Bird's-eye view of a city with many buildings. On the left, you can see water with a stretch of beach and a row of green trees.

What is the local comparable rent based on?

The local comparative rent is formed from the usual rents of the municipality (or a comparable municipality). The living space must be comparable in terms of type, size, equipment, quality and location. The period under consideration for the local comparable rent is four years. Increases due to increases in operating costs are not taken into account.

A serene residential area with modern white apartment buildings, balconies with plants, a pedestrian-friendly walkway, bicycle racks, and green spaces, exemplifying community ownership and sustainable urban design.

The Fundamentals of Community Ownership

Community ownership forms the foundation for harmonious and regulated coexistence in multi-family houses or residential complexes. It comprises all flat owners and plays a crucial role in the management and maintenance of the communal property. But what legal principles apply to community ownership, and how is decision-making organised? In this article, we shed light on the most important aspects and demonstrate the responsibilities undertaken by property managers and the advisory board, as well as the potential advantages and disadvantages of community ownership.

Aerial view of Dingelsdorf near Constance with homes by Lake Constance in a green and tranquil setting

Dingelsdorf property: Fantastic houses and flats on Lake Constance

To the north of Constance, the district of Dingelsdorf is picturesquely situated on a slight hillside and meanders along the shores of Lake Überlingen. Here you will find marvellous Constance condominiums with lake views. Or would you like to buy a house in Constance for the whole family at attractive prices? In the quiet residential area of the town with its approx. 2200 inhabitants, you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the green region on Lake Constance between Dettlingen and Litzelstetten. Relax in your leisure time at the lidos or in the Dingelsdorfer Ried nature reserve. The ferry takes you to Überlingen on the other side of the lake in ten minutes. You can reach Allensbach and the B 33, on which you can cross the whole of Baden-Württemberg, just as quickly by car. Even Constance's old town is only around a quarter of an hour away. By the way, with Engel & Völkers you will also find Properties in the district of Constance as well as in other districts and towns.

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?

A man in a suit and a woman look at a laptop in a bright office.

When do you need the consent of the community of owners for a change of use?

If a property is divided into condominiums according to the provisions of the Condominium Act (Wohnungseigentumsgesetz, WEG), the following applies: In most cases, the consent of the community of owners must be obtained for the change of use. When this is the case, i.e. whether the change of use requires (internal) consent, can be assessed on the basis of the so-called declaration of division.

Bright, airy room with white walls, wood floors, and a large window. A radiator sits below the window, topped with a potted green plant. Building exterior visible.

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?

Contact

Contact your personal advisor

Professional in a gray suit and white shirt smiling confidently while holding a smartphone, standing in front of classical white buildings with arched windows and elegant architectural details.
Professional woman in a beige business suit and white blouse walking confidently in an urban environment, with wind-swept hair and carrying a leather portfolio, against a blurred city background.

Engel & Völkers Germany

Vancouverstraße 2a

20457 Hamburg, Germany

Tel: +49 40 361310