Solar greenhouses in Spain

Spain, with its warm climate and abundant hours of sunshine, offers ideal conditions for the use of solar greenhouses. These special greenhouses are designed to make optimum use of sunlight while providing plants with the necessary protection from extreme weather conditions. As we are also frequently involved in the sale of agricultural land, sustainable agriculture is always an exciting future field for us.

The use of solar greenhouses in Spain has increased in recent years, especially in the commercial sector. Large agricultural businesses and mega-projects have recognized that this method is not only environmentally friendly, but also offers considerable advantages.

Cultivation area for solar greenhouses in Spain

The cultivation area for solar greenhouses in Spain has increased considerably in recent years. This is mainly due to the growing demand for sustainably grown food and the increased use of renewable energy sources. Large agricultural companies and mega-projects are increasingly investing in solar greenhouses in order to increase their yields and reduce their environmental footprint at the same time.

How a solar greenhouse works

This video explains the important considerations and elements when building a passive solar greenhouse. These include positioning in relation to solar radiation, choice of glazing (polycarbonate), building materials (wood and fiber cement panels), insulation, thermal mass, ventilation options, preparation of planting beds and automation of processes such as ventilation and irrigation. This overview provides useful information for building an efficient passive solar greenhouse.

Example of agriculture in Almería: challenges and opportunities

Almería, a region in Spain, is known for its plastic greenhouses, which cover an enormous amount of land. These greenhouses play a crucial role in supplying Europe with fruit and vegetables, and they provide between 40 and 50 percent of these products. However, intensive agriculture in Almería has both positive and negative aspects. I recommend the video below on the subject.

Positive impact on the economy and technology

The greenhouses in Almería have brought an economic boom to the region. They enable year-round production and contribute to economic development. State-of-the-art technology is used to increase productivity and minimize the need for pesticides.

Working conditions and social controversies

Despite their economic importance, the working conditions in the greenhouses are controversial. The predominantly immigrant workforce often faces low wages, insecure employment and health risks from pesticides. This has led to public controversy and social challenges.

Environmental impact and sustainability

Intensive farming in Almería also has an environmental impact. Plastic waste and pesticides pollute the environment. Nevertheless, progress is being made in water use and recycling in order to minimize the environmental impact. The region uses less water per capita than many other regions in Spain.

Consumer behavior and demand

The demand for cheap, year-round fruit and vegetables in Europe has driven intensive farming in Almería. Consumers play an important role in this model, as they demand low-priced products.

Intensive farming in Almería has both positive and negative aspects. It provides Europe with an abundance of fruit and vegetables, but the working conditions and environmental impact are controversial. The future of this agriculture depends on the willingness to tackle these challenges and raise consumer awareness of their impact.

Fighting pests in an ecological way

Almería benefits from abundant sunshine, even in winter, which makes it possible to harvest ripe peppers and tomatoes all year round. This locational advantage has led to an increase in organic farming in the region in recent years. According to Yamato (source: YouTube), who works for the Association of Vegetable Growers in Almería:

“the proportion of land under organic cultivation has risen from 1.4 percent to an impressive 10.3 percent and continues to show strong growth.”

In the greenhouses of Almería, biological pest control is used to reduce the use of pesticides. Various predatory insects such as predatory mites, ladybugs and lacewings are used to keep pests such as aphids at bay. This ecological approach helps to minimize the environmental impact of agriculture.

More on this in a moment.

Mass with class! Almería from above

Despite these positive aspects, there are also challenges. In the hot months, pests can multiply quickly and cause considerable damage to the plants. The use of plastic in agriculture, which is used to cover greenhouses, also has an environmental impact. One solution is to fully recycle the plastic and work on optimizing water consumption.

Sustainable fruit and vegetables from Europe

Another example is the program“It’s Greenhouse. Sustainable fruit and vegetables from Europe” provides a range of key figures and information on sustainability and its application in the Spanish fruit and vegetable sector. Here are some of the key figures:

Growth of solar greenhouse cultivation

The area of solar greenhouses in southern Europe, particularly in the Spanish region of Andalusia, has grown from 515 hectares in the 2006/2007 season to more than 27,863 hectares in the past 2022/2023 season.

