What is Fix & Flip? Definition, Margin & Risk

Fix & Flip describes a short-term trading strategy in which a property in need of renovation is purchased below market value, upgraded through targeted measures, and then resold for a profit after 6 to 18 months. The profit is generated from the difference between the selling price and the total investment (purchase price + purchase ancillary costs + renovation + financing + selling costs + tax).

Realistic net margins in properly calculated Fix-&-Flip projects range between 15 and 25 percent of the selling price — anything below that is not worth the risk.

In contrast to the Buy-&-Hold strategy, it is not about rental yield or long-term appreciation over decades, but about active trading — comparable to stock trading, only with significantly higher capital requirements, longer cycles, and major tax implications.

Fix & Flip vs. Buy & Hold: Direct Comparison

Advantages of Fix & Flip

The strategy allows for substantial profits to be realized in a short period of time and for equity to be increased more quickly than with any classic rental strategy. Whoever completes three successful flips within two years can potentially double their initial capital — provided the market conditions are favorable.

• Rapid capital growth: Profit in 6–18 months instead of 10+ years
• Scalability: Profits can be immediately reinvested into the next property
• Market Experience: Intensive practical knowledge about locations, building condition, craftsmen, and buyer behavior
• No Tenant Risk: No rental shortfalls, no additional costs settlements, no rental law conflicts
• Control of Value Creation: You yourself determine the leverage through renovation

Disadvantages and Real Risks

Fix & Flip is not a playground for beginners — the media hype overshadows the complexity. Anyone who underestimates renovation costs, misjudges the market timing, or ignores the Control can quickly turn a 50,000 Euro profit into a 30,000 Euro loss.

• Cost Explosions: Hidden defects (mold, dry rot, asbestos, structural issues) can blow budgets by 50–100 percent
• Construction Delays: Every additional month costs interest, readiness fees, and opportunity costs
• Market Timing: Rising interest rates or falling demand during renovation can tip the calculation
• Full tax liability: Within the 10-year speculation period, the entire profit is subject to income tax
• 3-property limit: Starting from the fourth sale within five years, there is a risk of being classified as a commercial real estate dealer
• Liquidity risk: If no buyer is found, you end up with a fully renovated but unrented property
• Competition from professionals: Developers and existing property holders often have better access to off-market deals

Step 1: Find & buy a fix-&-flip property

The profit is made during the purchase — not during the sale. This trader’s wisdom is especially true in real estate trading. Whoever buys 10 percent below market value has already secured half of their margin on the day of handover. Whoever pays market price must make up for everything through renovations — and fails in 80 percent of cases.

Location strategy: Where fix & flip works in Germany

Pure A-areas (Munich, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Frankfurt-Westend) are usually too expensive for Fix & Flip — the entry prices are so high that the renovation margin no longer covers the costs. Real Fix-&-Flip goldmines are up-and-coming B- and C-areas with gentrification dynamics:

• Commute belts of the top 7 cities: Commuter communities with S-Bahn connections
• Second tier in metropolises: Neighborhoods directly adjacent to trendy districts
• Rising medium-sized cities: Leipzig, Dresden, Magdeburg, Erfurt, Bremen, Augsburg
• University cities with growth: Heidelberg, Münster, Tübingen, Regensburg

Off-Market: Where professionals really buy

You rarely find real Fix-&-Flip deals on ImmoScout — by the time a property is listed there, it has already been seen by three professional investors. Experienced flippers work differently:

• Forced auctions: Court auction calendars, often 20–30 percent below market value
• Heir communities: Quick sale, because multiple heirs cannot agree
• Executor and Insolvency Administrator: Direct contact pays off
• Direct mail contact: Write to owners of visibly vacant properties
• Real estate agent network: Work with agents who know you bring cash and speed
• Developer leftovers: Individual unsold units from older projects

Structural inspection: Red flags & deal-breakers

Before making an offer, have an independent building expert inspect the property — the 800 to 1,500 euro fee is the best investment you can make.

