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

What is a solid house? Construction, materials and features

A solid house is a construction method of a house, whereby the house is built stone-on-stone from solid building materials. Individual wishes of the builder thus make each house a unique one-of-a-kind.

The opposite of the solid house is the prefabricated house. In this construction method, the house is built according to the modular principle with a wooden structure. For the solid house, on the other hand, materials such as aerated concrete, sand-lime brick, goat stone (walls and floors) and wood (staircase and roof construction) are used. All materials are delivered to the construction site, where they are later assembled into a house by specialist companies.

On average, the lifespan of a solid house is approx. 100-120 years and is therefore more durable than a prefabricated house. The price per square metre of a new building is on average 1,300 euros for the construction costs excluding the land. There is no upper limit for the price limit.

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!

Room layout: free design of your own 4 walls

Due to the individual wishes and needs according to which a solid house can be planned, there are many different options for the room layout. The design, size and use of individual rooms is entirely up to the builder. Walk-in wardrobes, an open kitchen or soundproofed music rooms – any interior or exterior wishes can be discussed with the architect.

Advantages and disadvantages: Location, infrastructure, construction time & more

80% of today’s builders still opt for an architect’s house in solid construction, despite the alternative of the cheaper prefabricated house. Which reasons speak for and against, to decide for the building of a solid house, is explained in the next paragraphs.

Advantages: high durability & good sound and fire protection

The decision to build a solid house brings you some advantages, also compared to a prefabricated house: The reason and the biggest advantage why the multitude of builders decide for a solid house is the individual design of the house. Floor plan, size, materials, shape and equipment of the house can be determined at will.

The solid materials such as concrete or stone provide a good indoor climate and improve the air and moisture circulation inside the room. The high-quality building material ensures a high sound and fire protection advantage.

The lifespan of a solid house is 100 to 120 years, so three generations can live in the house. In contrast to a prefabricated house, the solid house is also more resistant to environmental influences such as flooding or heavy rain. The long life and the solidity of the house also make it possible to achieve a higher sales price.

Costs of work on a solid house can be saved by doing work on the house yourself instead of hiring craftsmen for these activities. Up to a certain point, work done by the owner can be counted as equity.

• Individual design (floor plan, size, materials & equipment)
• Good indoor climate due to solid materials
• Good fire and sound protection
• Long service life
• Resistant to environmental influences
• High selling price
• Own contributions can be counted as equity

Disadvantages: long construction time & construction delays

Besides all the advantages, a solid house also brings negative points. Before the construction takes place, the financing for the house should be clarified. Possible subsidy programs can be claimed from credit institutions. The double burden of financing the new building and the additional rent for the previous apartment can be more easily managed with the help of a subsidy program.

Delays in construction due to extended periods of bad weather are not uncommon, as a builder this can increase not only the waiting time but also the cost. The reason for the extended construction time is often the long drying times of the building components, which lead to extensions. In addition, some of the construction stages can only be completed due to the weather, as is the case with the roof truss, for example.

The construction of a solid house requires the cooperation of several trades. The construction requires the support of bricklayers, roofers, painters, tilers and many more. Communication between the various tradesmen can therefore also be difficult. If the communication fails, it can also lead to delays or even construction errors.

• High financial burden
• Long construction time
• Often delays in construction
• Working in the weather
• Many different trades

Energy rules for builders & homeowners: correct insulation, heating and energy certificates

For builders and homeowners, there are energy rules that are relevant when it comes to building, buying or renovating. Heating, insulation and new energy certificates are the biggest points to consider. Which regulations and specifications apply to future owners or residents of a solid house will now be explained to you.

Heating: Replacing oil and gas boilers

All oil or gas boilers older than 30 years must be taken out of service. In addition, the German Energy Agency stipulates that owners of single-family and two-family homes with low-temperature and condensing boilers who occupied at least one apartment themselves on February 1, 2002 are exempt from the rule.

Insulate: Roofs and upper storey ceilings

Homeowners must insulate all ceilings of heated rooms that adjoin an unheated attic. Ergo the roof or the top floor ceiling of the house. dena excludes all homeowners who were using at least one flat in their house on 1 February 2002.

Energy certificates: Energy classes from A+ to H

The new provisions of the energy regulations also affect the energy certificate. This innovation includes the differentiation into various energy efficiency classes from A+ to H. The information must also be labelled in property advertisements so that consumers, tenants and buyers have more clarity about energy consumption.

Want to learn more about energy-efficient building? Here you can find out everything about

• Zero energy house and passive house
• Low-energy house

Land: selection and characteristics of the right plot

Before land can be used as building land, it must be checked whether this land may be built on and in what form. The land must be designated as building land according to §30 or §34 of the Building Code (BauBG), so that construction can take place on it without restriction.