Biological pest control

The program emphasizes the use of biological pest control in the solar greenhouses. This includes the use of auxiliary fauna to control pests and diseases without using synthetic pesticides.

Top 7 products with biological pest control

The top list of natural pest control:

1. Paprika leads the way in the use of biological pest control with 100% of its area,
2. Followed by tomatoes,
3. Cucumbers,
4. Eggplants,
5. Zucchini,
6. Watermelons
7. Melons

Sustainable agriculture and renewable energies

Solar greenhouses have become an important element of sustainable agriculture and renewable energy in Spain. The area under cultivation is growing steadily and their benefits are attractive for mega-projects and agricultural companies alike. The combination of energy efficiency, year-round cultivation and environmental protection makes this cultivation method a promising solution for the future of agriculture in Spain.

Takeover of Deutsche-Wohnen by Vonovia

Tip. At the end there is still the press review, the most important news from the real estate world, summarized. There are interesting things in the FAZ on the subject of “New life for houses of worship”, redesigning former churches, monument protection, and much more. You can find all real estate news directly here: Real Estate News.

The Süddeutsche Zeitung says “Vonovia does not have to become a rent shark”. The Handelsblatt even headlines “Share deals loophole: Why the merger of Vonovia and Deutsche Wohnen is triggering a tax debate” and the ARD warns “Merger plans alarm tenants”. But what is behind the deal?

Let’s first look at the two public companies and their ratios:

Vonovia Key Figures

• Largest residential group in Germany
• Market capitalization: 29.3 billion euros

German Housing

• 2nd largest residential group
• Market capitalization: 18.8 billion euros

Vonovia vs Deutsche Wohnen in comparison

How big is the difference between the two largest providers in Germany?

Difference (cf. Deutsche-Wohnen): 10.5 billion euros; 64.2 %.

Second attempt: Merger plans

Two attempts at a merger in the past had already failed. However, a majority of shareholders are now expected to agree to sell their shares to Vonovia. So far, the deal has failed because of the management of the Berlin-based Deutsche Wohnen Group. As soon as more than 50% of the shareholders of Deutsche-Wohnen sell their shares to Vonovia, the takeover will take place. A merger of the housing groups would represent the largest deal in German real estate history and thus create Europe’s largest housing group.

“I am very, very sure that a great many shareholders will accept this offer,” said Zahn (Deutsche-Wohnen)

Vonovia: Germany’s largest real estate group

Vonovia is one of the central companies in the German housing market. With around 1 million customers at 400 locations, the giant Group generated sales of 3.7 billion euros last year. The value has multiplied since the company was founded in 2001. The business is divided into three units: Letting, Extension and Sale of Real Estate, Construction, Leasing and Management.

Vonovia’s motto “We give people a home” will be even more present in Germany’s cities in the future. This is because the already large real estate company would increase its market share many times over by merging with Deutsche-Wohnen. To date, Vonovia’s portfolio spans 400 German locations and over 400,000 apartments. The large range of apartments can be found in cities such as Berlin, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Hamburg, Munich and Frankfurt am Main.

Facts and figures

• Main location: Bochum
• Locations: 400
• Turnover: EUR 3.67 billion (2019)
• Foundation: 2001
• Predecessor: Gagfah
• Customers: Approximately 1 million

Share price

German real estate companies are earning better than ever before. When you look at the price trends of the individual share prices, you quickly see that “residential gold” is still a household name. Renting or managing real estate through Immobilien GmbHs in Germany means that over 2 decades of stable returns. Vonovia stock is one of the most valuable stocks in Germany. Read more here about the:

• Vonovia share

Here’s a quick look at how the stock has performed over the last 36 months:

Deutsche-Wohnen: Quality & excellent locations

Deutsche Wohnen (founded in 1924) is the second largest real estate company in Germany after Vonovia. Its headquarters are located in Frankfurt am Main. The portfolio currently comprises around 164,300 units, including 161,500 residential units and 2,800 commercial units. The properties are characterized above all by high quality and excellent locations: Almost 92% of the properties are located in German growth regions.

