Category: Home Garden

Which fence is right for my garden?

Requirements

A look at the legal requirements can often ensure that the selection of the fence is accelerated somewhat. Some municipalities specify a maximum height that a fence must not exceed, for example so as not to take away the sun from the neighbors. But a minimum height can also be stipulated, for example if the fence is intended to protect against falls. In most cases, the fence must also maintain a minimum distance from the border of the neighboring property. In any case, it makes sense to coordinate with the neighbor beforehand so that future disputes do not arise in the first place.

The type of garden

In addition to the purpose that a fence should serve, you should also include the other elements of the garden in your considerations. For example, if you have or want to set up a more natural garden, a wooden fence will probably work better than a bar mat fence. If the garden is more functional, fillable gamlion can be the right choice.

What is the purpose of the fence?

A key point to consider is the purpose you want to achieve with the fence. This mostly depends on how you want to use your garden. It is often worthwhile to combine individual fence elements. This can make sense especially if you want to use different areas of the garden differently. If you only want to visually mark the border of your garden, a low fence element is often sufficient. This is particularly common in the front yard, as a good view of the house may be desired. Conversely, a privacy screen can also be desired. In this case, using a high fence can achieve the desired result. If the house is on a slope, a fence – especially at the back of the garden – can also serve to prevent any falls. Perhaps you also want to practice a sport in the garden, for example when guests come. Or your children train for the football club, preferably on hybrid grass. Then a high fence can help that balls and other game material do not find their way into the neighbor’s garden so quickly to cause damage there.

What care do you expect?

Of course, the maintenance effort depends on the choice of the appropriate fence and can vary greatly. A metal fence, for example, requires little to no maintenance other than the occasional cleaning, while a wooden fence will need painting every two to three years. So consider beforehand how much effort you want or are able to make, and also think about the future. In the case of a shared fence, maintenance must also be clarified.

Conclusion

When choosing the right fence or different elements, there are a few aspects to consider. If you do this, you have optimally limited your garden for the next few years or decades and you can feel comfortable in it.

House clearance: 11 tips for a successful implementation

Often underestimated, a household liquidation represents a major challenge in most cases, which requires a lot of preparation and organization. In the following article, we give you a few tips that you can use to clear out the clutter as part of an apartment or household liquidation relatively easily.

Everything is much easier with the perfect preparation

The clearing out of a house clearance is a good opportunity to really clear out and get rid of superfluous things. It is not uncommon for objects to be discovered on these occasions that have been hidden in the basement, in the attic or in a storage room for months or years. In addition, you also have the opportunity to flush some money into the household budget by selling on online platforms or in social networks. And there is another possibility:

Here comes our tip 1

Some waste disposal companies buy up the entire household contents when a household is liquidated and in return give the customer the option of offsetting the value when clearing it out afterwards. Here you kill two birds with one stone – you get an uncomplicated, fast and professional clearing out and can also save costs through the purchase. You can find more information about this at Wirentsorgen.de, for example.

Our tip 2

If you would rather organize the sale, sorting and disposal yourself, first create a to-do list with all the important points and work through them one after the other.

1. planning
2. sort by
3. Sell ​​+ give away
4. storage
5. organize help
6. to fix an appointent
7. Organize containers / vehicles – compare offers
8. Eliminate damage – organize craftsmen

Sorting is the be-all and end-all in a household liquidation

The best way to tackle a mammoth task like clearing a household is to help small steps and step by step cleans, sorts and clears out one room after the other.

Our tip 3

Even when cleaning up, you can provide boxes in which you sort the things according to:

• to keep
• to sell
• give away

where to sell

According to this scheme, have the first room successfully clearedwhich is mostly a good one motivationin order to go straight to the next room.

Sales platforms (eBay, Vinted) there are quite a few on the internet – even specifically for books and DVDs (Momox) there are online sales opportunities.

Our tip 4

It has been shown that also on Home or yard flea markets bring all sorts of things to the man. Surely the great merit is not to be expected here. However, you should always keep in mind that everything you sell or give away no longer has to be disposed of at great expense in the end.

Our tip 5

Are there things that are still in great shape that you don’t want to keep and the sale doesn’t work out either. Then you have the option of offering them online for free collection. A post on social networks or an ad on eBay classifieds – and you’ll get rid of superfluous household goods and clothes.

decision support

It is not easy for everyone to part with things or to decide what is really important and necessary and what is not.

