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

Zero-energy house and passive house: definition and special features

Construction and architectural trends are moving more and more into the realm of sustainable living, as not only the environment demands it, but also legislators and consumers. Accordingly, the number of energy-efficient houses among new buildings has more than quadrupled in the area of office buildings, commercial spaces, hotels and also private households.

The zero-energy house and the passive house can be considered as a kind of master class of living. These house forms have the claim to have an energy balance of 0. This means that the already extremely reduced energy consumption is additionally covered by the house’s internal installations for generating renewable energies.

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 such as prefabricated houses, farms or villas!

Special features in construction: ventilation, windows & energy recovery

The energetic requirements of course need certain constructional measures, which go far beyond the installation of a solar system. In addition to photovoltaics or solar thermal energy for energy recovery, conditions are created that keep the general energy consumption as low as possible and allow methods of renewable energy to be sufficient to meet the needs of the residents for electricity and heating.

The most important factor in this calculation is the use of renewable energy, as a 2019 study found. Still, structural factors play a role in gaining efficiency. Measures that optimize a home for energy are things like:

• Ventilation system
• Large, well insulated windows
• Optimal insulation, especially in the roof area
• Solar energy

Concept passive house: consumption, planning and properties

The concept of the passive house in particular can be traced back to two names: Bo Adamson and Wolfgang Feist. The two were inspired by the attempts of American building managers in the 1970s to build the most energy-efficient houses possible in order to overcome the country’s own oil shortage and to be less dependent on imported raw materials.

To achieve this, they oriented houses more towards the sun, installed large, thick windows, and did everything they could to keep the heat inside. Feist and Adamson took up this idea with their idea of passive houses. In 1990, the first Passive Houses based on the new concept were built in Darmstadt. The Passive House Institute is still located there today, which tries to regulate the term and the concept.

So passive houses in particular are subject to strict standards that they must meet in order to be considered as such. These standards distinguish the passive house from other energy-efficient forms of housing:

• Heating and cooling energy consumption: < 15 kWh/m2
• Primary energy consumption: < 60 kWh/m2
• Air loss: 0.6x the house volume per hour

Tip! Find even more tips on the subject of house building: prices, costs, taxes & Co.

Advantages & disadvantages of zero energy & passive houses: Photovoltaics, mold and more

Alignment ventilation and more are carefully calculated in the name of energy sustainability, and space must also be limited to optimise the home. Find out what’s in store for you if you choose a ‘house without energy consumption’ here.

Advantages: low cost and plenty of daylight

Of course, the sustainable forms of construction continue to pay attention to quality. In addition, they inherently bring advantages that make living in the houses more pleasant. The windows, which aim to let solar heat into the house, help flood the living spaces with light at the same time. So here’s what you can expect:

• Plenty of daylight
• Low ancillary costs
• Optimal use of solar radiation
• Compact living space

Disadvantages: risk of mold?!

As good as the houses sound, they unfortunately also bring with them restrictions that new residents still have to get used to. After all, living in a zero-energy or passive house is somewhat different from living in an ordinary home. For example, those who like to open the windows regularly to let in fresh air will be disappointed by low-energy houses. However, most of the disadvantages arise when the maintenance of the house’s facilities is neglected:

• Permanently closed windows
• Ventilation system with maintenance requirement
• In case of faulty ventilation system: risk of mold

Energy rules: Standard values and efficiency houses

Rule, rules, rules: That’s all you often get when you’re building a house. Sometimes there’s a regulation here, or that can’t be done because the one law there doesn’t allow it. Sometimes rules are there to be broken. However, this attitude better not be at the forefront of a building project, because it can cost you your building license real quick. Therefore, we have summarized the most important rules and guidelines for you.

Energy efficiency classes: Zero energy house vs. passive house

In order to get a rough overview of energy-efficient living, it is helpful to be familiar with the energy efficiency classes, which are particularly relevant in Germany. Because here every house must have an energy certificate on which the energy consumption of the house is recorded.

So, should you find yourself apartment or house hunting and stumbled across this article by chance, this ranking can help you find a home with low utility costs.

