A cozy wooden chalet with glowing windows surrounded by snowy hills and forest under a clear evening sky.

The world’s top 5 most exclusive ski resorts

Engel & Völkers presents this year’s ski ranking, highlighting the five most exclusive ski destinations worldwide. According to the latest survey by the globally operating real estate service provider, the most exclusive ski properties are currently found in the Swiss Alps: Gstaad in the Saanenland tops the ranking as the location with the highest real estate prices, followed by the prestigious ski resort of St. Moritz in Graubünden. Aspen, in the U.S. state of Colorado, takes third place, making it the most exclusive ski region in the Rocky Mountains. Neighboring Vail, as well as Park City in Utah, also rank among the five most sought-after winter destinations worldwide.

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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?

Modern white Mediterranean villa with multiple terraces, infinity swimming pool, landscaped gardens with palm trees, stone retaining walls, and contemporary cubic architecture set against blue sky

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.

House with energy efficiency classes from A to G, person working at a desk, symbolizing sustainable real estate

Agreement on the Building Energy Act: What will be important for Hamburg property owners

As one of the most polarising topics in the political discourse, the amendment to the Building Energy Act energy law is also occupying the owners of houses, flats and other properties in Hamburg Obligation to retrofit for older heating systems in favour of the heating transition in Germany was debated in the media and in public, and it took a long time for the coalition parties to reach a consensus. In mid-June 2023, an internal government Agreement has now been reached, which is considered a promising basis for adoption in the Bundestag. In this article, your estate agent for the north-east of Hamburg, Engel & Völkers Alstertal, would like to summarise for you the changes that the so-called "Heating Act" will bring for owners of houses and flats and why this is particularly important in Hamburg can be expected to be implemented more quickly than at federal level. Find out more now!

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Your guide to student accommodation investment

The student housing market is heating up in german university towns, with investors racing to finance new purpose-built developments. If you’re interested in a high-yield student accommodation investment, here are a few considerations.

Contemporary luxury villa with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, infinity swimming pool, wooden deck terrace, outdoor lounge furniture, and panoramic ocean views with mature trees and cloudy sky backdrop

Luxury properties from Engel & Völkers

A rustic chalet in the mountains, a country estate steeped in history or a stylishly furnished penthouse - the world of luxury real estate is as exclusive as it is varied. Luxury houses and flats stand out from other properties by more than just a large living space, numerous rooms or the purchase price: a special sense for details, craftsmanship and architectural refinements and the use of exquisite materials distinguish every luxury property. And last but not least, such residential properties are always in the best locations. Here you will find the most exclusive luxury properties in the world and useful information on the development of properties in the luxury segment.

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When is a holiday home deemed a second residence?

A holiday home on the Baltic Sea or a weekend retreat in the countryside for own use are generally to be regarded as second residences. If, on the other hand, the holiday home is used exclusively for rental purposes, it is definitely not a second residence. In fact, an investment in holiday property can become a commercial property when certain income limits are reached. In both cases, the question of whether this constitutes a second residence is easy to answer. The situation is different if the property owners use their holiday home for themselves on weekends or during holidays and rent it out during the rest of the year.

Contemporary luxury villa with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, infinity swimming pool, wooden deck terrace, outdoor lounge furniture, and panoramic ocean views with mature trees and cloudy sky backdrop

4 great places to buy a holiday home in Europe

Buying a house anywhere, even if it's for the relaxing pursuit of a holiday, is a financial investment. That's why you should be looking for the best place to buy a holiday home based on market trends, gathering all the information you can before investing in a property.There are some upcoming hotspots around Europe you should be looking if you're considering a second home, combining everything you could possibly want from your holiday with a solid investment in real estate.

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Engel & Völkers Germany

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20457 Hamburg, Germany

Tel: +49 40 361310