!

• Sell villa

Beach house: What actually is a beach house?

A beach house can be used as a retreat as well as a modern home. A home that many dream of – do you? While the type of home can vary greatly, it remains true to its location – right on the beach. Whether it’s a luxury villa in the Hamptons, a modern bungalow in Calabria, or an aesthetically pleasing single-family home on the Baltic Sea, a direct oceanfront location makes the heart beat faster for many. The following is an overview of the most popular beach house types:

You want to buy or build a house, but don’t know which one is right for you? Then take a look at our guide to house types from A – Z! Here you will find all house types, from bungalows to terraced houses and villas!

Luxury villa with beach view: Miami, Los Angeles & Co.

This type of property shines with its luxurious appearance, size and garden including pool. Characteristic of the villa on the beach is the mostly square floor plan and the construction in the height, with two to three floors. The style of construction of the villa enjoys a wide range. It can range from a modern flat-roof architecture to a rustic country house architecture to a Mediterranean architectural style (columns, oriels, etc.). Large window fronts, spacious terraces and beautifuly landscaped gardens including pool make the view of the sea even more dreamlike!

• Villa

Bungalow with terrace and garden: Holland or Austria?

The bungalow inspires with its detached architecture and the distribution of living spaces on one floor. Open living spaces, large doors and floor-to-ceiling window fronts are established as the main features of this popular house type. Direct access to the garden from every room is particularly popular. Especially families with children appreciate and love this advantage. This direct access to the garden and terrace can be combined fantastically with the direct location on the beach. So you can not only enter the garden from every room, but also walk directly towards the sea horizon.

• Bungalow

Penthouse with panoramic view: New York, London & Co.

The word penthouse is mostly associated with luxury and exclusivity. If this penthouse also has a panoramic view of the sea to offer, you are in the upper segment of luxury. Space, living comfort and luxury have established themselves as the main characteristics of the penthouse. If one follows the official definition of the penthouse, it is an exclusive apartment on the flat roof of a storey or high-rise building. We are not talking about a classic form of beach house, but about an apartment which knows how to inspire with a spectacular beach view!

• Penthouse

Pros & Cons: Beachfront location, investment & hidden costs

You have been playing with the idea of investing in a property with a fantastic location directly on the beach for a while? Divided opinions in your circle of friends and within your family, however, unsettle again and again? One thing is certain – every property comes with both advantages and disadvantages. You have to decide for yourself which criteria are the most important and have the highest priority. To help you with your decision, the most important advantages and disadvantages of a beach house are listed below:

Advantages: perfect beach location and holiday feeling as capital investment

As different as the construction type of a beach house can be, each one is the same in its location – the dream location on the beach. The highlight of every beach house is the direct view and access to the beach. Whether it’s a Mediterranean climate on the Italian coast, a cool sea breeze on the Baltic Sea, or a subtropical climate in Santa Monica, California, a beachfront property improves the quality of life by allowing more time to be spent outdoors and in nature. Sports activities such as surfing, hiking, or swimming often become a regular part of your daily routine. Furthermore, beachfront property can be traded as a safe investment. You can use the beach house as your own home as well as rent it out. This flexibility makes owning a property with an ocean view even more enjoyable.

• Nature on the doorstep
• Wide range of sports activities
• Rising market value with good location
• Flexibility (own home or rent out)
• Promising investment (rental income, high demand)
• Long-term profits
• Improved quality of life

Disadvantages for own use: poor infrastructure and isolation

There are different aspects to consider when looking at the disadvantages of a beach house. Depending on the use, location and interest, there are various things to consider. If you want to use the purchased property as your own home, you should not be blinded only by the beach at your doorstep. The mostly isolated location on the beach and the accompanying poor infrastructure, can make everyday life difficult. No public transportation, supermarket or retail in close proximity can become a major problem. The decelerated daily routine first celebrated can become established as a time-consuming endeavor. Furthermore, depending on the location, social life can differ significantly from that in big cities – feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially in the winter months, are not uncommon.

Disadvantages when renting: hidden costs at the beach house

You have to look at the project “beach house” with different eyes if you consider to use it as an investment and to rent it out. Here, despite the advantageous location, there may be gaps in bookings and a corresponding loss of rental income. Hidden costs in the registration of various rental platforms such as AirBnB, etc. should not be forgotten. Furthermore, a beach house often requires renovation work – wood paneling, verandas, etc. must be kept in shape, which is associated with work that should not be underestimated!