Our tip 6

Imagine a fire in your apartment or house – what would you want to save? Usually these are:

• Documents and documents (ID card, passport, birth certificates, insurance documents)
• disk
• photos and valuables
• some clothes

The second thought: “What would not cause you grief if lost?”.

You see – it’s basically not much that we really need. Anything that is useless, damaged, or unusable goes on the discard pile. The rest can be given away and sold.

Make an appointment & plan the clearing out

Give yourself enough time before decluttering day. Also inform your helpers in good time about the exact date and plan the day. Keep the following points in mind:

1. Do you have enough helpers?
2. Is there a vehicle ready for disposal?
3. Do you need a container?

Find helping hands

Most people find help in their family and circle of friends. Isn’t that the case for you? Here is our tip:

Tips 7

Pupils and students are more than willing to earn a few euros with help. You can look for helping hands online or put up notices on the bulletin board at the university, in the supermarket or in your own hallway. And ask your neighborhood.

The right vehicle

You can find a suitable vehicle for clearing out at a hardware store or at a car rental company. Perhaps one of your friends also has a corresponding car. If you want to rent a car, please note the following:

Tip 8

The vehicles are significantly more expensive on Saturdays than on Sundays or during the week. The earlier you book a vehicle, the cheaper it will be for you. At the end of the year, prices are always higher than in the middle of the year. This also applies at the end of each quarter – always at the end of March, the end of June and the end of September. And of course it’s worth comparing prices – in some cases you can save several hundred euros.

Where can I get a container from?

There are plenty of container services both locally and online who will be happy to advise you and provide you with an appropriate container for your needs.

Our tip 9

Do not leave the container open unattended. You would be surprised how quickly this is used as a communal rubbish bin. Lid containers are best – you can simply close them. Or you can cover the container yourself with a tarpaulin or something similar.

What can all be in one Container?

Depending on the container you have ordered, the following items can be disposed of in it:

bulky waste container

• cupboards, tables chairs
• shelves
• sofas, armchairs
• mattresses and beds
• Floor coverings (carpet, PVC)
• Lamps, mirrors, picture frames
• Interior blinds, slats
• window

Of course, you can also use the regular municipal bulky waste disposal if the time suits you. These are often free of charge and take place at regular intervals. You can inquire about the dates online, from the local waste disposal company or from the city or municipal administration.

Our tip 10

You don’t have to dispose of anything else that fits in the household waste bin. Anything that is too big for the garbage can or could damage it belongs in the container.

mixing container

In contrast to a container for bulky waste, with a mixed container you have the option of disposing of furniture as well as other items such as:

• Waste from mixtures of wood, paper and cardboard, plastics, textiles, metals and composites
• construction waste
• commercial waste
• bulky waste

Hazardous waste and electronic scrap must always be disposed of separately. The same applies to paints, varnishes, solvents and the like.

To the final spurt in the household resolution

If the dissolution of your household involves the termination of a rental agreement for an apartment or house or the sale of the property, damage to the living space must usually be repaired. If the repairs are minor, you can do them yourself if necessary. For larger tasks, remember to hire a craftsman in good time so that there are no complaints when the property is handed over.

Some waste disposal companies offer technical services, so that you can do everything through a service provider by commissioning them. This is useful if you lack the time and support to carry out the household liquidation yourself.

How do I recognize a reputable clearing company?

There are a few very specific characteristics that distinguish a reputable waste disposal company from the black sheep of the industry:

1. Steer clear of cheap offers
2. Viewing prior to making an offer is carried out free of charge
3. Company creates transparent fixed price offer
4. Service provider has liability insurance
5. Written proof of disposal will be issued

Our tip 11

Compare several offers and look for a service provider from the area – this saves travel costs and the company is available in case of complaints.

House clearance: 11 tips for a successful implementation

Often underestimated, a household liquidation represents a major challenge in most cases, which requires a lot of preparation and organization. In the following article, we give you a few tips that you can use to clear out the clutter as part of an apartment or household liquidation relatively easily.

