Engel & VölkersEngel & Völkers

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Two parallel rows of vacuum tube solar thermal collectors installed on dark gray roof tiles. A skylight window is visible on the left side of the collectors.

Retrofitting solar thermal energy in existing buildings

Retrofitting a solar thermal system can be environmentally friendly and also attractive from an economic point of view for property owners. Depending on the existing heating system and taking into account the local conditions, a solar thermal system actively supplements the heating or hot water supply. Due to rising energy costs, what has long been standard in new buildings also pays off when it comes to renovating old buildings. The state subsidises property owners with up to 35 per cent of the purchase price. Find out in our guide when it is feasible to retrofit a solar thermal system and what you need to consider before making the purchase.

  • 8 min read
  • 24.06.2022
Visit Retrofitting solar thermal energy in existing buildings
Traditional Alpine chalet with wooden construction and flower boxes perched on hillside surrounded by vibrant yellow wildflowers, overlooking dramatic snow-capped mountain peaks and green valley under clear blue sky

Yield calculation for holiday properties

Holiday properties are attractive capital investments that have become very popular. Ideal for partial owner-occupation, as a retirement property or financial provision in old age, holiday properties are usually more suitable than many other financial investments. An accurate yield calculation for holiday properties is necessary, however, because not every in-demand holiday property is equally lucrative as an investment. Apart from the location, amenities and size of the holiday properties, investors are therefore primarily interested in the financial aspects of the investment. How much return can you achieve with a holiday property? We show you what options there are for calculating the return on a holiday property and how you can determine it yourself.

  • 5 min read
  • 20.07.2022
Visit Yield calculation for holiday properties
Elegant French villa with cream stone facade and traditional shutters nestled among blooming purple lavender fields, mature plane trees, cypress trees, and golden sunset lighting in Provence countryside

Buying a house in France as a foreigner

Whether for a luxury escape, an eventual retirement destination or just a change of scene, buying a house in France is a dream for many. With plenty of cities to choose from, each with their own character, and swathes of beautiful countryside too, there’s the potential for everyone to find their niche in France. So what should you consider before relocating and buying a house in France?

  • 4 min read
  • 04.07.2019
Visit Buying a house in France as a foreigner
Historic German villa featuring red brick construction, distinctive round tower with conical roof and flag, half-timbered elements, landscaped gardens with manicured hedges, mature trees, and traditional fence under blue sky

Historical villa, comfortable existing house or modern new build? An overview to help you decide whether to buy

The property market in Germany for houses and villas contains a wealth of attractive offers - the choice includes a wide variety of architectural styles, locations and sizes. Without an estate agent to advise you, it is not always easy to keep track of all the options available - especially if you have not yet decided what the house you want to buy will actually look like and what features it will have. This article is intended to help you make the decision to buy based on our many years of in-depth real estate agent experience in Germany, so that you can soon move into your dream property. The focus of this article is primarily to consider the age of the property, which roughly divides the market into three categories.

  • 3 min read
Visit Historical villa, comfortable existing house or modern new build? An overview to help you decide whether to buy
Modern kitchen with marble island and countertops, dark cabinetry, brass pendant lights, and connected open living area with large windows and wooden furniture.

Luxury flat: Buying tips & information

In view of the increasing urbanisation, luxury flats are becoming more and more interesting for investors and owners. Luxury flats not only serve as a comfortable retreat, but often represent a lucrative investment. In the following, we will show you all the things you need to consider when buying or renting a luxury flat.

  • 4 min read
Visit Luxury flat: Buying tips & information
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Calculating living space - the right way!

If you are looking for a new property or even want to sell your property yourself, you will often come across terms such as living space or floor area. But what exactly do these terms mean and what is the difference? In this article we would like to clarify the topic of living space and show you how it is calculated.

  • 3 min read
Visit Calculating living space - the right way!
The image shows the impressive architecture with its undulating glass roof, reminiscent of water waves or sails. The lower third of the building consists of a sturdy red brick base, reminiscent of the former quay warehouse building. The Elbe River can be seen in the foreground.

Hamburg's perhaps most exclusive flat in the Elbphilharmonie

Since their completion, the condominiums in the Elbphilharmonie have undoubtedly been among Hamburg's most sought-after real estate properties. Almost all available flats in the concert hall at Hamburg's harbour, which opened in January 2017, were marketed within a short time. But even if you are not one of the new owners of the luxurious flats, you can still experience the incomparable living flair of these unique properties. Engel & Völkers Hamburg Projektvermarktung invites you to take a tour of one of Hamburg's most exclusive flats in the Elbphilharmonie:

  • 3 min read
Visit Hamburg's perhaps most exclusive flat in the Elbphilharmonie
Modern luxury home with a pool overlooking the ocean. Lounge chairs on a wooden deck.

How to handle buying and selling a home at the same time

Buying and selling a house at the same time can be a challenging prospect, but sometimes the market presents an opportunity that is simply too good to ignore. If you’re considering a significant offer with limited time or you’re keen to secure a prestige property before it’s snapped up, you may find that buying and selling houses or apartments at the same time is the only answer. In such cases, this is what you need to know.

  • 3 min read
  • 26.04.2019
Visit How to handle buying and selling a home at the same time
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Buying dream holiday homes

The real estate consultants at Engel & Völkers are the right advisors when it comes to buying holiday properties. As an internationally active real estate agent with more than 830 locations in 34 countries worldwide, we have extensive knowledge of the regional market for residential or holiday properties in almost every holiday region in the world thanks to our local agents.

  • 7 min read
Visit Buying dream holiday homes
Traditional white cottage with dark thatched roof and green shutters nestled in coastal grass dunes overlooking blue ocean under dramatic cloudy sky

Buy a house by the sea with Engel & Völkers

A house or villa in the first line of the sea and thus in the best location is not only a very special home, but also a guarantee for a successful break from the hectic city life and everyday work. The possibility of "sharing" the property in this place of longing with other holidaymakers by renting it out also makes the purchase of such a holiday home a very profitable real estate investment.

  • 4 min read
Visit Buy a house by the sea with Engel & Völkers
Two real estate professionals in business attire reviewing content on a laptop in a bright office space. A man wearing glasses and a dark blazer points at the screen while a woman in a black dress looks on attentively. City buildings are visible through the window in the background.

Real estate commission – Everything you need to know about brokerage fees 2026

The real estate commission—also known as the brokerage fee or agent’s fee—is the compensation for the intermediary or proof-of-opportunity services provided by a real estate agent. Anyone looking to buy or sell property will quickly face these core questions: Who pays the agent when selling a house? How high are the fees when buying? And when is the payment due—after the notary appointment or earlier?

  • 4 min read
  • 27.01.2026
Visit Real estate commission – Everything you need to know about brokerage fees 2026
A female real estate agent in a black blazer showing floor plans on a tablet to two clients - a woman in a light coat with a patterned scarf and a man wearing glasses - in a bright, window-lit office setting.

What does a real estate agent do?

The broker’s fee is one of the biggest cost factors arising from property sales for owners and buyers. But what does a real estate agent do for the brokers fee you pay and why does it pay off?

  • 7 min read
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Contact

Contact your personal advisor

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Engel & Völkers Germany

Vancouverstraße 2a

20457 Hamburg, Germany

Tel: +49 40 361310