Microapartment: What is a microapartment? – Definition & Features

Due to the many variants and the different requirements, there is no uniform definition for the term microapartment. In German-speaking countries, a microapartment is a small, furnished apartment with usually one to two rooms and a size of approximately 19 to 36 square meters.

Read more about the conventional apartment here.

Features of a micro apartment

Micro apartments are in most cases rented furnished and are often equipped with futons or pull-out beds, fold-out tables and small or hidden appliances. In some cases, the cost of electricity or internet is also already included in the lease. There are also often common areas such as fitness rooms, rooftop terraces or sports courts.

• Often furnished
• Space saving device
• Electricity, Internet included in rental contract
• Common areas: Fitness rooms, roof terrace, etc.

Advantages & disadvantages of a microapartment: costs, return & co.

Before you invest in an apartment, you should look at the advantages and disadvantages of each type of apartment. This will help you decide whether this type of apartment is right for you and whether you can accept the disadvantages. Especially in the case of an old building apartment, the construction method is different from that of new buildings. We have compiled a list of the most important aspects for you, so that you can make the right choice.

Advantages: High yield, safe, central

Micro apartments have a very decisive advantage: location and location. This type of property is mostly found in the inner cities and very central. So if you want to live in the city but spend little, a micro apartment is just right.

If you want to invest in a micro apartment, you can be sure of one thing: While your real estate investment will require a manageable amount of capital, the rental yield and rental income will be higher than those of other apartments, such as the old building apartment, the loft or the floor apartment. In addition, they are a safe investment, which is worthwhile for investors with a long time horizon. Precisely because demand exceeds supply, you as a landlord have a high degree of rental security.

• As a real estate investment, microapartments require a manageable capital investment
• Yield and rental income are significantly higher than those of conventional apartments
• Investment is worthwhile for investors with a long time horizon and a pronounced need for security

Disadvantages: Small, furnished

What is an advantage for some may seem a disadvantage for others. Furnished micro apartments exclude the possibility of bringing your own style or furniture into your four walls. In addition, the apartments are very small and offer little living space.

• Narrow, small
• Mostly furnished

Microapartment: Who is it right for? Singles, couples, second home

The target group for small apartments consists mainly of the young, working singles, who are on average younger than 30 years. But microapartments are partly also suitable for couples and shared flats, as well as older re-singles who do not need much space. Microapartments are also often used as second homes.

Singles: Flexible, central

Micro apartments are especially popular with young adults. Often these properties can be found in the middle of the city center and are therefore ideal for students and singles. The proximity to the university and the flexibility that one has as a result is also a great advantage. Most of the time, these types of properties are already fully furnished and therefore ready for immediate occupancy. This is a great advantage for young people who are new to a city.

Seniors: Cheap, modern

Similar to young singles, this type of property is particularly suitable for single seniors who still want to live in the city and centrally, as well as cheaply.

Couples: space for two

Contrary to popular belief, a micro apartment can also be beneficial for young couples. Despite the small square footage, with the right and efficient furnishings and room layout, the apartment can be especially cozy and provide enough space for two people. In addition, you save money with the rent.

Secondary residence: vacation home, commuter

For example, if you live in the country and commute to the city for work, you can buy or rent a micro apartment a second home. This saves time and, depending on the distance, even costs. But microapartments can also be bought without a special purpose and rented as a second home or vacation home.

What you should consider before buying/renting a microapartment

Especially with older buildings, it is very important to get your own idea of the apartment before buying/renting. Inform yourself exactly about the construction and the building to be prepared for everything. We have summarized these for you so that you can clarify everything in advance and no unexpected costs await you later.

What to consider when buying?

First of all, you should find out about the condition of your potential property. Old buildings often require renovation and modernization, which can lead to additional costs. We recommend that you consult a specialist and a realtor who can help you with the purchase decision and give you an insight into the costs involved. It is possible, for example, that the exterior façade is damaged and moisture can get into the apartment, causing mold. It is also not uncommon that the statics of old properties need to be repaired to ensure stability. Repair work is also sometimes necessary. So let a specialist help you so that nothing can go wrong. Whether it’s an existing property or a new build – an expert will not only help you with the property valuation by year of construction, but also with the technical inspection and commercial inspection of the property.

• Structural condition
• Statics
• Repair work

If you want to learn even more about buying a property, you can find useful tips on the subject in the article Buying an apartment.

Viewing appointment: What to consider & checklist

You invest in real estate and this decision should not be taken lightly. Investments are always a good idea, but especially with old buildings you have to pay attention to some things, so that no unexpected costs reach you. We have compiled a checklist with the most important aspects that you should consider during an inspection to buy or rent.

You want to live in the big cities of Germany and have an apartment in the most expensive streets? Here you can find the most expensive streets in Berlin and Hamburg!