Facts and figures on Deutsche Wohnen

• Number of employees: 1,280
• Foundation: 1924
• Residential units: 161,500
• Commercial units: 2,800
• Investment planning (2020): 3 billion euros

Share price

After Vonovia, the Deutsche Wohnen share is the most valuable on the German and European real estate market. Read more here about the

• Deutsche Wohnen share

Here’s a quick look at how the stock has performed over the last 36 months:

Vonovia and Deutsche-Wohnen are just two of many large, important stocks on the market. We have compiled a Top 30+ with the largest and most valuable real estate stocks. Below you will find all the important information about the top stocks.

Real Estate Stocks: Top 30+

Not everyone can affordreal estate as an investment. Through real estate shares, however, everyone can participate in the real estate market and invest money. The share prices of the major players rise year after year. Vonovia, Deutsche Wohnen, Dream Global, CBRE and Patrizia are a few of the best known active companies in Germany. In addition, there are more than 25 other companies. We have compiled an overview of the most popular real estate stocks for you as an investor. But first, a look at the risks of a stock, the stock market, for beginners and beginners. Now to the list and more about the real estate market, your investment options and all prices at a glance, you will find here:

• Real Estate Stocks: Top 30+ Real Time Price, Analysis, Recommendation & News

Real Estate News:

The Süddeutsche Zeitung says “Vonovia does not have to become a rent shark”. The Handelsblatt even headlines “Share deals loophole: Why the merger of Vonovia and Deutsche Wohnen is triggering a tax debate” and ARD warns “Merger plans alarm tenants”. The headlines are now familiar. Here is more news from the real estate industry:

Focus Online: KfW loan saves real estate buyers thousands

The Focus Online blog reports on “Study shows: Who should pay? In some regions, buyers boycott exaggerated real estate prices now” and “Construction financing: Building money has never been so cheap” . More news and current laws:

• Guest article by Carsten Zimmermann: KfW loan saves property buyers thousands – but now the subsidy is becoming a lottery prize!
• Study shows: Who’s going to pay for it? In some regions, buyers are now boycotting exorbitant real estate prices
• Construction financing: Building money has never been so cheap

IM Immobilienmanager: Warburg-HIH Invest buys police headquarters near Cologne

This week at IM Immobilienmanager among others articles about “Warburg-HIH Invest acquires new police headquarters near Cologne” and “ISG Germany appoints new managing director” . You can find more news here:

• Eligible Daikin technology in all product areas
• ISG Germany appoints new managing director
• Warburg-HIH Invest acquires new police headquarters near Cologne

Frankfurter Allgemeine: New life for houses of worship

The Frankfurter Allgemeine reports this week, for example, “New life for houses of worship: What can become of churches” and “Changing neighbourhoods: Images of memory”. More news from the past days:

• New life for places of worship: what can become of churches
• House on offer: Tenant desperately sought
• Neighbourhood in Transition: Images of Memory

Haufe: Will housing become more expensive?

New in the business section of Haufe this week is, among others, “Solar obligation in Baden-Württemberg: Will housing become more expensive?” as well as “Who comes, who goes? New CEO at Dr. Klein Wowi Digital; IC Group replaces management” . More real estate news for tenants, buyers and sellers:

• Compulsory solar energy in Baden-Württemberg: Will housing become more expensive?
• Reliable IT security for companies – but how?
• Who’s coming, who’s going? New CEO at Dr. Klein Wowi Digital; IC Group replaces leadership

T-Online: Housing prices continue to rise faster than rents

This week T-Online has topics such as ” Real estate collapse in major cities – experts warn of real estate bubble ” and ” Expensive CO2 participation – landlords demand Seehofer’s resignation ” . New topics of the week:

• “Overheating” – house prices continue to rise faster than rents
• Expensive CO2 participation – landlords demand Seehofer’s resignation
• Real estate collapse in major cities – experts warn of real estate bubble

Berlin.de: Vonovia with audit process

New articles and posts from Berlin.de this week include “Rent brake for municipal apartments in Berlin ” and “Expropriation initiative has almost 200,000 signatures” . More headlines of the week:

• Rent brake for municipal apartments in Berlin
• Senate: After housing offer from Vonovia with review process…
• Expropriation initiative has nearly 200,000 signatures

Immobilien Zeitung: Hamburg is building apartments like it last did in 1974

This week Immobilien Zeitung has interesting topics such as “Hamburg builds as many apartments as last 1974” and “Sometimes only a pharmacy and a supermarket remain of the trade” in the magazine. The posts and more tips can be found here:

• Hamburg builds as many apartments as last in 1974
• Apartments are also in short supply in Marburg
• Sometimes all that remains of the trade is a pharmacy and a supermarket

Spiegel: Social promises of the real estate bosses?

This week’s Spiegel is about “”The sheer size may worry one or the other”” and “What good is the social promise of the real estate bosses?” . More news from this week:

• What good is the social promise of the real estate bosses?
• Real estate groups offer Berlin thousands of apartments for sale
• “The sheer size may worry one or two”

Land sale Berlin: Learn the procedure

There are various factors that influence the value of a plot of land, depending on whether it is a meadow or forest plot, agricultural land, raw building land, land awaiting construction or building land. On the one hand, of course, the intended use of the land, the possibilities of building on it and, of course, one of the central value factors: the location of your land. Regardless of whether it is a building plot, land for construction, forest land or agricultural land in the Berlin area, the same questions always arise for sellers and property owners!

This is where our guide or guidebook comes in, which brings the sale of land, including the valuation of the land, piece by piece closer.

The right time: credit pressure, old age, inheritance

As different as the reasons are, the process of selling real estate is always relatively the same. Broadly speaking, it involves 3 phases: 1) the preparation for the sale of the property, 2) the marketing phase and 3) the completion of the sale.

Reasons for selling a property are many and varied. As mentioned above, it can be a sudden inheritance and confronting a property that may not even be in your immediate area. Even if it is right next door, what do you do with that property? Apart from inheritance, there are of course many other reasons, for example financial pressure due to existing loans, as well as old age.

Either way: Timing is key so there is no pressure to sell. Ideally, you inform yourself now because you want to sell in 3 or 4 months. If you need to sell sooner, it is advisable to approach domestic investors, foreign investors, institutions, construction companies directly through experts in off market trading. More on this later.

Advantage Berlin: Hype of the city

Berlin attracts investors like no other city in Europe. Berlin is located in the middle of the many countries that are part of the European Union. Berlin is also relatively central in Germany and is easily accessible from cities like Munich, Hamburg and Cologne, by car, train and plane. As the capital city, it is not only interesting for tourists and business, the country’s major politics are also at home here. You see: Many, different target groups!

This in turn supports the sale. Sell in districts such as Schöneberg and Wannsee or in trendy neighbourhoods such as Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain and classy districts such as Grunewald and Weißensee.

Sale in 3 phases: Preparation, marketing and closing of the sale

You may have already read about these 3 phases, with their individual steps, in our guide to selling property.

This additional guide to selling land in Berlin is specifically for those selling their first property. In addition to the phases, we also take a look at the property valuation (location, layout, size, development, etc.), the general and more specific documents and records needed for the sale and … but let’s start at step 1:

The preparation of the sale

Prepare land sale: Planning and strategy

The preparation phase is concerned with strategic planning, as with the sale of an apartment or house. The preparation phase is crucial for the success of the sale, here it is about the right timing, the selection of the right broker (for the right target group, as mentioned above), important documents and records for the sale, from which ultimately the offer price (land value) is calculated. No matter whether building plot, forest, field or acre.

Berlin is a sought-after place. At the same time, as a (first-time) seller, you can make an extremely large number of mistakes that ultimately cost you a lot of money. A loss of only 15% on a property worth 5,000,000 euros can result in a loss of 750,000 euros. And we are not even talking about properties in Berlin Mitte. You can achieve such prices in Berlin Pankow, for example.

