Guides on buying, renting, selling and letting

Four strands: buying, renting, selling and letting. The articles follow the steps in the order they come up, from the budget question through paperwork and viewings to the notary appointment or the handover of keys.

Inherited property – what do the heirs need to consider?

Inherited property – what do the heirs need to consider?

28 January 2022

Real estate is highly valuable. When an owner dies, houses, apartments and other plots of land generally pass to the community of heirs. At first, this may be a source of great joy. However, such an inheritance also entails obligations, including loan liabilities and inheritance tax payments. Last but not least, disputes may even arise over future use. If you inherit a property, you should not only familiarise yourself with the most important basics, but also avoid potential mistakes. We explain what matters.

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After moving: Don’t forget to change your registration!

After moving: Don’t forget to change your registration!

28 January 2022

Moving house involves a great deal of work. Important things are often overlooked as a result. This also includes changing your registration with the municipality in good time and notifying many other offices of your change of address. Except with authorities, notification is generally possible without any formal requirements. An email is often sufficient.

Pack Well: How Many Moving Boxes Do You Need?

Pack Well: How Many Moving Boxes Do You Need?

28 January 2022

You’ve done it. You’ve found a new apartment or even a house. Now it’s time to move. You begin planning and ask yourself: “How many moving boxes do I actually need?” The answer isn’t that simple. There is no reliable formula. However, practical experience can help you with your calculation.

Buying a House: What Are the Broker Formula, Factor and Multiplier?

Buying a House: What Are the Broker Formula, Factor and Multiplier?

2 December 2021

When buying and selling their property, many people have difficulty determining an appropriate value. Too many factors influence the market value. These include the location, the substance, the size of the property, the land, rental income, operating costs and many other points.

Taxing a property sale: These taxes apply

Taxing a property sale: These taxes apply

2 December 2021

Are you one of the property owners who would like to sell your apartment or house? Then you will receive a substantial sum of money all at once. Have you thought about the tax office? Contrary to popular belief, a private sale transaction, i.e. a real estate sale, is not always tax-free. On the contrary: If you do not pay close attention to the details, your impressive proceeds can quickly turn into a loss-making transaction. This guide explains when which taxes apply to a real estate sale.

Rental deposit guarantee: Advantages and disadvantages of the guarantee certificate

Rental deposit guarantee: Advantages and disadvantages of the guarantee certificate

2 December 2021

When moving to a new apartment, tenants often face the problem of not yet having received their old deposit back while already having to pay the new one. Together with the rent and moving and, if applicable, renovation costs, this can quickly create an enormous financial burden. Some companies have recognized this problem and provide a remedy through a rental deposit guarantee or guarantee certificate. This form of rental security can be an interesting alternative for tenants and landlords. However, it also has some pitfalls.

Rental security: How does the rental deposit actually work?

Rental security: How does the rental deposit actually work?

2 December 2021

Many people looking for an apartment are familiar with the additions in listings: “Two months’ rent as a deposit” or “The rental security amounts to three net cold rents.” These notices refer to a security deposit that the tenant is required to pay. With this payment, the landlord wants to protect themselves against rent arrears and, in the event of damage when the tenant moves out, create financial leverage for rectification. However, both the amount of the deposit and the way the money is invested and used are subject to relatively strict regulations. It is therefore interesting for both prospective tenants and landlords to know exactly how a rental deposit works. The question also arises: What rights and obligations result from this for both parties?

Moving: Is there an entitlement to special leave?

Moving: Is there an entitlement to special leave?

2 December 2021

Moving house is not only nerve-racking, it also takes a great deal of time. Working people can hardly spare this time. Therefore, many ask: Is it possible to take special leave for a move?

Real estate agent commission: Who pays the commission when buying property?

Real estate agent commission: Who pays the commission when buying property?

22 October 2021

Real estate agents play an important role in the property market. Many rentals, purchases and sales of real estate are handled through them. In return, they receive a commission. In the residential property market, this commission, also known as brokerage commission, has been clearly regulated by law for several years. For a long time, things were different when buying and selling real estate. Until the end of 2020, agents and clients were free to negotiate who would bear the costs and the fees. As a rule, both parties shared the costs or the buyer of a house or apartment assumed them in full. This has changed since an amendment to the law. Who has paid the brokerage commission in real estate sales since then?

Rental agreement – what notice period applies?

Rental agreement – what notice period applies?

21 October 2021

At some point, as a tenant, you may want to move out of your apartment. At the latest then, you will ask yourself: What notice period actually applies to a standard tenancy? And what deviations from standard agreements are permitted? Are there any other details you need to consider when terminating a tenancy for an apartment or house? Are there differences depending on whether you want to terminate the tenancy as the tenant or the landlord wants to end the agreement?

Flat-rate moving expenses: What are they?

Flat-rate moving expenses: What are they?

21 October 2021

If you decide on a new apartment or house as your place of residence, one of the most important consequences is moving. Depending on the size of your household, this can place a considerable strain on your budget. If you move for professional reasons, you can at least have part of the costs reimbursed. You then benefit from the flat-rate moving expenses. What exactly are they, and how much money is involved?

“B certificate”: What is a housing eligibility certificate?

“B certificate”: What is a housing eligibility certificate?

24 September 2021

The housing market is tight in many regions. People with low incomes can hardly afford adequate housing. To mitigate this social imbalance, the state provides access to particularly affordable housing under certain conditions. A housing entitlement certificate is required for such housing; it is also called a B certificate, WBS, or §5 certificate or §8 certificate. What exactly is a housing entitlement certificate, what does it permit, and what requirements must you meet to obtain one?

Index-linked rent: What exactly does that mean?

Index-linked rent: What exactly does that mean?

24 September 2021

Rent increases are a source of conflict. The landlord wants an appropriate rent for their property, while the tenant wants to pay as little as possible. If the rent originally agreed is to increase after a few years, this can lead to a dispute. This can be avoided through index-linked rent. It is fixed contractually and helps prevent disagreements. This form of rent pricing has advantages and disadvantages and is subject to special rules.

Graduated rent: What exactly is it?

Graduated rent: What exactly is it?

24 September 2021

To avoid the problem of rent increases requiring consent, some landlords opt for a step rent. This permits clearly defined increases in the net cold rent, but has disadvantages as well as advantages. This applies to both sides: tenants and landlords. What exactly is a step rent?

Client-order principle for rentals: Who pays the broker’s fee?

Client-order principle for rentals: Who pays the broker’s fee?

Real estate agents act as intermediaries when a property is to change ownership. Many of these service providers also serve as contacts for landlords and tenants. They support their clients in finding new tenants or suitable housing. They charge a commission for this. But who pays the agent’s fee? Is the commission the responsibility of the property owner or the prospective tenant?

Apartment handover report: What needs to be considered?

Apartment handover report: What needs to be considered?

The apartment handover report is one of the most important documents when moving in and out. In it, both rental parties document the condition of the apartment, list defects, note the keys and furnishings handed over, as well as meter readings.

Landlord’s certificate: What exactly is it?

Landlord’s certificate: What exactly is it?

You have found your apartment or property. The move is complete, your mail has been forwarded, and most of the remaining paperwork has been taken care of. Now you would like to register or re-register with the municipality at your new address. But have you thought of the landlord’s certificate?