What to consider? – Condition, floor plan and location

Look at the condition of the apartment. Depending on the year of construction, every property has its defects. What is the floor plan of the apartment and does it meet your expectations? Often you have to adapt it to the property. Note the location and infrastructure of the apartment, this could increase or decrease the price at which you would sell the apartment. Are the kitchen and bathroom built in and what are the ancillary purchase costs and operating costs? Is the micro apartment rented or unrented? These are just a few aspects to consider. We have put together a checklist for you in the following.

Checklist: For your viewing appointment

Here you will find a checklist with the most important factors that you should definitely take a closer look at when visiting an apartment.

• Location
• Establishment
• Service charges
• Internet supply
• Sunlight
• Parking
• Pets
• Condition (in need of renovation)
• Floor plan
• Neighbors
• Kitchen/ Bathroom
• Additional rooms
• Heating, water, electrics
• Noise

Broker: safe investment with top – broker – costs, process & co.

Condominiums, such as micro apartments are ideal as an investment and are a very safe investment. Especially if you do not have much experience with the purchase of real estate, we recommend that you consult a real estate agent. He or she will advise you on important issues, find properties for you and visit the apartments with you. Real estate investments are not designed for a short-term increase of money, but rather for a good retirement provision. Therefore, you should approach the matter very carefully and get good advice.

Procedure of real estate purchase

First of all, you will consult with the real estate agent and you will have the opportunity to express your wishes. The real estate agent will now tell you what is possible and he will start with the first research.

Then begins the organizational management. Documents and records are obtained, which are important for a purchase of a property. Then the broker starts to find out potential sellers and condominiums for you. Viewing appointments are organized and carried out.

Last but not least, the negotiations begin. Negotiations are held with the seller and the purchase agreement is drawn up. Afterwards, the broker is present at the handover of the keys and ensures that everything runs smoothly. Even after the contract is signed, the broker will be a contact person for you.

You are looking for a professional broker and want to learn more about the benefits? Take a look!

Financing a condominium: loan or equity?

Do you want to fulfill your dream of owning a condominium or invest in an apartment in an old building and then rent it out? Then you should inform yourself in detail about the financing of such a property. You have to decide on the right real estate loan and should obtain and compare many different offers in this course. The choice of loan ultimately determines how high the total cost of your real estate loan. So it’s best to get advice and make the right decision.

Real estate loans and financing: tips, checklist and more

Financing a property can be done in many ways. Here you will find some of the financing options listed with brief summaries. In addition, you will find a link that will take you to more comprehensive articles.

Real estate loan

• Real estate loan adapted to personal needs
• Flexibility should be ensured
• Proper planning is important
• Loan

Financing of an apartment

• No house but only apartment to finance
• Comparison of different housing financings recommended
• Consultation
• Real estate financing

Old building apartment: what is an old building? – Definition & Features

Old building apartments stand out in any city centre. The special exterior facade makes this property an eye-catcher among the newer concrete buildings. With the stuccoed walls, the small balconies or wall protrusions, you can quickly call a property an old building. Here you will learn everything about the most important features and characteristics of an old building.

Features of an old building: stuccoed walls, high ceilings & Co.

An old building apartment has many characteristic building elements to offer. In addition to the stucco-decorated interior walls, folding doors and a bay window, the high ceilings are a particular feature of this type of building. Depending on the type of construction, these can rise three to 4.5 metres in height and give the room a lot of freedom and size. Likewise, the classic wooden parts and the herringbone parquet are an unmistakable trademark of an old building. The box-type windows are also part of the architecture. In the old days, double windows were built with a space in between to double insulate the room. However, these are nowadays replaced by newer variants.

Room layout in an old building: small passage rooms and large corridor

Apartments in old buildings are known for their passage rooms, built-in closets and storage rooms. In most cases, the rooms are smaller than in new buildings, but higher. So you should use the space upwards. No other building style offers you such high ceilings and thus the possibility to create storage space, for example. High shelves and large, impressive hanging lamps are possible. In an old building you have many options.

Advantages & disadvantages of an old building flat: renovation, taxes & Co.

Before you invest in an apartment, you should look at the advantages and disadvantages of each type of apartment. From this you can weigh up whether this type of apartment suits you and whether you can make friends with the disadvantages. Especially with an old building apartment, the construction is different than with new buildings. We have compiled a list of the most important aspects for you, so that you can make the right choice.

Advantages: Historic preservation and tax benefits

An apartment in an old building is above all stylish and has its own personal charm. In addition to the aesthetic advantages such as stuccoed ceilings, such an apartment also offers some practical advantages. In most apartments in old buildings you will find a cellar, which can be used as storage space. This is rarely seen, especially in the inner city. In addition, most old houses are listed and if you want to buy one, you have the possibility of 90% of the renovation costs (within the first ten years) tax deductible. The box-type windows also have their advantages. Because of the double pane and the air space in between, they insulate the room and absorb sound. This is no longer the same as today’s standards, but it is a nice side effect.