Everything is much easier with the perfect preparation

The clearing out of a house clearance is a good opportunity to really clear out and get rid of superfluous things. It is not uncommon for objects to be discovered on these occasions that have been hidden in the basement, in the attic or in a storage room for months or years. In addition, you also have the opportunity to flush some money into the household budget by selling on online platforms or in social networks. And there is another possibility:

Here comes our tip 1

Some waste disposal companies buy up the entire household contents when a household is liquidated and in return give the customer the option of offsetting the value when clearing it out afterwards. Here you kill two birds with one stone – you get an uncomplicated, fast and professional clearing out and can also save costs through the purchase. You can find more information about this at Wirentsorgen.de, for example.

Our tip 2

If you would rather organize the sale, sorting and disposal yourself, first create a to-do list with all the important points and work through them one after the other.

1. planning
2. sort by
3. Sell ​​+ give away
4. storage
5. organize help
6. to fix an appointent
7. Organize containers / vehicles – compare offers
8. Eliminate damage – organize craftsmen

Sorting is the be-all and end-all in a household liquidation

The best way to tackle a mammoth task like clearing a household is to help small steps and step by step cleans, sorts and clears out one room after the other.

Our tip 3

Even when cleaning up, you can provide boxes in which you sort the things according to:

• to keep
• to sell
• give away

where to sell

According to this scheme, have the first room successfully clearedwhich is mostly a good one motivationin order to go straight to the next room.

Sales platforms (eBay, Vinted) there are quite a few on the internet – even specifically for books and DVDs (Momox) there are online sales opportunities.

Our tip 4

It has been shown that also on Home or yard flea markets bring all sorts of things to the man. Surely the great merit is not to be expected here. However, you should always keep in mind that everything you sell or give away no longer has to be disposed of at great expense in the end.

Our tip 5

Are there things that are still in great shape that you don’t want to keep and the sale doesn’t work out either. Then you have the option of offering them online for free collection. A post on social networks or an ad on eBay classifieds – and you’ll get rid of superfluous household goods and clothes.

decision support

It is not easy for everyone to part with things or to decide what is really important and necessary and what is not.

Our tip 6

Imagine a fire in your apartment or house – what would you want to save? Usually these are:

• Documents and documents (ID card, passport, birth certificates, insurance documents)
• disk
• photos and valuables
• some clothes

The second thought: “What would not cause you grief if lost?”.

You see – it’s basically not much that we really need. Anything that is useless, damaged, or unusable goes on the discard pile. The rest can be given away and sold.

Make an appointment & plan the clearing out

Give yourself enough time before decluttering day. Also inform your helpers in good time about the exact date and plan the day. Keep the following points in mind:

1. Do you have enough helpers?
2. Is there a vehicle ready for disposal?
3. Do you need a container?

Find helping hands

Most people find help in their family and circle of friends. Isn’t that the case for you? Here is our tip:

Tips 7

Pupils and students are more than willing to earn a few euros with help. You can look for helping hands online or put up notices on the bulletin board at the university, in the supermarket or in your own hallway. And ask your neighborhood.

The right vehicle

You can find a suitable vehicle for clearing out at a hardware store or at a car rental company. Perhaps one of your friends also has a corresponding car. If you want to rent a car, please note the following:

Tip 8

The vehicles are significantly more expensive on Saturdays than on Sundays or during the week. The earlier you book a vehicle, the cheaper it will be for you. At the end of the year, prices are always higher than in the middle of the year. This also applies at the end of each quarter – always at the end of March, the end of June and the end of September. And of course it’s worth comparing prices – in some cases you can save several hundred euros.

Where can I get a container from?

There are plenty of container services both locally and online who will be happy to advise you and provide you with an appropriate container for your needs.

Our tip 9

Do not leave the container open unattended. You would be surprised how quickly this is used as a communal rubbish bin. Lid containers are best – you can simply close them. Or you can cover the container yourself with a tarpaulin or something similar.

What can all be in one Container?

Depending on the container you have ordered, the following items can be disposed of in it:

bulky waste container

• cupboards, tables chairs
• shelves
• sofas, armchairs
• mattresses and beds
• Floor coverings (carpet, PVC)
• Lamps, mirrors, picture frames
• Interior blinds, slats
• window

Of course, you can also use the regular municipal bulky waste disposal if the time suits you. These are often free of charge and take place at regular intervals. You can inquire about the dates online, from the local waste disposal company or from the city or municipal administration.