A decisive factor in the construction of the solid house is the right choice of the plot. A location with a good infrastructure and a good connection to the transport network is a relevant point for many builders when determining the location. However, the so-called “micro factors” are not irrelevant either, these include disturbance factors in the vicinity of the future house such as noise, electricity pylons, electrosmog and the orientation of the garden.

The development plan provides information on the procurement of the building land. The height of the groundwater level as well as regulations on the ground floor and floor height up to the roof pitch and number of storeys are recorded here. So that contaminated sites in the soil, such as oil or building rubble, can be determined, a soil survey should be carried out; a sum of €800-2,000 should be calculated for this.

Checklist: Choice of the plot

When looking for the perfect property, some important factors should be considered. The most relevant points can be found here in a checklist:

• Is it designated building land?
• Is a good infrastructure available?
• Are there any interfering factors in the environment?
• What is the nature of the building land?
• Is a soil expertise required?

Tip. Buying a plot of land: Building area, building application & Co.

Important aspects when building a solid house: developer, architect & Co.

Building a house is a big task for every builder. It does not matter whether it is a prefabricated house or a solid house, the construction often turns out to be a time-consuming challenge. Always be reckoned with unforeseen construction delays, which can drive the costs massively up.

When building a house, there are two different ways you can proceed. On the one hand, there is the possibility to hire an architect, who designs your house individually and personally tailored to your needs. On the other hand, a developer can be commissioned, which usually presents you with pre-planned solutions and modules, which can be put together as you wish.

Especially in certain regions cheap plots of land can be purchased, because certain regions are concerned about the influx of new citizens. Thus, money can also be saved with the property, even if this does not correspond to your first desired location.

Building or buying a solid home: Tips & options for financing

Due to the high and long-term value of the house, you are in a good negotiating position with the bank with a solid house. The market value of a house is the basis for a construction or real estate loan. This is calculated from the material value of the property, the demand, the environment and the infrastructure. Furthermore, the year of construction, the substance, age and equipment of the property also flow into the sales value. Land value, general market value per square meter and the comparative price with other massive houses also play a role.

If the house is in a sought-after location and is also in good condition, the bank may grant a high loan amount. The property is considered collateral for the bank and can be financed via a land charge. The market value assessment should be carried out before any financing by an expert, because it is considered the basis for a financing assistance. In the case of solid houses, an annuity loan is granted and secured with a land charge. If the fixed period of the loan of usually 3 to 18 months is exceeded, interest surcharges are added. After the loan follows, if necessary, a follow-up financing.

• Building a house: Prices, costs, taxes & Co. – learn more here!

What you should consider before buying/renting a solid house

Solid houses of different styles can be purchased both for rent and for sale. Before signing a rental or purchase contract, the condition of the property should be checked for any defects.

Each type of house brings with it its own special characteristics that speak for or against the prospective buyers. A solid house is mainly determined by its individuality and long life. With an older building the energy Effienizenz of the house should be examined in each case. Otherwise it can come here to high energy and additional costs.

Large outdoor and garden areas require intensive maintenance, so there should be enough time and money to maintain the property in the long term.

Review of the purchase contract / lease agreement

The real estate contract must contain all the important points about the personal details of the buyer and seller. In addition, the negotiated price, location and description are listed. Information on equipment, furnishings and existing defects are also part of the contract points. Finally, the processing of the payment and the time of the handover of the keys are also documented in the contract.

An important clause to check the contract for is the exclusion of liability for material defects. If this is not excluded, the seller can oblige the buyer to compensation for already known defects.

Build or Buy: Arguments and comparison – Building a house vs. buying a house

Building or buying – this is the question facing those interested in a solid house. Buying a house and building a house each have different advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before making any decision. Costs and factors such as time play an important role.

House construction: first-time residents in an energy-efficient house

Unlike a house purchase, the time until moving into the house in a construction is a time of several months or a year. However, this period can also be delayed by weather conditions and a construction stop in winter.

With the construction of a house also comes a free design of the interior and room layout. First-time residents benefit from modern technology. The costs of your own home can be permanently reduced by opting for an energy-efficient house.

The average value of a self-built detached house is 1,300 euros per square metre, but this can be increased or decreased by individual influencing factors.

Buying a house: Prices determined by location

Buyers of a solid house are spared the costly and time-consuming construction phase and can move into the house more quickly. New residents of a house can remove non-load-bearing walls of the house and thus enlarge rooms and change the room layout. Conversions are particularly easy with solid houses because individual bricks can be removed, so new windows can be installed or old windows can be enlarged.

With a purchased house, however, previously hidden diminished value damage can only come to light in retrospect. In terms of price, a solid house that has already been built has an advantage, as the house is offered at a fixed price and, as in the case of construction, the price is driven up. Properties in need of renovation and refurbishment are offered at a lower price than properties that are ready for immediate occupancy.