• High ceilings with stucco
• Monument protection
• Often cellar with storage space

Disadvantages: may need renovation and no elevator.

It is legally determined that a building with a year of construction up to 1949 is titled as an old building. Therefore, it is unfortunately inevitable that you have to include disadvantages with such an old building. If you want to buy an old building, it is often in need of renovation. So you should include the extra costs in your budget. In addition, living in an old apartment is also different from living in a new building. The walls are thinner, which is why it’s more light-hearing and you can hear the old floors creaking. Most of the time there is no elevator in the building and because of the high walls it takes longer to heat up the room. You will learn more about the heating system in old buildings in the course of the article.

• Renovation may be required
• Light-hearing, creaky floor
• Slow heating
• Mostly no elevator

Old building apartment: Who is it right for? Singles, couples, …

Old building apartments are very sought after on the real estate market. The special architecture, the unique charm and the proximity to the city centre are just a few arguments in favour of this apartment. However, this type of property is not suitable for everyone. Seniors in particular would be restricted, as there is often no elevator in the buildings. An old building apartment is also usually too small for large families. Here we present a few groups of people who would ideally fit into an old building apartment.

Students: charming flat share

The special charm of an apartment in an old building is particularly popular with young adults. Often these properties can be found in the middle of the city centre and are therefore ideal for students and especially shared flats. Due to the many small rooms, you can easily live together with three or four people and thus share the rent. The proximity to the university and the flexibility that this offers is also a great advantage.

Singles: freedom and opportunities for development

An old building is also very attractive for singles. The high ceilings offer a lot of design freedom and you have the opportunity to live out decoratively. At the same time, the small rooms and the special architecture lend something cosy and quaint, so that you feel safe and familiar. In addition, the proximity to the city centre and therefore to work is an important and positive side factor. If you want to take a look at other types of apartments, you should definitely take a look at loft apartments or basement apartments!

Couples: family in planning?

Often an apartment in an old building can be found on the outskirts or in different parts of the city. So you are not in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the big city and usually have a little more free space. These properties are particularly suitable for couples with children or small, young families. You have more privacy and are still quickly in the city center. In addition, the small and high rooms offer a lot of room for personal development, but also for potential children’s rooms. So these properties are perfect for a few years before perhaps deciding to buy a house.

What you should consider before buying/renting an apartment in an old building

Especially with older buildings, it is very important to get your own impression of the apartment before buying/renting. Inform yourself exactly about the construction and the building to be prepared for everything. With an old building apartment there are some points that you should consider. We have summarized them for you, so that you can clarify everything in advance and no unexpected costs await you later.

What should be considered when buying?

First of all, you should find out about the condition of your potential property. Apartments in older buildings often require renovation and modernisation, which can lead to additional costs. We recommend that you consult a specialist and an estate agent who can help you with the purchase decision and give you an insight into the costs involved. It is possible, for example, that the exterior façade is damaged and moisture can get into the apartment, causing mould. It is also not uncommon that the statics of old properties need to be repaired to ensure stability. Repair work is also sometimes necessary. So let a specialist help you so that nothing can go wrong.

• Structural condition?
• Statics?
• Repair work?

If you want to learn even more about buying a property, you can find useful tips on the subject in the article Buying a flat.

Rent & Tenants: What to consider when renting?

Even if you decide to rent an old building, there are also some things to consider. Here, too, you should consider possible renovation costs. You should definitely discuss these with the landlord before signing the contract and have them put down in writing. This will protect you, because if any damage is discovered later, you could be stuck with the repair costs. In addition, you should always discuss personal alterations with the landlord. If you plan to change your apartment beyond decoration, we recommend that you get permission for this as well. It could be that you have to hand over the property in its original condition when you move out.

• Record renovations in writing
• Agree changes with landlord

Heating systems in an old building: heating, tips & ancillary costs

In old apartments, it is not always easy to have the right room temperature and at the same time not to drive up the ancillary costs too far. Environmental protection and climate friendliness are aspects that should be kept in mind for every property. If the temperature is set too low, this could lead to mould, if it is too high, the climate will be affected. Here are a few useful tricks to keep your utility costs as low as possible.

Time switch on the heater

Use the timer on your heating to heat energy efficiently. It is recommended that you turn the heating off about an hour before you go to sleep and turn it back on an hour before you wake up. This way, no energy is wasted during the night and your heating bills are lower. There is no heating during the night and yet you wake up in a warm environment. A time switch is therefore ideal in old buildings.