• Poor infrastructure with isolated location
• Insulation in winter months
• Accounting gaps and loss of rental income
• Hidden costs for registrations (AirBnB etc.)
• Leases, bureaucratic chaos
• Time-consuming renovation work

Tip. If you’re looking to remodel a home and increase the value, read even more about renovations & utility costs here!

Things to know about the beach house: room layout, capital investment and more

You associate a beach house with holiday feelings and relaxed everyday life? All true, but a beach house can do much more. The following explains which design features you can count on and which advantages they bring with them. Relaxed holiday feeling is not enough for you? Then there is the possibility of reading more closely into the world of capital investments. The beach house is often celebrated as the perfect investment for a reason.

Potential room layout: beach house with window front, open room layout and terrace

A beach house is defined neither by a characteristic room layout nor by a certain architectural style – the main feature is the dreamlike location on the beach. Depending on this aspect, a terrace with a beautiful garden where you can enjoy the view of the beach is not uncommon. Furthermore, beach houses are often built with an open room design and large window fronts. All these measures are taken to get the maximum beach feeling also in the house. Whether conservatory, terrace or balcony – you will find a beach house that offers you the ultimate sea feeling and a fantastic beach view.

Beach house as an investment: Rent out a house on the beach

You have convinced the many advantages of a beach house and you have found in this property, the perfect investment for you? Then the following should be considered: Basic knowledge is the A&O. So that you can successfuly generate a profit, you must be aware of the value of your property. The value of the property (usually in € per square metre) plays an important role here. The size, the condition of the house and the age of the technical equipment also affect the value of the property. In the case of the beach house, the location can be considered a bonus, since the direct location by the sea is very popular both as a holiday residence and for longer rentals. The following is a summary of the most important points to consider:

• Analyze situation
• Evaluate infrastructure
• Purchase price and condition of the property must be in a good ratio
• Consider the risk of loss of rent

Tip! Real estate as an investment? Find out here what you should look out for.

Buying a beach house: Arguments, advantages & disadvantages of buying a house

Requirements: Step by step to the dream property on the beach

As the first step on the road to buying your beach house, you need to come up with a strategy and plan, and answer some basic questions. What kind of budget do I have? What style of construction do I prefer? Do I want a beach house or a bungalow? How many rooms do I need? How many square meters should my house and plot have? Do I need to be close to a school or supermarket? After you have found answers to all these basic questions, you can venture to the second point – financing!

Financing a beach house: Financing Tips & Options

Now you know what you want, now it’s time to be able to implement this plan financially. It is important that you are aware of the big commitment when taking out a construction financing and a loan. Before you take out a building loan, you must check your own financial resources. Do I already own a home? Do I have a building savings contract? What does my monthly income look like? What fixed costs, such as insurance or ancillary costs, such as holidays, car purchase, etc. must be taken into account?

If a bank grants you a building loan, it is recommended to provide at least 10-20% of the purchase sum and ancillary purchase costs as equity capital. Another important point is the repayment period. According to recommendations, it is advisable that you plan your financing so that you have paid off your debts by the age of 60. All this depends, among other things, on the repayment rate. You can find more detailed information on financing here! The following is a summary of the most important points for you:

• Determine the initial situation (budget, what do I want, etc.)
• Don’t forget incidental costs (hidden costs when buying real estate (agent’s commission, notarisation of the purchase contract, etc.).
• Long-term planning and debt restructuring in the form of a follow-up loan
• Obtain several financing offers
• Choice of long-term financing
• Examine a wide range of offers (allow time)
• Include repayment

Search for the beach house: ads, realtors and a lot of patience

If you have followed the first steps, you now have a precise idea of your dream house on the beach and have a financing plan. In order to realize your dream as realistically as possible, it is advisable to hire a real estate agent. He will accompany you throughout the entire real estate journey, support you with insider tips and advise you on the final decision. The wide range of exposés can often seem overwhelming and bring chaos.

Important tip: Don’t lose sight of your ideas and requirements and keep an overview. Checklists are the key!

Viewing appointment: daylight, location, checklist and co.