Zero-energy and passive houses are both classified as A and A+ respectively. This means they have a consumption of < 30 kWh/qma per year, logical since the target is 0 kWh/qma. An annual energy consumption of < 100 kWh/sqma is now typical. Here is a rough overview of the classifications:

• A+: < 30 kWh/(m²a) // < 2 €/(m²a)
• A: < 50 kWh/(m²a) // 2 €/(m²a)
• B: < 75 kWh/(m²a) // 3 €/(m²a)
• C: < 100 kWh/(m²a) // 4 €/(m²a)
• D: < 130 kWh/(m²a) // 6 €/(m²a)
• E: < 160 kWh/(m²a) // 7 €/(m²a)
• F: < 200 kWh/(m²a) // 9 €/(m²a)
• G: < 250 kWh/(m²a) // 11 €/(m²a)
• H: > 250 kWh/(m²a) // > 13 €/(m²a)

Land: selection and characteristics of the right plot

Before you can even think about building a house, you have to choose the right plot of land. Since a zero-energy or passive house can of course take on many different forms, it is difficult to make general statements about the perfect plot of land. However, it is necessary in any case that the property is not closed off by too high trees, which limit the performance of the solar energy system.

Zero energy houses are offered both as solid houses and as prefabricated houses. Whether requirements, due to the construction of the land must be met, you can read in the article on the purchase of land, which is also linked again at the end of this article.

Checklist: Choice of the plot

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

• Connections (existing connections save costs)
• Base material
• Alignment
• Conversion
• Size
• Proximity to water bodies (risk of flooding?)

Checking the purchase contract: 5 pitfalls and how to avoid them

Sometimes you are lucky and the perfect zero-energy or passive house for your personal needs has already been built. In this case, it is only a matter of buying the house. But even here, some obstacles can be put in the way. Especially in the form of clauses in the purchase contract, but even before it goes to the drafting of the contract, there is the possibility of circumstances of the house and the property to find out.

At the city you can request the excerpt of the property for a fee to check whether the sellers are the actual owners and to check other data about the property, for example the name of the property.

Traps you should avoid

The joy of the supposedly perfect property can quickly cloud your eyes. However, before you sign the contract to buy, it is important to consider certain things so that you only buy what you definitely want:

• Property designation: Does it match the land register?
• Handover date: Move-in possible directly after payment?
• Warranty: Seller should pay for concealed defects for up to 5 years
• Purchase only after acquisition position has been secured
• Full final declaration

Incidental building costs: Hidden costs when building a house?

What you should also be aware of when building a property is the price of the ancillary costs incurred, which comprises approximately 15% of the construction costs. This should also be kept in mind when financing the house, otherwise these additional items quickly become traps that stand in the way of your new living happiness.

Especially if you want to build a property as an investment, you should include these costs in your profit on the property. The real costs are extremely different from the value of the property itself.

Acquisition: taxes, notary and estate agent

Even the finding and the purchase itself are associated with certain salaries and commissions. However, some of these are clear from the outset. For example, you are in any case already aware of brokerage costs before the purchase of your new home, because this should have been clarified from the outset. Additional costs and taxes are also involved:

• Land transfer tax: 3.5 – 6.5 % of the purchase price
• Notary: approx. 1.5 % of the purchase price
• Broker: approx. 3 – 8 % of the purchase price + VAT.

Land: surveyor, development and connections

The preparation of the land also costs money. Some of these costs are covered by the construction service provider, but most of the time you have to pay for them. These items are particularly important, because without connections, for example, a plot of land is completely unsuitable for building a house:

• Surveyor: 400 – 500 €
• Development: 9.000 – 14.000 €
• Connections water: 2.000 – 5.000 €
• Connections electricity: 2.000 – 3.000 €
• Connections Internet: 500 – 900 €

House construction: insurance and landfill costs

Also not to be underestimated are the costs associated with a new house and the construction of the same. Of course, we know that the construction of the building itself brings varying costs. By the way, zero-energy and passive houses cost on average between 5 and 15% more than a traditional house. But you must not forget that you also have to finance these things.

• Building insurance without elementary protection: 200 – 800 € p.a.
• Excavated earth depending on the size of the plot and provider: approx. 850 €

Tips: Buying land and financing your property

Of course, we’ve already touched on the basics of buying land and certain means of financing in this article, but there’s just so much information on this that we’ve dedicated a separate article directly to the topics.

Buying land: Tips, selection and criteria

You know you want a sustainable home and you want to have a say in how it’s built? You’ll need the right plot of land, but there’s so much more to consider than just size. We’ve already told you a few things in the previous article, but here you’ll find everything you need to know about choosing a building site on the plot, regulations and restrictions:

• Buy land

Financing a property: loans, interest rates and comparison

Here, we’ve focused primarily on the specific nature of development loans as they relate specifically to sustainable housing. But this is not the only financing option for real estate. We have summarised the most important information about loans, building society contracts and more in a clear and more detailed way.