Temperature difference in the rooms

In most cases, old apartments have several small rooms and passageways. So consider in which rooms a continuous heating is necessary and in which not. Keep the temperature lower in rooms that are not often used and higher in your living rooms. This way you keep your utility costs lower and it is still warm in the important rooms. However, make sure to close the doors between rooms with a temperature difference, otherwise the warm air will escape more quickly.

Do not place furniture in front of radiators

In order for the heat to be ideally distributed in the apartment, you should make sure not to place any furniture in front of the radiator. Since the rooms in old apartments are usually larger in volume, this would only further increase the heating phase. Another tip is to keep a small space between your furniture and the wall. This allows the warm air to distribute better and the outer wall does not cool down too much.

Viewing appointment: What to consider & Checklist

Especially if you are planning to buy an old apartment, there are a few things you should consider. You are investing in a property and this decision should not be taken lightly. Investments are always a good idea but especially with old buildings you have to pay attention to some things so that no unexpected costs reach you. We have put together a checklist with the most important aspects that you should consider when visiting a property to buy or rent.

You want to live in the big cities of Germany and have an apartment in the most expensive streets? Here you can find the most expensive streets in Berlin and Hamburg!

What should be considered? – Condition, floor plan and location

As you have already experienced, you have to take some things into consideration, especially with old apartments. Look at the condition of the apartment, decide if it needs renovation or if everything is up to date. What is the layout of the apartment and does it meet your expectations? Often you have to adapt it to the property, because despite the special charm of an old building apartment, the building was built several decades ago. Note the location and infrastructure of the apartment, this could increase or decrease the price at which you would sell the apartment. Are the kitchen and bathroom fitted and what are the service charges? These are just a few aspects to consider. We have put together a checklist for you in the following.

Checklist: For your viewing appointment

Here you will find a checklist with the most important factors that you should definitely take a closer look at when viewing an apartment.

• Sunlight
• Parking
• Pets
• Condition (in need of renovation)
• Floor plan
• Neighbors
• Kitchen/ Bathroom
• Additional rooms
• Heating, water, electrics
• Noise
• Location/ Infrastructure
• Additional costs

Broker: safe investment with top – broker – costs, process & co.

Condominiums are ideal as an investment and are a very safe investment. Especially if you do not have much experience with the purchase of real estate, we recommend that you consult a real estate agent. He or she will advise you on important questions, find properties for you and visit the apartments with you. Real estate investments are not designed for a short-term increase of money, but rather for a good retirement. Therefore, you should approach the matter very carefully and get good advice.

Procedure of a real estate purchase

First of all, you will consult with the real estate agent and you have the opportunity to express your wishes. The real estate agent will now tell you what is possible and he starts with the first research.

Then begins the organizational management. Documents and records are obtained that are important for the purchase of a property. Thereupon the broker begins to find out potential sellers and condominiums for you. Viewing appointments are organized and carried out.

Last but not least, it’s time for negotiations. Negotiations are held with the seller and the purchase contract is drawn up. Afterwards, the estate agent is present at the handover of the keys and ensures that everything runs smoothly. Even after the contract has been signed, the estate agent will be your contact person.

Looking for a professional broker and want to learn even more about the benefits? Take a look!

Financing a condominium: loan or equity?

Do you want to fulfil your dream of owning a condominium or invest in an old building to rent it out afterwards? Then you should inform yourself in detail about the financing of such a property. You need to decide on the right real estate loan and should in the course of many different offers to obtain and compare. The choice of loan will ultimately determine the total cost of your property loan. So it is best to get advice and make the right decision.

Real estate loans and financing: tips, checklist and more

Financing a property can be done in many ways. Here you will find some of the financing options listed with brief summaries. In addition, you will find a link that will take you to more comprehensive articles.

Real estate loan

• Real estate loan adapted to personal needs
• Flexibility should be ensured
• Proper planning is important
• Loan

Financing of an apartment

• No house, but only apartment to finance
• Comparison of different housing financings advisable
• Call in advice
• Real estate financing

What is meant by a country house? Features, definition and specifics

A country house is defined as a residential building, which is located on an estate. Mostly it is a large property to which a spacious garden belongs. Size, open space and a romantic, rustic style determine the image of a country house. Townhouses in country house style are becoming more and more popular. Both advantages, the good infrastructure and the rustic exterior appearance, are thus combined.

The massive structures with generous proportions are strikingly designed by the long balconies, terraces, dormers and pavilions. Real wood is a defining material of the country house – folding shutters, windows, doors and railings provide the harmonious style of the house. In some cases, a conservatory or carport is also part of the house. Warm tones, stone, ceramics, rattan and a tiled stove provide a feel-good atmosphere and bring relaxation and recreation.