• House fungus: Renovation starting at 30,000 euro — almost always a deal-breaker
• Asbestos in roof, floor or facade: Special disposal, often five figures
• Moisture in the basement: Drainage and external waterproofing starting at 20,000 euro
• Static defects: Cracks, sagging ceilings, subsidence
• Outdated electrical wiring (cable wiring): Full reinstallation 80–150 EUR/m²
• Energy certificate F, G, H: GEG renovation obligations, no KfW leverage
• Heritage lease instead of ownership: Reduces selling price by 20–40 percent
• WEG with empty reserves: Special charges threaten
• Monument protection: High additional costs, restricted renovation freedom

Fix-&-Flip financing: Banks, equity ratio & interim financing

Standard banks are reluctant to finance Fix & Flip — short holding period, no rent as capital service, high sales risk. They require either a specialized bank, a private investor or interim financing.

• Equity ratio: 25 to 40 percent — significantly higher than with classic rental
• Interest rates: 0.5 to 1.5 percentage points premium compared to existing financing
• Repayment substitute: End-date loans are common, as repayment occurs through sale
• KfW funding: Usually not usable for pure sales — remaining ownership is a prerequisite
• Availability interest: 0.25 percent per month unused in case of a longer renovation period
• Early repayment compensation: When selling before the end of the interest rate period — regulate contractually in advance

Read more about financing with our partners: Fix & Flip Financing.

Step 2: Enhance the property — Renovation lever with the highest margin

Not every renovation is equally profitable. Professionals invest where one euro in renovation costs brings two or three euros in value increase — and avoid measures that only burn money without impressing buyers.

Reno costs per square meter: Realistic ranges

The five measures with the highest leverage

1. Bathroom renovation: 8.000–15.000 EUR investment, 20.000–30.000 EUR value increase
2. Kitchen (open, modern): Visually the second biggest sales factor after the bathroom
3. Oak parquet or high-quality vinyl: Replaces carpet/laminate, enhances premium impression
4. Energy-efficient renovation with jump in energy certificate: From G to C is decisive for purchase
5. Floor plan optimization: Remove a wall for an open living-dining area, often under 5.000 EUR

What You Should NOT Do

• Designer fixtures or luxury brands — buyers don’t pay the premium
• Pool, sauna, full smart home equipment — narrow target audience
• Taste design (eye-catching colors, exotic tiles) — neutralize radically
• DIY without trade experience — costs time and reduces resale value

Deep dive: Enhance your property.

Step 3: Sale — Staging, Pricing & Timing

A professionally renovated property deserves a professional sale. Amateur phone photos and incorrect price listings can turn a 50,000-euro renovation success into dust within two weeks.

Pricing strategy: How to find the optimal asking price

• Three independent appraisals: Real estate agent, expert, online tools for cross-comparison
• Don’t set the price too high: More than 10 percent above market value leads to prolonged listing time and suspicion
• Not too low: Too fast sales leave margin on the table — build up demand first
• Check bidding procedures: In top locations with high demand, often 5–10 percent higher revenue

Home Staging & Marketing

• Professional HDR photography (300–800 EUR investment, often more than 5,000 EUR additional revenue)
• Drone shots for houses with gardens or special features
  ]]> https://lukinski.com/additional-costs-buying-house-in-germany-property-investment-hidden-fees/ Tue, 03 Nov 2020 15:01:15 +0000 https://lukinski.de/?p=31303 Additional costs in Germany – It can be maddening trying to understand the German real estate laws and regulations. Below we explain the most important additional costs, and hidden fees which you may not know about. This short how-to guide should let you know a lot about what to consider when buying a house in Germany. Low interest, mad loan offers and irresistible purchase prices entice and the seducive dream of home ownership can become reality. However, most people do not deal enough with the subject and forget about the additional costs that buyers and sellers expect in a purchase contract. Which additional costs arise with the purchase of a condominium? What percentage with the house purchase?

  With the conclusion of a purchase contract, the financing is already under the umbrella. The bills from the broker, notary, land registry and tax office come as soon as the loan is fixed. Because of this, the credit is often underestimated. Back to German Real Estate Overview.

  Additionally, in the following there may be slight grammatical errors, as this article was written by a German tax expert. This does not detract from the quality of information.

  What Percentage are Incidental Purchase Costs?

  20% ancillary building costs should be included in the loan at least, in addition to the purchase price, and are quite realistic.