But back to step 1 in the preparation:

1. Set time schedule
2. Make an appointment with a real estate agent
3. Collect documents
4. Prepare property
5. Determinequotation price
6. Create exposé

Timing and broker selection

First of all there is the time planning. For the sale of a property you should calculate with at least 3 months, from the first thought to the notary appointment and transfer of the purchase price. Of course, it can go faster (the mentioned, direct and discreet investor approach in the off market area), but we want to give a general overview here!

At least 3 months time, until the sale, does not mean that it is also sold after three months. Here, above all, the decision for the right real estate agent plays a role, as well as the valuation of the property. If the valuation is set too high, you will lose interested parties for your property offer – even in Berlin!

Generally speaking, selling under time pressure is never a good option.

Real estate prices in this country are relatively high and stable in almost all locations, after all, it is one of the strongest real estate markets in the world. Berlin in particular has been experiencing a boom for a long time. Square meter prices in Berlin are rising, even though the city government is fighting against it. Measures against “speculators” (investors) are, for example, the Mietpreisbremse (albeit recently overturned), ordinances on renovation and modernization, conversion of rental housing to condominiums, etc.

Berlin: Price development (comparison)

The goal of most investors: to develop land. That means: the more residential units, the more buildable floor space, the better. This is also evident when looking at the price being asked for a square metre of condominiums in Berlin.

The development of asking prices for condominiums in Berlin, from 2012 to the 1st quarter of 2021 are enormous. Here is an insight into the average price, in euros per square metre.

• 2012 (Q1): 1,671 Euro / m²
• 2015 (Q1): 2.321 Euro / m² (+ 38.9%)
• 2017 (Q1): 3.154 Euro / m² (+ 35.9%)
• 2019 (Q1): 3,897 euros / m² (+ 23.5%)
• 2021 (Q1): 4,781 Euro / m² (+ 22.6%)

From 1st quarter 2012 to 1st quarter 2021, a total increase of + 168.1 %.

Sell land privately?

From my experience without expertise through previous sales, a real experiment and venture, where many mistakes can arise in the sale of property. Often it is then recommended to accept the help of the real estate lawyer, because he knows better with the tax savings in the sale of real estate, finances & Co.

If you’re interested in the dangers that can happen from selling property privately, here’s our list of the typical, 15 mistakes when selling real estate. Condo, house, apartment building, land:

• Mistakes in the sale of real estate

So let’s summarize briefly: If you sell off market to well connected brokers, it can be very quick, sometimes under 30 days to transaction, thanks to targeting investors in the internal network. When selling via real estate portals, it’s more like 3 months and a lot of communication with private individuals, plus credit checks, etc.

After scheduling and choosing a good real estate agent, move on to the documents and paperwork they will need for the property sale.

Documents and records for the sale of land

The documents are prepared early, because they also serve for the valuation of the property, we will come to that in a moment.

Reading Tip: Selling Property: Documents

As a rule, before you sell a property, you need the following documents:

1. Cadastral map or real estate map from the cadastral office
2. Development plan
3. Land register extract Land registry
4. Land use plan
5. Preliminary building application
6. Information on building encumbrances
7. Development proofs
8. Notice of land tax

Prepare the land? Shouldn’t the next step be the property valuation and the offer price? No, because by no beauty corrections the price can be corrected often still a little upward. No picture has been taken yet, no exposé and no investor has been approached.

Increase in value before property valuation

Here is a small example from practice: When I speak with my investors, these are usually larger companies, institutions or family offices. Accordingly, a person is quickly sent from somewhere in the country, who quickly makes an overview of the property, live on site. Just like that, quickly by car, a few meters on foot.

For the exposé, for the valuation but also for such spontaneous viewings, it is worth taking a look at ways in which you can still increase the value of your property. From simple “beauty corrections” to preparatory measures for further development.

In our example from practice it was about a property from Berlin. Who knows Berlin knows that empty properties, without security measures, are quickly littered. If even apartment buildings in Berlin are occupied, then no properties are safe.