Our tip 10

You don’t have to dispose of anything else that fits in the household waste bin. Anything that is too big for the garbage can or could damage it belongs in the container.

mixing container

In contrast to a container for bulky waste, with a mixed container you have the option of disposing of furniture as well as other items such as:

• Waste from mixtures of wood, paper and cardboard, plastics, textiles, metals and composites
• construction waste
• commercial waste
• bulky waste

Hazardous waste and electronic scrap must always be disposed of separately. The same applies to paints, varnishes, solvents and the like.

To the final spurt in the household resolution

If the dissolution of your household involves the termination of a rental agreement for an apartment or house or the sale of the property, damage to the living space must usually be repaired. If the repairs are minor, you can do them yourself if necessary. For larger tasks, remember to hire a craftsman in good time so that there are no complaints when the property is handed over.

Some waste disposal companies offer technical services, so that you can do everything through a service provider by commissioning them. This is useful if you lack the time and support to carry out the household liquidation yourself.

How do I recognize a reputable clearing company?

There are a few very specific characteristics that distinguish a reputable waste disposal company from the black sheep of the industry:

1. Steer clear of cheap offers
2. Viewing prior to making an offer is carried out free of charge
3. Company creates transparent fixed price offer
4. Service provider has liability insurance
5. Written proof of disposal will be issued

Our tip 11

Compare several offers and look for a service provider from the area – this saves travel costs and the company is available in case of complaints.

Properly illuminate large outdoor areas

What is the meaning and purpose of outdoor lighting?

Whether in the private or commercial sector, outdoor lighting is an important part of the overall lighting concept. While in the private environment it is primarily about the garden, house entrance or garage entrance, in the case of commercially used areas it is above all the company premises, parking lots or construction sites that have to be equipped with the right lighting. The sense and purpose is the same in both areas: on the one hand, the outdoor lighting should enable better orientation in the dark and, on the other hand, also plays an important role in the area of ​​safety. After all, dark, poorly lit areas are a popular target for burglars. With the right outdoor lighting, on the other hand, the risk of burglaries can be significantly reduced.

Which lights are best suited?

When it comes to lighting large outdoor areas, modern LED floodlights and spotlights in particular have proven themselves very well in practice. The luminaires, specially designed for illuminating large areas, are characterized above all by their high luminous intensity and large beam angle. Thanks to modern light-emitting diode technology, the models nowadays also offer a lot of advantages compared to the use of conventional light sources. LEDs, for example, have the highest energy efficiency compared to other methods of generating light. This means that only a comparatively small part of the energy supplied is lost as waste heat in the environment. In this way, a lot of electricity costs can be saved by using LEDs. This not only protects your wallet, but is also good for the environment. In addition, LEDs have a particularly long service life compared to other light sources. While conventional light sources usually give up after just a few 1,000 operating hours, values ​​of 50,000 operating hours are not uncommon for LEDs. The greater robustness of the LED technology is also a criterion that makes the lamps so interesting, especially for outdoor use.

What should be considered when selecting suitable lights?

LED floodlights for outdoor lighting in large areas are available in many different variants, which differ primarily in terms of equipment and range of functions. Models with an additional integrated motion sensor are particularly popular. In this way, the lights turn on automatically when movement is detected in the vicinity. An important criterion when selecting a suitable LED floodlight is the protection class of a device. This indicates how well the housing of the lamp is protected against environmental influences such as moisture. An appropriate protection class is particularly important for use in outdoor areas where the lights are exposed to constantly changing weather conditions. Models that are certified with IP65 offer sufficient protection against powerful jets of water from any angle and are also completely dustproof.

Infrared heater: perfect solution for quick heat

What is an infrared heater?

An infrared heater is a heating system that quickly warms up a specific area. The way it works differs from that of a fan heater or a gas-powered radiant heater. The infrared heater has a number of advantages over these. Thermal radiation is used here, whereby the irradiated objects are heated directly by the short-wave thermal rays. Because the heat is not transmitted through the air, but acts directly on the body, infrared heaters heat up noticeably faster than conventional heaters. In addition, no heat is lost through convection or wind, which enables efficient use even in outdoor areas. Another advantage is that the air does not dry out indoors, which supports a good indoor climate.

infrared heaters

Infrared radiators should not be confused with infrared heaters. The latter work with less power, the slightly longer waves do not penetrate as deeply into individual objects and thus warm up the entire room gently and gently. These are an alternative to “normal” heaters that are supposed to keep a room warm, whereas infrared radiant heaters heat up very efficiently for a short time.

Where are infrared radiant heaters used?