  ~ 20% of the purchase price

  The 4 Biggest Additional Costs when Buying Real Estate

  The overview shows the 4 largest additional costs you expect when buying a house. But what other costs are involved in building a house? Find out more here: House construction & the costs that come up.

  Fees: Notarization of the Purchase Contract by Notary

  The fees for the notary appointment are probably one of the largest items in the additional costs of the house purchase. The notary fees are fixed and may not deviate from these in any direction, but even these are quite high.

  ~ 1,5% of the purchase price

  As a rule of thumb, about 1.5% of the purchase price has been set – and this only for the signature of the purchase contract. So if you purchase a property with a purchase price of 100,000 Euros, the notary’s fee is 1500 Euros, which, in Germany, is usually paid for by the buyer.

  The exact fees for notaries in Germany are laid down in the notarial fee schedule, but can also be calculated online.

  • Read more here: Notary and Purchase Agreement

  

  Taxes: Real Estate Transfer Tax

  As soon as the contract has been signed at the notary and the purchase agreement has been notarized, the buyer will receive mail from the tax office. Next, the purchase tax is demanded from the buyer.

  This is incurred somewhat differently. Normally it amounts in Germany round about 3% – 6% of the purchase price of the real estate. Since the land transfer tax is a state tax, meaning each state determines their individual rates land transfer tax rate.

  In some federal states, however, such as Hamburg, Berlin and Saxony-Anhalt, it is 4.5% of the property purchase price. For a purchase price of 100,000 euros, for example, you therefore pay another 3500 / 4500 euros for the land transfer tax.

  Reading tip: Get to know tax planning options, from cooperatives to family foundations: Save taxes with real estate

  Purchase price 100.000 Euro

  Baden-Württemberg	5.00%	5.000
  Bavaria	3.50%	3,500
  Berlin	6.00%	6,000
  Brandenburg	6.50%	6,500
  Bremen	5.00%	5,000
  Hamburg	4.50%	4,500
  Hessen	6.00%	6,000
  Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania	6.00%	6,000
  Lower Saxony	5.00%	5,000
  North Rhine-Westphalia	6.50%	6,500
  Rhineland-Palatinate	5.00%	5,000
  Saarland	6.50%	6,500
  Saxony	3.50%	3,500
  Saxony-Anhalt	5.00%	5,000
  Schleswig-Holstein	6.50%	6,500
  Thuringia	6.50%	6,500

  This debt should be paid immediately, because only when the amount has been received by the tax office will the latter issue the so-called clearance certificate. This certificate is mandatory for the transfer of the new owner to the land register. This is arranged by the land registry office and costs again fees, which are comparatively low.

  3.5 – 6.5% of the purchase price

  Commission: Brokers Calculate their Share

  Whoever buys a property or a plot of land through a real estate agent must of course include the commission to the agent in the overall calculation. You will usually receive the invoice from the real estate agent directly after the notarization.

  How high the commission is varies and depends on various factors, such as the region. In most cases it varies between four and six percent of the purchase price of the property.

  With a property purchase price of 100,000 euros, you pay between 4,000 and 6,000 euros only for the real estate agent. However, it is important to know that it is definitely worthwhile to negotiate with the real estate agent’s commission, as it is known that this is associated with a large amount of leeway.

  A recommendable, total commission of 3.48 percent including VAT is a recommendable and realistic value.

  ~ 3.48 % of the purchase price

  

  Supplements: Credit Interest and Installment Surcharges

  The banks would like to take part in a house sale, of course, and not only through the loan interest rates. In addition to the negotiated loan interest rates, you are charged costs that are additional and usually not expected by the buyer.

  These costs are not clearly visible at first glance and therefore banks are deceiving their customers. Such hidden costs can occur in the form of monthly provision interest on the unpaid portion of the total loan.

  There, for example, 0.25% is charged, which the customer does not expect and which adds up to the mass. For a loan amount of 100,000 euros, this is about 250 euros per month, which you do not expect.

  Additional, Hidden Costs

  But there are other hidden costs that you don’t expect. These include account management, which some banks charge as a fee, but also installment surcharges if you get part of the loan paid out, depending on the progress of the construction.

  With your loan, pay special attention to exactly what is written in the small print, ask about all unclear points and only sign if you are certain about all obligations.