• Real estate financing

Semi-detached house, what is it? Definition & Features

The term semi-detached house refers to a residential unit, which usually extends over several floors and is about the size of a standard detached house. The difference to the single-family house, however, is that, as the name suggests, semi-detached houses extend over half of a very large, elongated house. This saves lot area and still allows you to experience almost the luxury of owning your own home with a few limitations, which we’ll go into in more detail later in the article.

Room layout and green area

A semi-detached house offers two almost identical living units, each of which is roughly the same size as a detached house. Of course, this depends entirely on the type of detached house. In principle, however, the aim of a semi-detached house is to provide space for a medium-sized residential group.

For this reason, you can expect at least two bedrooms in a semi-detached house. Often several bathrooms, as well as guest toilets, living rooms and kitchens are part of the housing unit. In addition, there are terraces and green areas that are either private or shared with the immediate house neighbors, because you should be aware of one thing: A semi-detached house always represents only a part of the house, so contact with the neighbors is almost inevitable.

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 of a semi-detached house: size, prices and neighbours

Now that you have some information about semi-detached houses, we will continue with the advantages and disadvantages of this type of house. Often hidden here are the crucial points that make the decision for or against the house form.

Advantages: Better than the single family home?

The space-saving properties of the house form often make the most of the available space. In addition, semi-detached houses often create an environment with young families due to their target group. As a result, the areas are very much designed for children and teenagers with schools, kindergartens and the like.

• Large living space
• Garden area
• No upper and lower tenants

Disadvantages: Trouble with the neighbors?

However, the type of house also brings disadvantages, because, for example, in cities, the classic semi-detached house is less common than other types of housing. Nevertheless, it is not absolutely impossible to find them in the city centre. But just new building areas are here often too expensive and too valuable to build a semi-detached house. How exactly you find a suitable property, you will learn later in this article.

• Direct neighbours
• Predominantly in suburbs
• For new construction: search for tenants

Tips and tricks: renovation, energy rules and location

Sometimes the perfect house is not yet built, but a few steps are still missing until the dream home or the neighbors put a spoke in your wheel. You want to avoid that at all costs and therefore you will find here a few suggestions for renovation, peace from the neighbors and where exactly the best semi-detached houses can be found.

Renovation: Conversion to the perfect house

Especially if you buy a semi-detached house there are many possibilities to improve your new home. You are not bound by any rental agreements that restrict you, but you should still be careful, because the renovation work and the associated noise can be the first cause of trouble with the neighbours. For this reason, it is advisable to have at least talked to them beforehand, because you share a common living wall.

Where can I find semi-detached houses?

The type of housing is often found in suburbs or small towns, as the target group is often interested in moving to these places. The environment is often family-oriented and characterized by children of different ages.

If you, as a builder, want to build a house in order to rent it out in the future, it is advisable to analyse not only the property itself, but also the surroundings. More about this in the section on the right property.

Energy rules when buying a house

In 2013, Germany’s Energy Saving Ordinance was changed for the last time. Since then, and already with the previous legal texts, rules apply that must be observed, especially when building a house, and should be presented in advance in order to obtain a building license. As a buyer I should have the energy certificate of the house presented to me.

Tip. You want to buy a house? Then take a look at buying a house. Learn more about financial planning, additional costs, loans & Co.

Land and building: The right reason for a semi-detached house

Whether for personal use or for subletting, the location of a house is at least as important as the house itself. After all, you want to find an environment in which you feel comfortable for many years or in which potential tenants are interested. In order to make the construction and living in the new building as pleasant as possible, it is worthwhile to pay attention to a few things early on.

Checklist: Choice of plot and location

Is there such a thing as the perfect property? Unfortunately, we can’t give you a blanket answer to this question. What we can do, however, is provide you with tools that let you know exactly what you are looking for. On this basis, finding it will definitely be easier.

• Composition of the subsoil: clay, sand, stone, pebble?
• Size of the plot
• Elevation of the plot
• Proximity to water bodies (risk of flooding?)
• Former use of the land
• Proximity to public transport
• Existing lines
• Construction projects in the vicinity
• Schools/kindergartens/public facilities nearby?

Energy rules for builders and developers

With the introduction of the Energy Saving Ordinance, building projects must meet certain structural requirements in order to obtain a building license. Data on the heating system and thermal insulation are calculated in order to determine an approximate value that provides information on the sustainability of a building.