Room layout: changeable floor plan with living room and large kitchen

A country house stands for individuality, the arbitrarily selectable floor plans lead to different room layouts. This popular country house variant can be changed to your own liking and needs. The living room is traditionally furnished with large sofas and antique furniture. The picture is completed by textiles such as tablecloths, throws and pillows. In the style of a log cabin, the sleeping area usually appears. The kitchen could also be considered a second living room. Enough space to get together and communicate and numerous chairs make the kitchen a true community room. In addition, there is a dining room with spacious wooden dining tables and the attic with wooden floorboards.

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!

Advantages & Disadvantages: Location, infrastructure and more

For many people, the charm of a country house lies in its secluded, quiet location, but the rural location can also bring disadvantages. Infrastructure, amenities, surroundings and cost are key considerations when it comes to building or buying a country house. The intermediate solution between a country house and a town house, would be a small house in the city in country style.

Advantages: Retreat, custom floor plan and large outdoor space.

A secluded country house offers many advantages in contrast to a city house. The quiet location in the country promises a retreat from the noisy life in the city.

Due to the spacious plot, the builder is not bound to a specific floor plan and can build on the space according to his own needs. Antique furniture and natural materials speak for a high quality of life and living. In addition to the interior of the house, you can also adapt the outdoor area and the green space to your own wishes and design the outdoor area with lawns, flower beds and useful plants.

• Retreat due to quiet location
• Extensive property
• High quality of life and living
• Large outdoor area

Cons: Poor infrastructure & internet connection

However, a country house can also bring negative points with it. The secluded location in the countryside is associated with a poor infrastructure and usually leads to long journeys into the city to visit shops, schools, doctors or the workplace. It is necessary to own a car or even several cars for families. Due to the distant location, there can often be problems with the Internet connection.

If the country house is a new build, there may be additional higher costs to the builder. In addition to the costs incurred for the laying of supply lines for electricity, gas and water, there are also the maintenance costs for the country estate over the years. Regular maintenance of the interior and exterior requires time: the garden must be tended, fences as well as paths must be repaired and existing animals must be fed and cared for.

• Secluded location -> long commutes to school, work & co.
• Poor infrastructure
• Poor internet connection
• Maintenance costs for the estate
• Time-intensive maintenance of the interior and exterior areas

Energy rules for homeowners, builders & Co: Insulation, heating and energy certificates

Homeowners and builders should not forget the energy rules when it comes to building the house. The three biggest issues here are heating, insulation and energy performance certificates. Which regulations and specifications for this are to be observed for lovers of the country house, are explained in the following.

Learn more about here:

• Energy-saving houses
• Low-energy house
• Zero energy house and passive house

Heating: replacement of oil and gas boilers

Owners of oil or gas boilers should note that boilers older than 30 years must be taken out of service. The German Energy Agency exempts low-temperature and condensing boilers from this rule, as well as owners of detached and semi-detached houses who were using at least one apartment in the house themselves on 1 February.

Insulate: Roofs and upper floors

The homeowner must insulate the ceilings of heated rooms that border on an unheated attic, i.e. the roof or the top floor ceiling of the house. Here too, Dena excludes all homeowners who used at least one apartment in their house on 1 February 2002.

Energy certificates: Energy classes from A+ to H

Another change in the provisions of the energy regulations concerns the energy certificate. From now on, the energy requirement is to be divided into different energy efficiency classes from A+ to H. Real estate advertisements that are placed must contain this information on energy efficiency. This is intended to give consumers, tenants and buyers more clarity about their own energy consumption.

Land: selection and characteristics of the right plot

Not all land is considered building land and can be built on in whatever form. According to §30 or §34 of the Building Code (BauBG), the land must be considered designated building land so that a home can be built there without restriction.

The right choice in the selection of land is a crucial factor in the construction of a country house. One of the most important points for every homeowner is the prevailing infrastructure and the connection to the transport network. So-called “micro-factors” are also not insignificant when it comes to building a house, these include, for example, disturbing factors in the vicinity of the property such as electricity pylons, noise or electrosmog, as well as the orientation of the garden.

The development plan provides information on the acquisition of building land and the height of the groundwater level. In addition, the plan also regulates provisions on the ground floor and floor height to roof pitch and the floor area ratio.

An amount of 800-2,000€ should be calculated for a soil expertise. This can be used to find contaminated sites in the soil such as oil or building rubble.

Checklist: Choice of the plot

In order to find the perfect property, there are some important factors to consider. Here you will find the most important key points summarized in a compact checklist for you:

• 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?

More info here: Buy land

Important aspects when building a country house: architect, developer & co.

The construction of a house presents the builder with a great challenge. A house construction, no matter whether prefabricated house or solid house, is a protracted project. With unforeseen construction delays should always be expected, by these the costs can be massively driven up.

There are two options when building a house: If you work with an architect, the house can be built completely individually and personally tailored to your needs. The developer, on the other hand, usually presents you with pre-planned solutions and modules that can be put together.