  To be on the safe side, have your bank calculate the so-called total effective interest rate or the actual effective interest rate. There, all service charges are listed in detail and clearly arranged.

  Assessor & Renovation – Potential Additional Costs

  Another factor that does not apply to all properties is the cost of appraisers and renovators.

  Particularly with older real estate it is meaningful to hire an appraiser before the purchase, who examines the real estate down to the lattices. This includes, for example, checks on moisture and pollutants (especially for properties dating from the 1970s). Such appraisals are carried out by independent experts such as architects or civil engineers but also real estate experts.

  The costs here are very different, as it depends on the type of expertise and the time required. Depending on how good the report is, possible renovation work in the future may be necessary, which should be incldued in the purchasing price as a reduction. For this reason, these assessments are critical.

  Whether it is a new heating, new windows or the restoration of the roof, the costs for this case also vary greatly. Here you should note that there are usually costs for general renovation before moving in. New floors, different wall colors, a new kitchen or even tearing down a wall.

  All these things again cost money, which should not be underestimated. Often there are more costs than planned, because something goes wrong, but was more expensive than calculated or small things are missing. Also note that many renovation works cannot be done by yourself. So you need craftsmen and experts to help you and they will of course calculate their working time. Before you decide on a house, think about which work would still have to be done, what you would like to renew and how much the costs for such renovation work will be.

  Conclusion: Calculate additional purchase costs

  In Germany, for a property with a purchase price of 100,000 euros and a loan of the same amount, expect additional costs of 9,000 to 12,000 euros.

  If you do not include them in your loan amount, they must be deducted from your own capital. Such unexpected service charges should not be underestimated and can vary enormously from property to property. The higher the price of the property, the higher the service charges you expect.

  • Back to our full guide on Real estate Taxes in Germany.
  ]]> https://lukinski.com/infrared-heating-old-building-new-building-and-all-the-advantages-and-disadvantages/ Wed, 29 Apr 2020 11:00:39 +0000 https://lukinski.de/infrared-heating-old-building-new-building-and-all-the-advantages-and-disadvantages/ Infrared heating – Even though conventional heating systems have proven themselves, infrared heating is definitely an alternative that should be considered. Heating with electricity is generally considered expensive, but there are other relevant factors that make heating with electricity economical. You can find out which points are important and when heating with electricity is worthwhile in our detailed guide.

  Heating with electricity through infrared rays

  When building a house, there is always the question of the right heating system. Here there are many variants that need to be considered, and infrared heating is one of them. The model shows many advantages that adapt well to different living situations. But under what conditions is the installation of infrared heating worthwhile and how exactly does heating with electricity actually work?

  Pleasant and healthy heat through infrared rays

  The radiation of the infrared heating works differently than other heating systems, because the radiation does not warm the air in the room, but directly the body. This includes not only the human body, but also walls, ceilings or floors and even the furniture. The principle can be compared to sunbathing in winter. Due to this technique, the heat is already perceived by the body as pleasantly warm at low temperatures. This means that only low temperatures are necessary, thus saving electricity and heating costs. Another advantage of infrared heating is that the rooms do not have to be preheated for a long time so that the body is pleasantly warm. This provides comfortable warmth and thus increases the well-being and health.

  Installing infrared heating – low installation work & low costs

  The installation for an infrared heater is very simple. All that is needed are the heating elements in the room and also a power socket nearby. Other heating systems require pipes that need to be laid throughout the house, as well as boilers, hot water tanks and the radiators that need to be connected. This incurs installation and material costs and labour wages for tradesmen. With infrared heating, depending on the model (wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, floor-standing or suspended), no or only minimal installation work is required. The costs for installation are therefore significantly lower than the costs for the installation of other heating systems.

  The durability of infrared heaters also compares favorably to other heating systems. Most heating systems require regular maintenance to maintain performance. This incurs not inconsiderable costs for repair and maintenance, which should be included in long-term planning. Infrared heating is generally considered to be very cost effective in this area. It has a long life and does not require maintenance, as it has a very simple structure and the few components are not susceptible to damage.