It’s just little things, but just as an increase in the value of the property, through small beauty corrections or renovations is achievable, can also optimize properties before the property photos, before the valuation, before the first visits. Thus the value can be increased with the property sale, in which you for reorganization work a craftsman, or for small rebuilding measures an architect in Berlin to rate pull. It is not about 5%, 10% increase in value, but even an increase in value of 1%, 2%, makes a property of 1 million market value already a significant proportion, which you can pocket as a seller profitable for themselves.

Offer price: Determine property value (valuation)

The valuation of a plot of land is subject to various factors, just like the valuation of any property. The following factors, among others, are decisive for the valuation of land.

First, as with any property, is location.

Location, location, location … also for Berlin properties

This is also about the development and transport links. The next factor in land valuation is the size of the plot. But size is not everything, the layout also plays a role. In addition to size and layout, there is of course also the development, soil condition, standard ground value, as well as possible contaminated sites and third-party rights.

Exact details should always be discussed and worked out in cooperation with your advisor (broker).

In addition to the location and size, of course, it becomes much more specific: Are we talking about building land, are we talking about soil samples, are we talking about forest land, then also climatic changes, to agricultural land and so on. The land valuation is therefore not as easy to summarize as the apartment valuation or the house valuation.

Value factors: checklist

The factors are important for the evaluation:

• Location of the property
• Size and cut
• Development of the area
• Soil composition
• Degree of development or buildability
• Legacy
• Third-party rights
• Ground value

Property types

In addition, depending on the property, still value factors in the area of the development. Depending on which possibilities are available for the construction.

• Forest or meadow land; if necessary, no construction is allowed
• Land awaiting construction; may be built on in the foreseeable future
• Undeveloped land; land not yet developed
• Building land; development possible within the framework of the development plan

Preparation for the sale of land – Conclusion

Here is a summary of the individual steps. A simple checklist, consisting of 6 key points, which will bring you closer to the process of selling a property.

1. Timing
2. Broker appointment
3. Documents
4. Prepare property
5. Offer price
6. Exposé

When it comes to property valuation, there are a number of factors that come into play. The complexity of each individual property valuation, we can not convey in this general guide, but we can give you this tip, ask yourself the following questions:

• What type of land are you selling? Is it a building plot, a forest plot, agricultural land,…
• How big is your property?
• What type of use is intended for your property?
• How can your plot be built on? This means building footprint (BGF) and house type and / or apartment type
• What are the transport links to the location of your property?

Berlin: Real estate in the capital

Capital, university city, historical stronghold and as an international location an attractive place to live for families, couples, singles and students. Accordingly, Berlin faces a continuously growing population due to immigration.

Berlin real estate market: overview

Berlin offers everything from fashion, art, finance, start-ups, and the list goes on. There is hardly a person who would not find their passion in this city of 3.75 million. This is also evident in the sprawl of the city and the different districts. For this reason it is often described as’ many cities in one’. A walk through Berlin-Mitte is very different from Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg is not often confused with Zehlendorf.

• Real Estate Berlin

Living in Berlin: Popular residential areas

We present the most beautiful districts of the German capital and tell you where you can buy the best, highest quality and most exclusive properties to set up your new home, or which districts are best suited to invest in a property as an investment. Here we present the most popular residential areas – from upscale Grunewald to charming Schmargendorf and quiet Dahlem to historic Charlottenburg. Back to overview: Living in Berlin.

• Grunewald
• Charlottenburg
• Zoo
• Dahlem
• Schmargendorf
• Prenzlauer Berg
• Kreuzberg
• Kurfürstendamm

Selling real estate in Berlin: house, apartment and land

As an international location, Berlin is an attractive place to live for people from all over the world. While the district of Wilmersdorf in Charlottenburg convinces with its well-kept green spaces, the residential areas of Prenzlauer Berg and Weißensee in Berlin-Pankow inspire with their unbeatable prices and central location. You want to sell your apartment, your apartment building or your property in the world metropolis Berlin? With our free guides and tips on the topics of real estate sales and property valuation, you are well prepared. Back to overview: Selling real estate in Berlin.

• Pankow
• Charlottenburg
• Wilmersdorf
• Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
• Prenzlauer Berg
• Kreuzberg
• Wannsee
• Steglitz
• Schöneberg