After you’ve successfuly navigated your way through a large amount of listings with the help of your agent, the next step is the viewing appointment and everything that needs to be considered around it. Before you visit the property, it is recommended that you create a checklist to cover all the important aspects and to have questions answered at the end of the visit. The following is an overview of the most important points to consider during a viewing, so that a decision can be made at the end:

• Draw up a list of questions before the viewing (type of heating, operating costs, renovations etc.)
• Daylight (defects and faults can be better detected)
• Take a close look at the surroundings / location (noise, smells, parking situation, etc.)
• Analyse infrastructure (local transport connections, supermarkets, etc.)
• Conducting conversations with neighbours (insider knowledge)
• Examine the condition of the facade, roof, attic, cellars and windows.
• Note water stains, outdated windows, poor insulation, etc.
• Take pictures during the tour

Legal aspects of buying a beach house: purchase contract, land register entry and co.

You have already successfuly completed several steps on the way to buying a house, now you need to be legally secured. First and foremost, your purchase contract must be notarized. At a notarisation meeting, the contract is read out again by the notary to both parties and final questions can be answered. The property is only recognised as your property when you have paid the purchase price in full. This will be accompanied by the transfer of ownership in the land register by the notary. The official “economic transfer” will also be recorded in the notary contract. From that moment on, when your name is entered in the land register, you as the buyer are the final owner of your beach house. The following is a summary of the most important points:

• Notarization of a sales contract
• Transfer of ownership (lecture by notary)
• Land register entry (notary, only after transfer of the complete purchase price)
• Certificate of no objection from the tax office (payment of the real estate transfer tax by the buyer)

Building a beach house: Arguments, advantages & disadvantages of building a house

The decision is made – nothing stands in the way of your dream of a beach house. Now you have to decide whether you want to build, buy or rent. Especially house building is becoming more and more popular – according to a survey in Germany alone, about 1.17 million people are planning to build a house within the next one or two years. If you’re going to build a house, why not do it right on the beach? You can realize your individual ideas, give free rein to your creative streak and call a dreamlike setting your home. The following is an overview of important aspects that need to be considered when building a house.

Important aspects when building a beach house – financing options and co.

Similar to buying a house, you need to consider many different aspects when building a beach house. An exact idea of size, style, room layout etc. is strongly recommended. Once you have structured your personal wishes, it is a good idea to have them checked by an expert and get several offers. A fixed budget, financing options and a fixed time frame will also make building a house easier. The following is an overview of the most important points that you need to consider when building a house:

• Stay informed and critical
• Weigh up financing options
• Obtain different offers
• Find a plot of land (infrastructure, soil conditions, etc.)
• Observe building regulations
• Set up strategy and plan (What do I want?)
• Include additional costs (notary fees, surveying fees, etc.)
• Draft detailed building specifications (participate in the construction of the house)
• Good research (building materials, wall construction, heating, etc.). (do not save at the wrong ends)
• Control is better than trust

Beach house: possibilities & house forms – prefabricated house or classic solid house?

The prefabricated house is characterized by its unusual method of construction. This type of house construction does not take place on site. The individual house elements are previously created in production halls and then assembled like building blocks on the property. As large advantages the fast building time and the more favorable costs are acted here in comparison to the massif house. However, the lack of individual components proves to be a disadvantage. There is little room for your personal design taste and your creative design vein in a prefabricated house. Furthermore, the quality is lower than in a solid construction, which is also accompanied by poor sound insulation. If you take this thought further, you can see that the resale value also decreases over time. Have you decided to fulfill your dream of your own four walls in beach location, you can implement this in the form of a solid house more individual.

Holiday home: Special features – sea, mountains and lakes right on the doorstep

Of course, the family home such as the villa, a bungalow or the terraced house is ideal as a residence for families. But who would not like to have their own house in their favourite holiday resort? And this dream is not far away. We tell you how you can buy a holiday home and make money from it. With a few simple methods. However, it is important to mention in advance that the rental of holiday homes is also dependent on the overall economic situation. If people are doing better financially, they will go on holiday more. So here, too, you can’t just count on profitable years.

You want to buy or build a house, but don’t know which one is right for you? Then take a look at our guide to house types from A – Z! Here you will find all house types, from bungalow to terraced house! All: House types.

Holiday home / holiday apartment: organisational matters – taxes, costs, location, buying abroad & much more

Are you also interested in holiday homes and organisational aspects such as taxes, (additional) costs, purchase contracts and buying a holiday home or holiday apartment abroad? Then be sure to check out our article on holiday homes and apartments. There you will learn a lot about organizational issues and how the purchase and rental of your holiday home could proceed.