  Installing infrared heating as a supplement to other heating systems

  Especially in old buildings, infrared heating offers a good addition to already existing heating systems. When expanding within an already existing heating system, it is usually difficult to lay new pipes, as this is time-consuming and expensive. An alternative is offered here by infrared heating, which can heat additional rooms in combination with the original heating system, and this simply at the socket. The low installation effort and the low initial costs attract builders and property owners. The low maintenance costs compensate for the relatively high operating costs and speak for infrared heating. But also with the occasional heating of rooms the infrared heating is a good alternative. The short time for preheating and the individual use of the system is advantageous for heating certain rooms only rarely or on certain occasions.

  Installing infrared heating as the sole heating system

  In new construction, heating alone with infrared heating is not a problem. The modern insulation that is installed during construction provides sufficient heat in the rooms. In old buildings, the whole thing looks a little different. Here the infrared heating is worthwhile as a sole heating system only under certain conditions, so that the heat is not lost, the building must have a certain insulation. The better the insulation of the building, the more lucrative the use of infrared heating. When renovating and refurbishing an old building, it is no problem to strengthen the insulation and install an infrared heating system.

  Tip! Heating system in comparison

  Save up to 55% costs (heat energy)? Tip! Not only already, but practically? Save energy with the heating system in your property. Use the next time for renovation or your upcoming new building. Here you will find our guide heating systems: solar, oil, gas, heat pump, pellets in comparison and as extra, state subsidies. Continue reading here:

  • Heating system: comparison

  Advantages and disadvantages at a glance

  Advantages of infrared heating

  Infrared heating is a worthwhile alternative to other conventional heating systems and offers a number of advantages for both old and new buildings.

  Rapid feeling of warmth throughout the room despite low temperatures

  Infrared heating warms rooms not through the air, but by infrared rays directly warming the body. The body stores this heat and carries it around with it, whereby the heat is perceived as the same in the entire room. Due to the heat storage in the body, low room temperatures are sufficient to create pleasant comfortable temperatures.

  Healthy indoor climate for allergy sufferers

  Unlike conventional heating systems, infrared heating does not stir up dust, which keeps the dust concentration in the air low. For dust, animal hair but also pollen allergy sufferers, the air is easier to breathe and also asthmatics can breathe easier. A spreading of allergy substances in the room is avoided, which leads to less dust spreading and thus cleaner air.

  Positive effect on the body

  The infrared heater warms the body through radiant heat from IR-A infrared radiation. This radiation penetrates a few millimetres into our skin and thus increases the tissue temperature. We feel a pleasant warmth through this technique, comparable to sunbathing. The increased tissue temperature dilates the blood vessels and promotes blood circulation. Comparable to a red light treatment, the infrared rays can have a tension-relieving effect and thus be beneficial to health in the case of muscle complaints or back pain.

  Variable and advantageous costs

  The purchase costs for an infrared heater are very low. Only the heating panels are needed and a power outlet. Compared to other heating systems where many materials and installation costs are incurred, the infrared heating is probably the cheapest in the purchase.

  When using an infrared heater, heating costs are only incurred when heating is actually taking place, i.e. only when it is switched on. The less heat is needed, the lower the costs are.

  Since the body already feels the low radiant heat of the infrared rays as pleasant and stores them, the heater does not have to run at high temperatures like other models to create a comfortable indoor climate. The operating costs can therefore be kept as low as possible.

  Since the infrared heating consists of few and simple components that are not susceptible to malfunctions, the infrared heating has a long life and low maintenance costs.

  Disadvantages of infrared heating

  But infrared heating also has some disadvantages that property owners and builders need to consider before making the purchase.

  High costs for electricity and operating costs

  Heating with electricity is comparatively rather expensive. Electricity prices fluctuate constantly, which means that the operating costs for infrared heating also vary. To keep electricity costs as low as possible, the property should have good insulation so that as little heat as possible is lost to the outside.

  Carbon dioxide emissions and environmental friendliness

  Heating with electricity is not environmentally friendly. It even produces higher carbon dioxide emissions than conventional heating systems. By combining it with green electricity or a photovoltaic system, the eco-balance can be improved, but even then there is still a high environmental impact.

  Room temperature difficult to determine

  The room temperature is difficult to measure because it is perceived by our own body as warmer than it actually is. The temperature of the room is therefore always somewhat lower than our sensation. Thus, the temperature of the room can be determined but not the temperature we feel.