Wherever heat is needed quickly and only at certain times, infrared heaters are the perfect solution. Depending on the intended use, there are of course a wide variety of radiant heater models that can be practically attached in various ways.

• Outside: terrace, balcony, garden
• conservatory
• In the bedroom, so there is no need to heat it all day.
• In the bathroom to make it easier to get ready after getting up.
• In the workshop
• At the baby changing table

Infrared heaters are therefore intended more as supplementary heat sources, for which they are also perfectly suited. However, they should not be used as primary heating. There are more efficient solutions for this (such as infrared heaters).

Health risks?

Anyone who has concerns that infrared radiation could be bad for the body can rest easy. There are no health-damaging consequences, rather the relaxing heat radiation has a positive effect on body and mind. In addition, there are hardly any other dangers. In contrast to gas-powered radiant heaters, there is no immediate risk of burns and no highly flammable raw material is used. Incidentally, infrared radiation can also prevent mold by heating the walls.

Cost of infrared heaters

Radiant heaters of high quality are available from as little as €150. These are characterized by a long service life and extremely high energy efficiency. Up to 92% of the supplied energy is converted into heat, conventional models only achieve 30% to 70%.

Conclusion

So if you could sometimes use a little more heat in certain places in or around the house, you are well advised to use an infrared heater. This delivers a pleasant climate quickly and precisely; However, the radiator is not intended as a replacement for the central heating system.

Solar Energy: The tangible benefits of solar power

A photovoltaic system fits on (almost) every roof

Provided that the house roof has a sufficiently large area, a solar system can be mounted on almost any roof without any problems. The prerequisites that applied in the early days of the technology – roof pitch angle of 30 to 35 degrees plus orientation to the south – still deliver the optimum energy – but they are no longer a prerequisite for profitable operation. On the contrary: The urgency of sustainable climate protection, especially in energy production, has already prompted some federal states to adopt a “solar obligation” for all new buildings and all existing buildings whose roofs are being renovated. The federal government has initiated a draft law for a nationwide obligation to install PV systems.

Investing in solar energy pays off financially

Your own solar power is cheaper than any tariff from an electricity provider. You generally pay more than double, sometimes even triple, for electricity from the grid. In addition, you are protected against increases in the long term. Depending on the size of the respective photovoltaic system and individual consumption, the investment costs are amortized after an average of ten years. Also because you can feed excess electricity into the grid for a fixed fee. At the same time, the federal and state governments are promoting the purchase of photovoltaic systems and electricity storage systems with grants and low-interest loans, so that the financial burden is “stretched” over time.

Solar energy and electricity storage ensure independence

With a holistic system consisting of a photovoltaic system and electricity storage, you can usually cover more than two-thirds of your electricity consumption from your own production. The power storage guarantees that you also have light when it has long been dark outside and that you can take a hot shower even in winter. Your balance will be even better if you decide to work with a high-performance solar cloud provider. The solar cloud is a kind of huge electricity storage that is filled by many self-sufficient solar power producers. If your own production is no longer sufficient for your needs at a certain point in time, you can retrieve your additional requirements from the memory. Additional benefits for you as a homeowner:

– You are 100% independent of electricity from the grid.

– You can become a member of powerful solar cloud providers at any time.

– Access is compatible with all complete PV and storage systems.

A solar system increases the value of the property

A good solar system with the appropriate performance has a positive effect on the property value. In particular, buyers of existing properties are willing to pay significantly more money for a house if it has a photovoltaic system on the roof. It also plays a not insignificant role that solar modules are certified to have an average service life of 20 to 25 years. And: An in-house charging station operated with solar power also increases the attractiveness of the property under the sign of increasing e-mobility.

Conclusion

Investing in a solar system is a safe investment in the future for homeowners. You benefit directly from low energy prices and attractive federal and state subsidies. A complete system with electricity storage ensures long-term independence from the rising prices of network providers and has a positive effect on the value of the property. As part of the promotion of e-mobility, the solar power from the home charging station ensures that you can actually get behind the wheel of your e-car with a clear conscience. Solar energy is practical climate protection with many advantages.

Tips for choosing the right shower fitting

Mounting: wall mounting or flush-mounted?

When buying a shower faucet, you should first answer the basic question of what type of installation you want. There are basically two types of mounting: The concealed faucet and the exposed fitting.

