Engel & VölkersEngel & Völkers

Seller

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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.

  • 6 min read
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Real estate speculation tax: Deadlines, rates & tax-optimization

Selling a property can be a significant financial milestone, yet the tax implications often catch sellers off guard. In Germany, the speculation tax on real estate (Spekulationssteuer) is a critical factor for any private seller. If you divest a property within the statutory speculation period and realize a profit, that gain may be subject to taxation.

  • 7 min read
  • 27.02.2026
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Private subletting - what is permissible and what is not?

You want to sublet your apartment? Whenever a contract is signed, the signatories should be aware of the applicable legal situation in order to avoid any subsequent disputes resulting from inadequate knowledge of the law. This also applies to subletting your own four walls. We would like to inform you about the most important legal principles by answering frequently asked questions.

  • 4 min read
  • 01.12.2021
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The energy performance certificate - an important document for selling a house

If you want to sell your house or apartment, an up-to-date energy performance certificate, which provides information about the energy efficiency of your property, is one of the most important documents of all. Since the Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV) of 2014, such an energy certificate is mandatory if you want to sell your Sell your property want to sell your property. The most important questions about the energy certificate are explained below.

  • 4 min read
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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.

  • 4 min read
  • 26.09.2024
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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?

  • 9 min read
  • 20.05.2022
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Applying for a change of use: How do you obtain the necessary planning permission?

The change of use of a building or part of a building is an undertaking under building law. Whether you have to apply for a change of use and need planning permission does not primarily depend on whether you are planning structural measures. Changes of use are subject to planning permission if the new use is subject to different or more extensive requirements under public law than the previous use.

  • 6 min read
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Notary contract - 4 things you should know when selling a house

A house sale is nearing its end: The buyer for the property has been found together with the estate agent, the price negotiations are over. Now all that is missing is the notarial contract of sale or notarial deed to make the transaction legally binding and to notarise the purchase at the notary's office. But what does such a contract actually contain and what legal force does it have? Can you withdraw from a notarial contract after signing it? In this article we explain

  • 8 min read
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A house with pool

Many people dream of having a house with a pool. But what kind of pool is most suitable? An outdoor pool in your own garden for the summer is appealing because of the low acquisition costs. An indoor pool that can be used all year round, perhaps even extending into an outdoor pool, costs a lot more, as does a heated and covered outdoor pool. Is this investment worthwhile? How much does it cost to set up and maintain your own wellness area? Does every pool increase the value of the property?

  • 8 min read
  • 18.08.2022
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Engel & Völkers Germany

Vancouverstraße 2a

20457 Hamburg, Germany

Tel: +49 40 361310