  Heating guide: types, prices & comparison

  Heating & Types – The topic of heating is not only interesting for builders, but also for property owners. After all, heaters are not only necessary in a property, they are also required by law. Which types of heating are there, how do they have to be maintained and are there legal subsidies for the construction of certain types of heating or do the costs have to be paid completely by the owner? Especially when building a house or renovating and modernising, the heating system plays a decisive role, because a large part of the later running costs depend on it, for you or for your tenants.

  When deciding on a heating system, a number of things need to be considered, as there are major differences. Depending on the property, it must be decided individually which system is best suited to efficiently heat the entire property. The systems differ not only in environmental friendliness, but also in efficiency and price. Solar, oil, gas, heat pump, pellets:

  • Heating: Comparison & Costs
  ]]> https://lukinski.com/wind-power-plant-using-renewable-energy-through-wind/ Mon, 19 Nov 2018 12:00:04 +0000 https://lukinski.de/wind-power-plant-using-renewable-energy-through-wind/ Wind turbines are most commonly seen in wind farms, where several horizontal axis wind turbines are erected on a large area. You can see them from far away and already the wind turbines have integrated themselves into our landscape. They are probably the clearest witnesses of the steadily advancing energy turnaround in Germany. But what is there to know about the large energy producers and does renewable energy from wind also have its disadvantages?

  Wind turbines – everything you need to know about renewable energy from wind

  Most people only know wind turbines as large plants that appear again and again in the landscape, but how exactly does such a wind turbine actually work and how can usable energy be created by it?

  Keyfact 1 – A modern and large wind turbine can reach an output of several megawatts.

  Keyfact 2 – Wind turbines are differentiated into offshore and onshore by location

  Keyfact 3 – Wind turbines have no direct impact on the value of a property or land.

  The power – how much energy does a wind turbine produce?

  The power generated by a wind turbine increases in proportion to the third power of the wind speed. This means that the power increases eightfold when the wind speed doubles. However, if there is too little or too much wind, the turbine cannot operate. If the wind speed falls below 2 m/s, production stops, but if the speed is too high or there are storms, the turbine must be shut down for safety reasons to prevent damage. A large and modern wind turbine can reach an output of several megawatts and thus produce a lot of energy.

  Efficiency – the measure of energy

  The efficiency of a rotor describes the ratio between the incoming wind energy and the electrical power generated from it. This key figure is also referred to as the power coefficient. The theoretical upper limit of the achievable efficiency is 59.3 percent, while in practice the best wind turbines have an efficiency of up to 50 percent. In practice, these figures mean that the physically possible has almost been reached and optimisation measures are mainly in the area of increasing the spectrum of wind speed. However, research in this area continues to progress and expand the potential that wind turbines and wind farms have. The resulting renewable energy thus offers a great alternative to prevailing environmentally harmful energy generation, such as nuclear power or energy from coal-fired power plants.

  The different shapes – what are the differences between wind turbines

  The best known are probably the horizontal wind turbines with a three-bladed rotor. The blade profiles of the rotor blades are aerodynamically optimized to achieve higher efficiency and reduce noise emissions. The diameter of the rotors varies depending on the model. The large wind turbines have a rotor diameter of more than 100 metres. With these dimensions, they deliver an efficiency of 50 percent and outputs of several megawatts. Older models often require a mechanical gearbox to keep the generator running at a sufficient speed. However, these gearboxes cause wear and friction losses, which is why a wind turbine without a gearbox is more advantageous, has less energy loss and requires less maintenance.

  In addition, there is another form of wind turbine, and that is the wind turbines with vertical axes of rotation. The most common are probably the Savonius or Darrieus rotors, but compared to wind turbines with horizontal axis and three-blade rotor, these achieve a much lower efficiency and are therefore much less effective.

  Offshore and onshore – the location decides

  Wind turbines are also differentiated in another category. Offshore turbines are mainly built in the coastal foreland of the seas. Their construction requires a higher construction effort than that of onshore turbines. Details: property construction. These are mainly built on the mainland and require less construction work. Offshore plants have a significantly higher number of full load hours than onshore plants on the mainland.