Cheap plots of land can be purchased especially in regions that are concerned about the influx of new citizens. Although this location may not correspond to their desired location, money can be saved here.

What you should consider before buying/renting a country house

Country houses are available for both purchase and rent and are popular with many builders with their special charm. With either option, attention should be paid to the condition of the property and any defects. Popular when buying are country style townhouses, while when building the typical country house is the first choice between the two options.

The furnishings play a decisive role in a country house, because this type of house is determined above all by its individuality. So that the floor plan can be designed according to one’s own preferences, a large plot of land should be chosen.

Another point to pay attention to is the energy efficiency of the house. The new energy regulations also apply to the country house and save you money in the long run.

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

Prospective buyers of a country house are faced with the question of whether to build or buy the house. Both building a house and buying a house bring with them various advantages and disadvantages after which each prospective house buyer must decide for himself which variant is the best.

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

If you decide to build your own house, you have the opportunity to freely design the interior and the room layout. As a first-time resident, you benefit from the latest technology and can permanently reduce your costs with an energy-efficient home of your own. Even though the search for suitable building land is another item on the to-do list, the builder can choose the location of his house himself.

However, the exact costs of the house cannot be calculated as a lump sum, as many individual influencing factors affect the builder. As a guideline, however, the following average value of a self-built detached house of 1,300 euros per square metre can be used.

Buying a house: Prices determined by location

Buyers of a country house can not design their house according to their own needs, but these are also spared the costly and time-consuming construction phase. This not only saves costs, but the house can also be occupied more quickly. Even if the floor plan and room layout cannot be planned according to one’s own wishes, a modernization after the purchase can adapt the house more to one’s own needs.

It is possible that hidden circumstances that reduce the value of a purchased house only come to light in retrospect. The large part of the purchase price of the house today is determined by the location of the property.

Tip. Read more about buying a house here: Find out everything about financial planning, estate agents, loans, ancillary costs & Co.

Build or buy a country home: Tips & options for financing

Whether buying or building doesn’t always make a significant difference financially. The difference between buying a house and building a house when it comes to financing is this:

When buying a house, the loan is disbursed in its entirety, whereas when building a house, the money is only called up after the next stage of construction has been completed, on presentation of the invoices.

A solid cost plan with payment intervals should be calculated as a matter of urgency. It is not decisive whether equity capital is contributed to the project or not. In addition, a property valuation must be carried out when buying. The value of the property is calculated with the help of internal formulas, which ultimately determines the amount of the loan.

To finance the construction, the bank usually gives loans that are repaid month by month in installments. Older properties usually receive lower loans from the bank than new buildings. If the fixed period of usually 3 to 18 months is exceeded, interest surcharges are added. The loan may be followed by follow-up financing.

Tips for refurbishing a country house: subsidies, value enhancement & Co.

A renovation can not only ensure that energy is saved and the ancillary costs are significantly reduced, but also increase the value of the house. In contrast to the value of the house, the risk of damage decreases. In the area of insurance costs, a core renovation is therefore worthwhile: Premiums to be paid for houses without renovation are significantly more expensive.

It is important to get an overview and to set priorities. The areas that require particular urgency, such as repairs to leaking windows, should be renovated first.

Information on subsidies and companies should be carefully researched: For example, you may be entitled to subsidies from the state. Trade directories, relatives or the Internet can help you select the right companies.

Tip. Check out our article on valuation to estimate the value of your home.

Suitable for individualists, families & nature lovers

Due to its location in the countryside, many people use the country house as a retreat and sanctuary in contrast to the fast-paced and noisy city life. Large families benefit from the generous and expansive space of the property. Convince do the country houses by their individual style of architecture.

Families with children: large outdoor area for children and pets

The spacious living and outdoor area offers especially large families enough space for children, pets and yard animals. The children can use the space on the property as a playground and are protected from dangers such as busy roads. However, the disadvantage of the remote location in the countryside for families can be longer journeys to school and kindergarten.

Nature lovers and those seeking relaxation: quiet location away from the city

People who enjoy being in nature and appreciate life away from the city. The secluded, quiet location offers success and relaxation from the stressful city life and everyday work. Due to the large property, hobby rooms and wellness facilities can be easily integrated here.

Individualists: individual houses according to personal style

Country houses come in different styles and each style can be adapted to your own personal style. This makes this type of house ideal for individualists who like to incorporate their own individual taste into the house planning and design. Both in the room layout and the decoration can be followed their own needs.

Checklist for your country house: heating, equipment, purchase contract & Co.

Everyone has different wishes and needs for their own home, so especially with the individual country house. From the floor plan to the last details, there is much to consider here.

What kind of property, the best option for you, depends entirely on individual taste. So it behaves also with the size and dimensions of the outdoor facilities of the real estate. In addition to the obvious things, important points such as heating method or thermal insulation should also play a role.

