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What are the heating systems of the future?

Whether it's a new building or the modernisation of an old building: Anyone planning an upgrade of their heating system should take a closer look at the heating systems of the future. Because while fossil fuel heating systems are usually cheap to buy, they will cost a lot of money to operate over the next few years. Natural gas and heating oil are dependent on the world market and at the same time are only available in limited quantities. This is why heating systems based on heating oil or natural gas are not future-proof. Fossil fuels are also subject to carbon tax, which makes them even more expensive. Modern heating systems using renewable energy sources such as solar or heat pumps protect the environment. Energy from the sun, the air, the earth or the water is available for free. This greatly reduces energy costs in the future. Energy-efficient heating systems make property owners more independent of energy suppliers and politics. Heating systems such as heat pumps, solar thermal energy or heating with biomass contribute to the transition of the heating sector as a significant part of the energy transition. But which heating system of the future is the right one for old or new buildings?

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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?

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Property prices Canada: Is buying real estate in Canada worth it?

The Canada real estate market is attracting more and more international investors. Whether as a capital investment, vacation home, or long-term wealth strategy – property prices Canada offer attractive entry opportunities compared to other global metropolises. In this article, you will learn everything about current real estate prices Canada, regional differences, legal framework conditions for house purchase in Canada, and why purchasing property in Canada remains an interesting option despite new regulations.

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Broker commission: Reform 2020

In May 2020, the Federal Cabinet finally discussed the reform of estate agent commission - since then, sellers and buyers have shared the costs of the estate agent when buying a property. This law rejects the so-called ordering principle. In particular, the law makes the division of the estate agent's commission between the buyer and seller of a property, which has not been uniformly regulated in Germany to date, fairer. In the following, we explain exactly what changes the reform to commission entails and why it now pays off more than ever to commission a real estate agent.

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House viewing tips

The house viewing is certainly one of the most important phases when buying and selling a house. For prospective buyers, it provides the opportunity to get an accurate impression of the property, while giving the owner the opportunity to find the right buyer. It is therefore all the more important that this part of the property sale is carefully prepared and carried out. In the following we therefore explain the most important aspects of a house viewing and what buyers and sellers need to be aware of.

  • 6 min read
  • 07.08.2025
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Financing your second investment property

Buying a second property is a goal for many capital investors and prudent families. Perhaps you’re considering a weekend getaway, looking for a future retirement property, wanting to size up and rent your current home, or thinking about an investment to pass on to your children. Whatever your reason, you’ll need a solid financial plan.

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Buy a holiday home with Engel & Völkers

Holiday homes usually have several functions. On the one hand, they are the ideal holiday domicile for one's own holiday, on the other hand they are also suitable as a Second home or weekend home. Holiday homes for sale are often sought in order to rent them out in the best holiday regions with a return on investment. So you can buy holiday homes as an investment and cover any mortgages from the rental income, at least proportionally.

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Best ways to finance your home

Who wants to pay rent when financing a property is so cheap at the moment? The low construction interest rates make buying a house or a flat particularly attractive at the moment. However, there are many things to consider when financing - for example, interest rates are very likely to rise again in the next few years. That's why comparing different financial service providers can save you a lot of money, especially when it comes to real estate financing.

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What is a land register and what is a land register entry?

When buying a house, the land register entry offers optimal security, because it is almost like a biography of the house. The land register contains information on the origins, the owners and the Real estate financing. The land register entry is reliable and shows ownership of a property in a legally binding form.

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Engel & Völkers Germany

Vancouverstraße 2a

20457 Hamburg, Germany

Tel: +49 40 361310