In the Shower fitting for flush mounting The technology of the fitting is installed in the wall and thus disappears under the plaster. The advantage is that it saves space in the shower, while at the same time making it appear larger and minimizing the risk of injury.

The second option is the Wall mounted shower faucet It is usually chosen when you do not want to interfere with the existing water pipes and want to replace a defective fitting. Compared to the concealed faucet, the maintenance is also much easier.

service

In addition to the type of installation, shower fittings also differ in their operation. Single-lever mixers, two-handle mixers or shower thermostats are common.

It is undoubtedly widespread single lever mixer. The fittings not only look visually appealing, but are also practical. In particular, setting the water temperature and the strength of the water jet with just one hand and a lever is very convenient. When buying a single-lever mixer, make sure that there is a ceramic cartridge, which is additionally enhanced with technological functions.

two-handle mixer are perfect for a retro-style bathroom, but they are quite demanding in terms of water consumption.

Are very modern and practical Shower fittings with thermostat. They contain a temperature lock and thus prevent the risk of scalding, which is particularly important for children. In addition, the water temperature and the water jet remain constant. You can adjust the temperature and the intensity of the water jet either by turning the appropriate handle or by pressing a button.

Modern technologies and design

Nowadays the choice is on designs almost infinite. While some are inspired by industrial style, others are inspired by nature. There are also fittings in gold tones, white, black, chrome or stainless steel and many other designs. Also pay attention to special surface coatings. These can help increase the mechanical resistance of the surfaces and maintain gloss and color fastness. In addition, they are easier to care for. The shape of the shower fitting is also important. It is best to choose a shower faucet that matches the style of the bathroom and is from the same collection as the basin and bath faucet.

In addition to the design, you should also pay attention to the included technologies throw. There are shower fittings that are equipped with water-saving functions or that make the showering experience more pleasant overall.

Our tip for the garden: go for hybrid grass now

These types of lawns exist

For most people, lawn is lawn. But garden enthusiasts who take a closer look at their greens know that not all lawns are created equal. As with other types of plants, there are also a wide variety of lawn shapes with different requirements. These types have a wide variety of properties, from the classic play or utility lawn that can be found in most gardens, to shaded lawns for areas with less sunlight, to the classic English lawn.

Hybrid lawn in the garden?

Sports that are played on grass place a few special requirements on the green. Whether soccer, football or hockey, the surface must first and foremost be stable, level and resistant. Therefore, artificial turf is often used, as it is usually more stable. Nevertheless, natural grass has a better feel and is the standard in many competitions. The innovative hybrid turf combines the best properties of natural and artificial turf. Various experts have worked on the perfect composition. Betway Sportwetten dealt with the hybrid turf in the Bundesliga and talked to greenkeeper André Kastigen about the turf innovation. For the expert, the benefits are obvious: “A hybrid turf is the best thing you can build. It can be played in any weather, it is always smooth, level and true to the ball. That makes the game incredibly fast,” says Kastigen.

This is how the hybrid lawn is constructed

The surface of the hybrid turf consists of 25-28 mm long natural blades of grass, which are reinforced by approx. 15 mm long synthetic fibres. With this combination, the lawn can withstand adverse weather conditions. The approximately 12 cm thick lawn-bearing layer is interspersed with synthetic fibers that are up to 18 cm deep, which provides the lawn with optimal growth conditions. Underneath is a drain layer, which protects the approx. 23 cm deep heating loops. With the lawn heating, the lawn can always be kept at the optimum temperature, which is extremely important, especially in winter. Underneath the heating layer is another layer of insulation, which protects the lawn from groundwater and the cold.

Wolfsburg and Dortmund rely on hybrid turf

In the Pitch of the Year award in 2019, a hybrid turf was among the top three twice. Both Borussia Dortmund and VfL Wolfsburg rely on the combination of artificial and natural turf.

Hybrid turf will also become more and more interesting for private use over time. Hybrid turf could be a suitable alternative to rolled turf and the like, especially for lawns that are frequently used.

Buy a rental apartment or real estate? Which is still worth it in 2021

The reason for this is, on the one hand, the currently still extremely low building interest rates. On the other hand, there is a whole range of state and church funds that make buying real estate even cheaper.

To receive non-refundable grants, either an apartment for personal use or a house for the family can be purchased. The state contributes with the highest possible grants if your own children live in the household or if the new apartment is furnished in such a way that it remains livable for a long time even in old age.