Here’s a checklist of key points to consider when choosing your home:

• Heating method
• Thermal insulation
• Bathroom equipment
• Windows (number, glazing)
• Outdoor facilities
• Number of rooms

Review of the purchase contract / rental agreement

In the real estate contract, points such as the personal details of the buyer and seller, the negotiated price as well as a description and the location of the property must be recorded. In addition, this should provide information about the equipment, furniture and known existing defects in the house and in the house. Information on the handling of the payment as well as the time of handing over the keys should also be included in the contract of the property.

It is particularly important to note in the contract that liability for material defects is excluded. Otherwise, the seller may be liable to the buyer for damages for defects already known.

Selling a plot of land: Procedure, building law, estate agent & Co.

You want to sell your property but are still looking for information? First of all, a valuation of the property must be carried out. Whether privately or with the help of a real estate agent – marketing is the key to finding interested parties and getting the best possible price for your property. In the following article you will find everything you need to know about selling your property.

• Sell land

Bungalow: What do you mean by this? Features & Definition

A bungalow is above all practical and modern. Especially with young families, this type of house is very popular, because you can find all the rooms on one floor and this is a great advantage with children. In addition, a bungalow is extremely durable. You can move in as a young adult and stay in this house all your life. As a pensioner, the absence of stairs and the single storey are a great advantage. Choosing the right house is not easy. You invest a lot of money in the construction or purchase and it is a decision for life.

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 country house to terraced house!

Special feature of a bungalow: large, open and inviting

The most important feature of a bungalow will probably be the single-storey. All living spaces are located on one floor and, accordingly, the plot is large. The house is detached and usually has a flat roof. In the meantime, however, you can also find a different roof shape, especially in newly built houses. Mostly the bungalow has a developed cellar and attic, which are used however mostly exclusively as storage space. Inside a bungalow, you will find a large, open living space, floor-to-ceiling windows and large doors. The aim of this design is to make the living area as bright and open as possible.

Room layout: Everything on one floor

Due to the fact that the living room and bedroom are on one floor, there are not many possibilities to arrange the rooms. Usually you find the living room and the kitchen on one side of the house and the private rooms on the other side. Most of the time, you can see the classic distribution of rooms as soon as you enter the bungalow. One comes into an open living room with adjoining kitchen and the living room. In many cases, there is a hallway on the other side, which leads to the bedrooms and main bathroom. Of course, when you build a bungalow, you have the option of splitting your house up to suit your needs. However, this is the standard.

Advantages & disadvantages of a bungalow: Garden, no stairs & more

Before you decide to buy or build a house, you should always consider the advantages and disadvantages of this type of housing in advance. Especially the financial question plays an important role. You have to decide for yourself and maybe also for your family if you fit into a bungalow and if you agree with the disadvantages of this property. We have summarized the most important facts for you.

Tip. Are you interested in buying a house? Here you can find more about financial planning, estate agents, loans and additional costs!

Advantages: no steps, lots of light and large garden

One of the greatest advantages of a bungalow is the absence of steps and the associated accessibility. Especially for small children and seniors this is a great advantage, as dangers are minimized. The large window fronts bring a lot of light into the large living space and since the garden usually goes around the house, one has with many bungalows the possibility of entering this from each room. It is not uncommon to have a second terrace attached to one of the rooms. This is a great advantage especially for older children. Finally, the individual room layout plays an important role. Since there are no load-bearing walls in a bungalow, the rooms in a solid or prefabricated house can be designed individually.

• No steps and barrier free
• Large window fronts
• Large garden and access possible from all rooms
• Individual room distribution

Disadvantages: large property with corresponding costs & prices

Especially the comparatively high cost factor plays a big role with a bungalow. Since you cannot build in height with this type of house, but only in width, you need a larger plot of land than with other building types. You will learn more about this in the course of this article. In addition, you need more square meters because of the hallway, which must lead to all rooms. In addition, due to the large roof, more insulation is needed and especially with older bungalows, the thermal insulation is usually not sufficient. You should also note that the many window fronts, the entry opportunities for burglars are greater.

• Property larger and more expensive
• More sqm through corridor
• More about insulate (roof)
• Older bungalows mostly poor thermal insulation
• More entry points for burglars

Land: selection and characteristics of the right plot

Especially with a bungalow you should consider a few things when choosing the right plot. You should not disregard the length and width of the building for this type of construction, because the following applies: living space is not the same as the area of the plot. We recommend that you seek professional assistance in your search. Especially when it comes to the condition and history of the land, you should not forget aspects such as building ground investigations or contaminated sites, because these could lead to high costs later on. We have summarized the most important key points for you and written them down compactly.

You want to learn more about the topic of land? Here you will find an article with many useful tips!

What size is needed for the property?