• Holiday home & holiday apartment: additional costs, procedure, taxes & Co.

Buying a weekend house: Procedure, broker, costs & Co.

In addition to the holiday home, the weekend house is also a popular property. A weekend house can be used in a very diverse way. You can spend your free time and holidays there. In addition, it is possible to rent out the weekend house and thus generate additional income. On topics such as leased land, expiration, purchase agreement, residential purpose, owned land and much more, you will find a detailed article here.

• Buy weekend house

House types: These house forms are particularly suitable as a holiday home – villa, bungalow & co.

Whether you’re looking to buy or build a holiday home, it’s always beneficial to know what type of home is suitable for holiday accommodation and, more importantly, what appeals to potential tenants and renters, because a major caveat with holiday properties, at least if you’re planning to rent them out, is that you should also look at what rents well.

Bungalows

Bungalows are very suitable for holiday homes, especially at the beach or at the lake, but in themselves in almost all areas, because with bungalows the interior and exterior of a house can be beautifuly combined, so that a lot of time can be spent enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the holiday resort.

More advantages and disadvantages of:

• Bungalows

Beach houses

Beach houses are of course also a great option, as beach holidays are popular and often having your own unit helps you to relax. Of course, the beach house can also be combined with a cleaning service, like any other type of house, to maximize the luxury.

Fresh breeze and air from the sea:

• Beach houses

Loft apartments

Loft apartments are a popular holiday home, especially in urban environments. Lofts often extend over one of the upper floors of buildings or old, converted industrial halls and for this reason convey a rather rustic but at the same time extravagant living feeling.

Other advantages and disadvantages of:

• Loft apartments

Penthouse apartment

Penthouses are another luxury option for inner-city living. The additional houses are luxury apartments on the roofs of high residential buildings and are often characterized by special luxuries, such as roof gardens, terraces and pools, which are otherwise difficult to find in the city.

Living above the rooftops:

• Penthouse apartment

Villas

Villas are the epitome of luxury. So it’s no wonder that they are also particularly good for renting out. Many people who live in the city, where access to villas can be limited, savour this luxury on holiday. Not everyone owns their own holiday home, as some find the expense too great.

Rest and finish:

• Villas

Pros & Cons: Source of income, cheap vacations and rentals.

Many have the dream of a holiday home, but not everyone fulfils it, even if it were financially possible. But why actually? We have thought about it and have found the following points that stand in the way of the dream fulfillment. At the same time, however, we balance these with advantages to give you an idea of what to expect with your holiday home.

Advantages: relaxed living with a view

Clearly, a holiday home has many positive aspects and the personal value alone makes a difference here. You feel at home at your favorite holiday destination and can even build a second home. Depending on the job, some business can be done from the holiday home and you have the opportunity to enjoy the luxury of your own four walls.

• Beautiful living environment
• Cheap holidays
• A feeling of home on holiday

Cons: difficult off season?

Unfortunately, holiday accommodations are also associated with work, especially if you plan to rent them out. Of course, different internet platforms have made renting for a short period of time easier, but you can’t be very choosy with your tenants. In addition, land and property prices are particularly high in popular holiday regions.

• Fewer rentals in the low season
• High land prices
• Unknown tenants

Things to know about holiday homes abroad: popular locations, location and rules

Where exactly you want your personal holiday home is of course up to you, but there are a few locations that are particularly popular among Germans. So that you can either take advantage of this or avoid the places, we have compiled a list with the most popular places and special rules.

North Sea: Holiday homes in Germany, Denmark and Holland

If you want a holiday home on the North Sea, you don’t have to travel far to get to your holiday. For as is well known, Germany has access to the North Sea and also a few North Sea islands belong to Germany. However, these are not always entirely happy with only seasonal citizens, as the mass of holiday homes left empty outside of the holiday season can be damaging to the resident economy. Other countries with access to the North Sea are:

• Holland
• Denmark
• Belgium
• Norway
• Sweden
• United Kingdom
• Iceland

Baltic Sea: Denmark or better Sweden?

The Baltic Sea is also accessible from Germany and offers many beautiful areas where you can spend your holidays. One place in particular has fascinated you? Why don’t you buy a plot of land or a house there? Beautiful beaches offer the perfect holiday feeling, but beware: it can often get quite chilly here and buying a house abroad is sometimes extremely different from buying one in Germany.