The merging of insulation and heating system requirements took place because the aim was to ensure that poor insulation could be compensated for, for example, by a more efficient heating system. This is particularly interesting for buildings that are to be renovated. But new buildings can also benefit. Whereby the trend towards environmentally conscious living is becoming ever stronger. According to Statista, the construction of buildings with sustainability certificates has more than quadrupled since 2009.

Real estate search: What to consider before buying

Looking for land, starting a construction project and the hassle that comes with it is too much for you? Then a purchase is always a good option. The positive aspect is of course the planning and many other works that have already been done for you. However, here you can of course no longer have a say in how the building is constructed or looks in the end. But depending on the location, the real estate market is not to be scoffed at and leaves nothing to be desired.

Viewing appointment checklist

Even before viewing a property, or even before you start looking, you’ve probably already thought about what you want your new home to look like. We’ll discuss what you should look for in the following section. Here we’ll talk briefly about how you should prepare for your candidate’s viewing appointment so that you can get the home of your dreams.

A viewing appointment shouldn’t just be used by you to see the property and find out a few dates, the appointments are also mainly for the sellers and you to get to know each other. You will be screened so that agents and previous owners can assess whether you or they are the right candidates for the property.

So your goal is to make a good, well-groomed impression. It’s also good to be prepared and organised. Yes, a lot is indeed expected of you. But don’t worry, no one expects you to be a superhuman. Mistakes are okay and will be tolerated as long as the overall impression is right. After all, it’s in both your and the seller’s best interest to have someone who fits the house.

Look for the following things to make a good first impression:

• Be groomed
• Ask for parking possibilities beforehand
• Ask before entering if you can wear shoes
• Bring important personal documents (creditworthiness etc.) already with you
• Ask questions about the object
• Try to convey why you are interested in the object

Checklist for semi-detached houses: This is what the new home should have

Of course, it is important to convey a good impression, but you should not lose sight of the fact that you are also pursuing or should pursue certain interests with the viewing, because of course you do not only want to get to know all the advantages, but also the faults of the house, which a seller may not directly address. Targeted questions are appropriate here.

Energy costs: take ancillary costs into account

If your intended house is a new build, the easiest way to see the energy performance of the house is to look at the energy certificate that the house should have received. In addition, of course, energy-saving devices such as solar panels and the like can also reduce energy costs.

Another great way to find out how much is actually being used in the house is to ask for tenants’ utility bills. But be careful: no one is obliged to give you access to personal bills. So don’t be too eager to see them. The energy provider, on the other hand, can easily give you information about prices.

Contract of sale: examination & criteria

Finally, it is of course important to check the purchase contract, so as not to fall into a trap. Either you do this yourself, or hire a lawyer. The notary should send you the rental agreement two weeks before the agreed date, so that you have enough time to take another close look at the document.

It is important to check what exactly you are buying, especially in the case of semi-detached houses. Because of course there is a second party in the house, with which the property is shared.

Extra: Buying a property and saving taxes at the same time?

Buying a property can not only be for the reason that you want to live in your own 4 walls. It can also be that you want to buy or build a property as an investment. Either way, there are a number of factors to consider – because big money doesn’t come easy! Here you will get tips and information to make your investment and your property successful.

Buying a multi-family house: Valuing property, procedure, costs, renting & Co.

Your idea has manifested itself and your dream of a house is becoming reality. You have already looked at a few properties, compared prices and set your budget for buying a house. Before you enter into closer negotiations with sellers or reserve a property, you should plan the house financing and determine your conditions. The more professionally you proceed and the more concretely you plan, the less complicated the house purchase will be, from the idea to the financing to the notarisation to the conclusion of the contract. Then everything is ready for the rental of the apartment house. Learn everything here, from the valuation, to the rental of apartment buildings.

• Buy apartment house

Save taxes with real estate: buy, rent or sell

Learn how to do taxes! You are the greatest financial professional you can find for your individual setting (private and corporate). Calculating taxes yourself is the tool to minimize your own tax burden. It is therefore a matter of converting taxes into private wealth. The less taxes you have to pay to the tax office, the faster your private wealth builds up. Here you will find articles that have been written on the topic of tax optimization. For the most part, we deal with real estate purchases in Germany. Start with the basics about ancillary purchase costs in Germany, land transfer tax and legal forms such as real estate GmbHs and family foundations.

• Save taxes with real estate

Cold rent at a glance: Rent without ancillary costs

• Rental price without the inclusion of service charges
• In addition to the basic rent, an advance payment for ancillary costs is often required.
• Depending on the consumption, the difference is settled at the end of the year.

Back to the wiki: Real Estate