There is much more to a plot of land than just the residential building. One should plan already with this that one cannot build in the height, but exclusively in the width. Nevertheless, some things should not be ignored. Green spaces, storage areas, a garage or a driveway usually take up more space than the actual building. These things combined with the residence take up quite a bit of space and you should factor that into your budget planning. It is also the reason why the land prices for a bungalow are comparatively high.

Checklist: Choosing the perfect plot of land

Before you buy your chosen plot, you should first check the development plan. Check whether the plot is already developed, i.e. whether it is connected to the public road network as well as to the utilities (sewage, electricity, water, possibly gas). If this is not the case, you may still have to pay very high sums.

Then you should check possible rights of way and the mortgages in the land register. Does someone else have permission to enter your property without your consent in order to get to something? And how is the mortgage fixed with the credit institution? These are all things that are recorded in the land register and which you should check before buying.

If not yet available, you should have a ground investigation carried out. Especially if you plan to build a basement, you must check in advance how high the groundwater is and whether the construction is actually possible.

Last but not least, don’t ignore the contaminated sites before you sign the purchase contract. It is possible that oil, scrap metal or chemicals could be found during construction. We recommend that you read up on the history of the property. Talk to previous owners or look at old maps. Any signs of contamination should be ruled out before buying.

Here is a brief summary of the checklist:

• Development plan
• Land Register
• Soil investigation
• Legacy

Your surroundings: location is everything!

One of the most important factors is, of course, location. No matter if you want to build or buy. Your bungalow should have a good environment. What is the infrastructure like? Where is the nearest school or how far is it to my work? Do I like the surroundings? These are all aspects you should consider before buying. Talk to neighbors and scout out the location in advance. It is possible that this house will be for your whole life, so you should feel comfortable.

Bungalow as a prefabricated house: Is that possible? Criteria & Planning

A prefabricated house offers a number of advantages during construction. Among other things, it is faster, you have less personal effort and in most cases it costs less money. Many providers also have bungalows in their repertoire and some specialize in single-storey houses. One of the biggest perks here are the model homes. There are small towns with houses which you can visit. You have the opportunity to see your house in advance from the outside and inside and make changes. We show you here the most important steps how you can build your bungalow as a prefabricated house.

Correct and considered planning

First of all, you should start planning your future home. Go to a model city or look for inspiration on the internet. Building a house is a big step and you should plan everything carefully. How big should the house be? How many rooms do I need? What kind of construction do I prefer and will I still like it in 10,20,30 years? These are all questions that you should answer for yourself before building.

Find the perfect provider

Once you’ve answered all your questions, you can start looking for the right contractor. Not everyone will offer your dream home and in most cases something will have to be changed on the model homes. However, you have a big advantage if you choose a bungalow. Since you do not have to pay attention to any load-bearing walls in this type of house, you have the possibility to change the room design individually. We recommend you to look at many show houses and in case of need to look for a new provider.

Perfection down to the last detail: floors, bathroom & co.

The floor plan and the room layout are now fixed and you can take care of the details in your house. Which floors would you like, how should the walls be plastered or what should your bathroom look like? Different suppliers have different designs and you can ask them for advice. Plan down to the smallest detail so that you are satisfied with your new home.

Tips & ways to finance your bungalow

Building a house is always a big investment, especially in your own future. On the one hand it is a capital investment, on the other hand it is a great advantage to be able to live rent-free in old age. You’ll be independent in this regard and won’t have to worry about the issue. Nevertheless, you have to be able to finance the construction of a bungalow first, which is why we have summarized a few useful tips here.

Price of a bungalow: The location makes the difference

A bungalow is usually more expensive due to the large plot of land. The price of construction can often be in the mid six figures, but this is influenced by a number of factors. Besides the size of the house and the plot, a significant factor is the location. Should the bungalow be built in a rural area, the price is usually lower. If you want to build near the city centre, you have the advantage of a good infrastructure, but this also affects the price. We recommend that you get different offers and set your personal priorities, especially for the location.

Financing: Loans, Equity & Co.

To build a house, you always have to take out a loan, because building solely with your own capital is hardly possible. The requirements to get a loan include a good credit rating and a secure income. The credit institution wants to ensure that the money can be paid back regularly. Furthermore, one should raise 20%-30% of the costs from the equity. Possibly one has also the chance on national promotions for the building or purchase of a bungalow. Especially if you have a large family and want to build energy efficient. However, we always recommend that you look at several offers and make sure you have solid financing.

If you want to learn more about real estate loans, you will find many useful tips about loans, equity, interest rates & Co.

Repayment at a glance: The repayment of a loan

• Purchase price of real estate is often financed by a loan
• Repayment leads to a loan being repaid
• In the case of repayment, the borrower repays his loan monthly on an ongoing basis
• The installments remain the same each month, but the total liability decreases and the interest portion decreases due to the ongoing amortization

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