  Loss of value due to wind power – why property owners are against renewable energy

  Renewable energy from wind power is giving a huge boost to the energy transition in Germany. In 2016 alone, a total of 1,624 new turbines were installed in Germany, 24 percent more than in the previous year. Most of these wind turbines are located in wind farms, but they are also slowly establishing themselves in rural areas. Homeowners often have mixed feelings about this change, as they fear that they will have to accept a loss in the value of their property. Is the concern of property owners justified or do wind farms enhance the quality of life of the residents living in the vicinity?

  The fear – Harmful to health & lowering value

  Property owners fear that wind farms in the vicinity of residential areas will have a negative impact not only on the quality of life, but also on land prices and property values. This concern is well-founded, as there are several arguments against renewable energy from wind: wind turbines are suspected of being harmful to health. Exposure to audible and low-frequency noise, shadows, light reflection, ice throw and light emission is said to cause sleep and concentration disorders as well as depression. In addition, wind turbines disturb the landscape. The concern, therefore, is that wind turbines close to towns and villages will lead to falling property prices and a decline in new construction. Property owners who regard their property as a retirement provision now fear the value of their investment. Experts confirm that losses of 20 to 30 percent are conceivable. A study by the Agency for Renewable Energies (AEE) has shown that the acceptance of power plants in the residential environment varies greatly. 37 percent of 1000 respondents stated that they had no objections to the erection of a wind turbine in the local environment, while 63 percent of 1000 respondents had no objections to the erection of a solar park. It can therefore be concluded that wind farms enjoy a significantly worse image than solar farms and that renewable energies from wind power are less popular.

  The opposite side – what speaks against the fear of property owners?

  The proponents of wind turbines see the whole thing a little differently, however, and see no reason for concern. The legal situation offers some regulations that help to keep the loss of value as low as possible. Whether it is the construction of roads, industrial estates or wind turbines, the law not only prescribes a protective distance, but also guarantees noise protection for residents. These regulations ensure that changes to the landscape have minimal impact on property values. The quality of life or value is not affected if the minimum distances and immission values are correctly observed. Another argument from the opposing side states that land prices and property values are affected by many different factors and are therefore constantly subject to change. Whether decreasing values can be directly related to the construction of a wind farm is therefore unclear and cannot be determined.

  Conclusion – land value, advantages and disadvantages & the selling price

  Whether for or against a wind turbine, the topic undoubtedly holds a lot of potential for discussion. But what does land value really depend on, and do wind farms have anything to do with it? One fact is that the presence of wind farms in the immediate vicinity of the property reduces the potential group of buyers, as there will always be people who do not want to move near such a park. However, a smaller group of buyers does not automatically result in a lower purchase price. The value of the property is influenced by many factors and ultimately results from the interaction of these. So even with an existing wind farm near the property, a good sales price can be achieved if the owner knows his target group and knows how to highlight the advantages of the property. The presence of a wind farm has of course its advantages and disadvantages, but it cannot be said that the presence of such a wind farm is detrimental to the locality.

  ]]> https://lukinski.com/solar-energy-is-a-solar-system-on-the-house-worthwhile/ Sat, 17 Nov 2018 12:00:35 +0000 https://lukinski.de/solar-energy-is-a-solar-system-on-the-house-worthwhile/ Cook, heat, wash and watch TV with self-produced electricity. Being independent from energy companies and, best of all, earning a little extra money. Until recently, these advantages were reserved for entrepreneurs. Since recently, the purchase of a photovoltaic system also works without the tax office and brings many advantages for the owners.

  Photovoltaic systems and the advantages for you

  The purchase of a solar system for your own home is not only worthwhile for tax saving reasons. Such a system also brings other advantages with it. But many questions are still open for inexperienced. What about the costs? Is there a financing? How is the system installed? Can I really produce my entire electricity only by a solar plant? And what exactly is a photovoltaic system? We will take care of all these questions today and show you the world of solar systems and how you can use the green energy for yourself. Are you also interested in an energy saving house to do even more for the environment? Learn more about the topic here: ‘Energy Saving House – Energy Efficient Home’.

  The starting position for private individuals – what is there to consider?