Building or buying? – Find out more about building costs, interest rates and financing here.

Tips for the renovation of a solid house: Value increase, subsidies & Co.

Not only can energy and ancillary costs be saved with a refurbishment, but the value of the house can also be increased. While the value of the house increases, the risk of damage decreases in return. A core refurbishment also has an impact on insurance costs, the premiums paid for homes that have not been refurbished are significantly more expensive. Prioritizing is important so that areas that require extra urgency, such as leaky window repairs, are rehabilitated first.

Information on subsidies and companies should be carefully researched in advance: Subsidies from the state can be granted here. Trade directories, relatives or the Internet can help you select the right companies.

Suitable for families, investors & individualists

For whom is this construction method of the solid house the right choice? Large families and people who attach great importance to the individual design of their own home will find a suitable type of house in a solid house. Due to the high value of the house, it is also well suited as an investment.

Large families: space and home for several generations

A solid house is ideal for large families. Size and number of rooms can be chosen according to your own needs. Due to the long life of the house, it can also be passed on to future generations of the family.

Individualists: individual design also for luxurious wishes

A solid house can be planned individually by an architect. Lovers of individual design can have the house built entirely according to their own personal wishes and needs. Luxurious wishes can also be implemented in the best way with a solid house.

Developers who want to use a property as an investment

In contrast to the prefabricated house, the solid house is in a significantly more expensive price segment and is a much higher investment. Using a solid house as an investment and a store of value is a good idea for old-age provision in view of the high market value.

Checklist for your solid house: heating, equipment & co.

Every builder has his own requirements and wishes for his own home, from the selection of the plot of land to the furnishing of the interior. The size and dimensions of the outdoor facilities must also be planned in advance. In addition to these points, factors such as the heating method, thermal insulation and the glazing of the windows must also be considered.

Listed here is a checklist of key points to consider when choosing your home:

• Heating method: How is the house heated? Cost comparisons etc.
• Thermal insulation: Have values & status explained
• Bathroom equipment: Check need for renovation
• Windows: number, glazing, condition
• Outdoor facilities: garden, pitches & co.
• Number of rooms: Are the rooms enough for you? Expansion possibilities?

Divorce – sell the house or keep it?

If you have not concluded a prenuptial agreement, according to the law, the property belongs to you in equal shares. This means that an agreement is inevitable. If you want to stay in your house, you face the challenge of having to pay off the other spouse who is moving out. If this is not possible without a house sale, many couples are left with selling the property. Helpful tips: property selling guide.

In terms of divorce, there is no blanket recommendation for your home, as each tip is based on the individual situation and your personal vision. In general, you should rule out the need for a foreclosure, as you will lose a lot of money that way.

If a sale of the house is essential, hire an agent and get the highest possible price for your property according to the market value. If there is a possibility, one partner can keep the property and pay out the other partner. You will find your individual chances and the best solution together with an experienced real estate agent in the course of your divorce.

Get advice from real estate agents!

We strongly discourage you from jumping the gun and making what you feel is the right decision out of disappointment. There are a whole range of other options through which you can rule out selling the house, or if a sale is desired, get the best price for your property. You should not decide on selling, leaving the house to joint children, or holding the property until you have received comprehensive information on the various procedures. Contact real estate agents who have years of experience in dealing with homes that need to be financially divided among partners and valued as joint property in the course of a divorce.

More information about divorce:

Divorce procedure

Among all joint acquisitions, the house stands as the largest asset in your possession. For this reason alone, a jointly acquired property purchased during the marriage period will also be the biggest “bone of contention” when it comes to property division during the divorce process. Learn everything you need to know about the divorce process.

Keep house

For families with children, housekeeping is often high on the agenda in the event of a divorce. In many cases, the partner with whom the children remain stays in the house. So that the children can remain in their familiar environment and are not additionally burdened by the divorce, this option proves to be the best solution. However, the desire to keep the house is of course linked to the respective financial situation and to agreements made. More on the subject of keeping a house.

House sale

A jointly occupied and financed house is usually the focus of a divorce. If neither partner wants or is able to keep the house, in most cases it comes down to a property sale. There are several solutions you can consider and contrast. Most divorcing couples choose to sell the house to a third party, as this method results in the fewest disputes. You part with existing debts together and exclude the need to continue paying off a home loan together. All about selling your house.

Separation and house

Separating from your partner is a trauma. To ensure that the decision about your jointly purchased and financed home does not become traumatic, you should definitely opt for professional advice on the various possible solutions. Do you want to keep your home despite separation and pay off your former partner? Or are you interested in selling and would like to achieve realistic proceeds on disposal? More information on the topic of separation and house.