Expanding living space as an attractive option for your property in Hamburg

Leverage your property's existing potential by expanding usable space

In many houses and apartments in Hamburg, not all available space is designated as living space. Areas that lack the necessary development—such as utility or traffic areas—are not counted as living space but can be transformed into such through expansion measures. Typical actions include converting attics or basements – with appropriate insulation and facade panels, additional livable rooms can be created to serve as guest rooms, children's rooms, or recreational spaces. Depending on the initial situation, unused garages or garden sheds can also be repurposed in this manner. This allows you to repurpose existing space contingents effectively without needing to plan and finance an entirely new addition.

Another advantage: expanding the living space of your property in Hamburg usually leads to a permanent increase in its value, which is beneficial for the future sale of the house or apartment. If these options are not available or have already been utilized, a layout extension, such as a new addition, can provide an even more personalized result.

An addition as the optimal complement for your house or apartment in Hamburg

With an addition, you extend your house or apartment by adding more structural elements. This can be achieved by widening or lengthening the ground floor, creating new rooms for the property. This approach can also be applied vertically by adding additional floors, provided the structural conditions allow it. Another popular option is constructing a conservatory, which, with its full roof coverage, can also be used as a legitimate living space. Depending on the initial situation, additions can also be made to condominiums, such as with a balcony, rooftop terrace, or similar structures. According to the Living Space Ordinance, such spaces are also counted as 25% towards the property's living area.

Which measures are technically feasible should be determined in close cooperation with a skilled architect, who can tailor to your personal preferences. Engel & Völkers, your real estate agent in Hamburg, is happy to provide you with a list of reliable contacts from the area.

Do you need a building permit for your planned living space expansion in Hamburg?

The necessity of a building permit plays a central role in determining feasibility: for most of the measures described above, obtaining such a permit is required, as significant alterations to the building or the construction of new parts must comply with applicable building regulations. The detailed requirements are specified at the state level and can be found in the Hamburg Building Code.

You can only submit the application if you are among the circle of authorized persons, such as an architect or building engineer. Otherwise, a relevant construction company is usually tasked with the planning and obtaining of the permit. Only a few measures do not require a building permit—for instance, if the house's basement is already officially recognized as living space and merely requires some cosmetic touches for residential use. If the property being altered is a condominium within a multi-party building, it may also be necessary to obtain the majority consent of the homeowners' association, especially if the addition of a balcony, for example, alters the overall building's appearance.

Our real estate agents are happy to provide you with detailed advice on how expanding the living space could benefit the future sale or rental of your property. If you are also considering the purchase of a new, larger apartment or house, Engel & Völkers Hamburg can assist you with a comprehensive portfolio of offers. We welcome your call, and you can also schedule a free and non-binding consultation with us through our digital contact form.