  By purchasing a photovoltaic system, the private person becomes an entrepreneur faster than most people realize. But why actually? This is quite simple to explain, because a photovoltaic system usually produces more electricity than a single household of the private person can consume. So more electricity is produced than can be used and the surplus electricity ends up in the public grid. For this electricity, which is fed into the grid by the private individual, he receives a payment, since the electricity cannot simply be given away. This is an amount of about 10 to 12 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh). And exactly here lies the problem, because who trades with river and by the sales money obtains, operates a trade, even if this happens quasi automatically. So the private person becomes an entrepreneur and that brings some disadvantages, especially in tax and bureaucratic consequences. For most private individuals it is already too complicated here, because it is made really difficult for them. Fortunately there is however an alternative, which can be used by private individuals, in order to save taxes and to escape these complicated formalities. Only if the private person uses the photovoltaic system almost exclusively for self-supply and does not make a profit with it, it is his private matter and he is not considered an entrepreneur. The tax office is therefore left out of the picture. It is advisable for private individuals to install a solar system that is only large enough to produce enough electricity for their own household. Difficulties are thus avoided and you can still do something for the environment and your conscience.

  Photovoltaic system – how does the system on the roof work?

  Simply put, a photovoltaic system converts light power into electrical power and provides the electricity for consumption. If you go deeper into the matter, you talk about efficiency, because the better the efficiency, the more energy the system converts. The current that flows here is the electrons. They hit the photovoltaic system with the energy of the light and the higher the efficiency, the better the electrons of the light energy can flow. The better they flow, the more light energy is converted into electrical energy and can be used by the end user. Actually explained relatively simple, in practice there are of course still some technical challenges around which the end user but fortunately does not have to worry.

  The costs – a photovoltaic system for power generation and when it really pays off

  The following things are needed for a solar installation: The solar panels, the substructure, the inverter and the wiring. The costs are also made up of these things. In addition, there are the costs for the installation or the labor. Private households usually get a smaller system, because they only want to cover their electricity production. These are usually a little more expensive than installing a larger system. The output for such small systems is usually around five to eight kilowatts maximum output. For such a plant a roof area of approx. 40 to 70 square meters is needed. The costs for such an example amount to between 8,500 and 13,000 euros. Such plants have a life span of approx. 20 years or longer. Such a system is really worthwhile if the electricity is used for self-consumption. Over such a period, an enormous amount of electricity costs can be saved. In addition, an energy storage system can be installed, which stores energy and makes it available later. In addition, you also have other advantages such as no dependence on energy companies and you do something good for the environment by using green electricity.

  Install a photovoltaic system without a tax office

  Especially private individuals do not want to burden themselves with the tasks that the stand as an entrepreneur brings with it. In order to still be able to install a solar system, they must be able to prove that the photovoltaic system is not being built for the purpose of later generating revenue. A private person, which installs thus a small Photovoltaikanlage on its real estate around the river even to use and thus no intentions on profit has + additionally the conditions to the small entrepreneur fulfills, does not have to become active once with the tax office. For safety’s sake, however, it is advisable to draw up a long-term plan in which the costs and the income or the amount of electricity produced and the amount of electricity used are listed. This way you are on the safe side. You do not have to pay taxes on it, because you use the electricity without the intention of making a profit.

  Funding opportunities for photovoltaic systems – how you can finance your solar system

  Especially for private individuals, the question quickly arises as to how such a project should be realized. Often the necessary money is missing. However, since this is something that has a positive impact on the environment, there are funding opportunities for private individuals who are interested in building a photovoltaic system. The Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau, for example, offers low-interest loans that private individuals can take advantage of. How much you are subsidized depends on the plant itself but also on your house. Size and type of system and new construction or renovation are arguments that can influence the interest rate. For detailed advice on your individual project, contact an advisor or specialist company in your area, who can inform you about all the funding options for such systems.

  Checklist: What is needed to generate electricity with photovoltaics?

  To install a photovoltaic system some things are needed. Specialist companies that install such systems can advise you individually in advance and help you with the exact decisions. However, some things are fundamentally necessary to install the solar system. The materials that are needed to install a photovoltaic system on your property are:

  • Solar panels/ solar modules
  • Memory battery
  • Appropriate cabling
  • Inverter
  • Electricity meter
  • Substructure for the roof
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