The KfW Baukindergeld will no longer be available in this form from 2021, but the Kreditbank für Wiederaufbau has plenty of subsidies and discounts available if an energy-saving house is built. These houses are referred to as “eco-house”, “zero-energy house” or, for example, “passive house”.

Where can I get state subsidies for buying a house or apartment?

Basically, a distinction must be made between concessions on construction loans and state subsidies that do not have to be repaid. Everyone in the household is given a certain amount of cash to build a house. Here is a complete selection of current KfW funding programs for real estate purchases. Especially in the field of e-mobility, KfW has many other exciting funding programs available, which can be combined with the purchase of a new apartment or house. Practical if the zero-energy house not only produces more electricity than it needs, but also if the environmentally friendly e-vehicle can be charged directly on your own property with green electricity.

Concessions are advantages in the modalities of loan repayment. In this way, church congregations can give building money to families for whom the interest burden can be fixed for many years at the current low interest rate. Anyone who takes care of their family, i.e. their relatives in need of care or their own children, usually receives further discounts when buying real estate. So it’s worth not only contacting your house bank about a building loan, but also asking social organizations about regional options or seeking advice directly from the responsible parish.

Who gets a real estate loan?

It is sometimes not that easy to buy a new apartment or house or to convert it in a natural way with a loan. Incidentally, subsidies and subsidies are not only available for the purchase of new real estate, but also for a handicapped-friendly, barrier-free conversion of house and apartment. It is important to make a good impression at the bank. Think of your loan interview as a job interview in which you have to score points and convince your bank advisor that you will be able to pay back all monthly installments on time and reliably over the entire agreed loan term. Of course, this includes a flawless visual appearance as well as complete documentation. In addition, you should already have gone through various modalities of the future real estate loan at home and selected a suitable variant for your individual situation. When buying a property, it is important to be able to cover at least the ancillary purchase costs with your own financial resources. If this is not the case, 100 percent financing is often rejected by most large banks.

Underestimated additional costs when buying a house: This is how much a notary, appraiser and interest cost

It is not possible to say in general terms how high the ancillary construction costs are in individual cases. The location of the new property is important. Real estate in a good to upscale location can cause higher brokerage costs, which drives up the additional purchase costs, as Maxi Schwarz from the wohnung-jetzt.de portal has observed. For a notary or the entry in the land register, however, there are regionally uniform fees. The creation of the necessary documents, which often have to be certified in triplicate, causes additional additional costs. A key factor, however, is the interest over the agreed term of the real estate loan. In the case of a repayment agreement without a fixed interest rate, it can happen that the construction interest suddenly increases after a short time. If interest is locked in for a period of 20 years or more, however, the interest rate will be higher. As a rule of thumb, the real estate loan should be negotiated in such a way that it can be repaid in the shortest possible time.

How long does it take to pay off the house or apartment?

In order to be able to get the real estate loan at all, some cuts and restrictions are necessary in many households. For example, the second car can be sold, which on the one hand immediately provides more equity, but on the other hand also reduces the monthly burden if taxes, insurance and fuel bills are eliminated in the future. It can have a positive effect on lending if the bank advisor is given specific considerations and concrete implementations in this regard. In this way you underline that you prioritize credit financing and are ready to minimize unnecessary special expenses.

If the real estate loan expires soon, it can make sense to transfer the remaining debt to another bank. The new bank pays the outstanding amount all at once, and the monthly installments are then repaid to the new bank on new terms. There are often benefits in the monthly interest, which can make the overall repayment easier. Follow-up financing is worthwhile in 2021 for property owners who took out a building loan about 10 years ago and now want to benefit from the low interest rate for building projects. A real estate loan can be concluded for 10, 15 or 20 years. In individual cases, a credit term of up to 30 years is agreed. In any case, it remains to calculate how the additional costs will develop with such a long repayment period and what the dream property will ultimately cost more as a result.

Conclusion: Buying an apartment or house will be more worthwhile than ever in 2021!

Anyone who is still benefiting from the low building interest rates and buying their own home usually does not need more than around 20% of all real estate costs in equity. With some credit institutions in some economic regions it is only around 13% equity, while other banks can demand 25% equity plus the self-financing of the ancillary construction costs. A supposedly cheap real estate loan can quickly turn into a cost trap if the currently low interest rates cannot be locked in for the entire repayment period.