• Denmark
• Sweden
• Poland
• Lithuania
• Latvia
• Estonia
• Finland
• Russia

Croatia: Holiday homes by the sea

Croatia has become one of the top travel destinations for Germans in recent years. No wonder, because the Adriatic coast promises turquoise-blue more, white sandy beaches and bright sun. In addition, the cuisine of Croatia is incomparably good and suitable for meat lovers, as well as vegetarians.

So if you are interested in buying a holiday home in Croatia, this can be very lucrative, especially if you are looking in the following areas, as these often offer sea access and sun:

• Istria
• Brela
• Brač
• Baška

Buying a vacation home: Financing options

You have already informed yourself and found out how to buy a property in the country of your choice? Then you are still advised to get legal assistance at your side. Many lawyers in Germany and abroad specialise in the legalities involved in buying a foreign property and will be happy to help you with your house purchase.

This is because there are some costs involved in buying property abroad that you may not have considered before, as they don’t apply domestically. Things like:

• Translator
• Travel expenses
• Administrative costs / service costs

Real estate financing: comparison, loans & interest

The purchase of a holiday home also requires certain prerequisites. On the one hand, of course, some equity, on the other hand, either a loan, or a loan that finances the purchase of the house. There are different options here, depending on your personal preferences.

Loans are particularly popular, with interest rates that are often kept within reasonable limits and are also suitable for buying a house. This is closely followed by real estate loans. But as always with loans and credits, it is also here: Compare, compare, compare and definitely pay attention to the fine print. If you’re looking for more information on the different options, take a look here:

• Real estate financing

Rent out your apartment profitably: Requirements and tips

The house purchase is complete and the dream house is yours. Of course, you don’t want your house to be empty for most of the year. To avoid this, it is particularly useful to rent out holiday homes. As long as the furnishings and the rent are right, this can even be quite profitable. A huge advantage of this is that rented properties are tax deductible.

Although taxes have to be paid, you can save money on your holiday home if you handle it wisely. As a landlord, you should still keep an eye on the following secondary factors, as they can cause additional costs:

• Vacancy
• Reserves for maintenance
• Service charges: refuse collection, service providers etc.

Furnishings and equipment with a concept: guests should feel at home

In order to be able to rent out your property at a reasonable price, certain conditions should be met. Holiday homes should also be considered differently than a standard apartment in terms of equipment, because holiday guests often demand something more than permanent tenants of a property, in addition, the house should meet certain standards, even if you are on site, so that your holiday is particularly relaxing.

The apartment should be fully equipped, with kitchen, bathroom, heating, water and ventilation systems if necessary. Air Conditioning is recommended especially in warmer areas. For maximum rental prices, additional well-maintained facilities such as saunas and pools are very conducive.

Wi-Fi and TV are also very much in demand. Additionally, you have to decide whether smokers and pets should be welcome in your apartment or not. If you decide to have pets, it makes sense to mention them in your rental contract or rental requirements.

The bedrooms and kitchen should also be stocked with all the basics. This means the following things should be present:

• Bedding
• Towels
• Kitchen utensils
• Rags and sponges

Services: Cleaning, costs and more

Apart from running costs, you should think about how you want to maintain your holiday home between guests. The entire rental procedure can often be taken over by a service provider, especially in holiday resorts, who will make sure that the apartment is handed over without damage and left on time. These service providers often also take care of cleaning, etc.

Otherwise, there is the option to spread these services across different providers and save some money if necessary.

You want to sell or rent out your holiday home? You should know that beforehand!

Buying a house is an undertaking that should not be underestimated, and which often costs more time and nerves than you thought at the beginning. So that you are prepared for everything that can come your way, we have already done a little preparatory work and summarized important points for you.

Buying real estate: financing and planning

From the search to the purchase contract, we guide you through the buying process. Searching for a real estate agent, choosing the right property and the like can be very tedious and many steps are confusing. So that you don’t lose focus on the most important things and keep the overview, you will find everything from the broker search to financing options to statistics and tips on construction and renovation in this article. Immobilienkauf XXL can be found here:

• Buy property

Renting out real estate: This must be observed

In the article on renting, we’ve also included practical tips on renting. How to find the right tenants, make pricing decisions and what to consider to get the most out of rental income and tax benefits, you can read here:

• Rent out real estate