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Engel & Völkers

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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.

  • 8 min read
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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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Virtual property viewing

Thanks to virtual property viewings, house sales are becoming more digital: In addition to the classic viewing appointment, Engel & Völkers offers homeowners the opportunity to market their property by means of virtual property viewings. We have summarised for you below how this works, what advantages digital marketing offers and what buyers should consider when taking a virtual tour:

  • 5 min read
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What is the best heating system to install when renovating an old building?

When renovating an old building, it is also important to consider the heating system. There is no clear-cut answer as to which new heating system is the best for an old building. The local and structural conditions have just as much influence on the choice of heating system as the costs and the legal regulations. While heating systems with storage tanks need plenty of space, solar thermal energy needs a sunny roof, preferably facing south, in order to achieve its full potential. Some homeowners want to save costs during renovation and therefore only replace the heating system as a single measure. If the insulation is not sufficient and there is no underfloor heating, a heat pump is not always the best choice. But it is precisely these heating systems that use renewable energies and are thus on the federal government's priority list. The subsidy programmes for the purchase of new heating systems are correspondingly generous. But when choosing a new heating system for an old building, there are other interesting alternatives.

  • 9 min read
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Hamburg tenancy agreement, the model contract for legally secure tenancies

A standard tenancy agreement specifically for Hamburg tenancies is the so-called Hamburg tenancy agreement. It was developed by the Hamburg Landowners' Association. As a Hanseatic organisation representing the interests of private land and property owners, the model contract was originally created to provide assistance to its own members. Not only landlords but also tenants benefit from using the standardised Hamburg tenancy agreement. This is because the standardised tenancy agreement offers legal certainty for the entire housing market in Hamburg. But that's not all. Tenants and landlords of commercial property also have the opportunity to benefit from a commercial version of the Hamburg tenancy agreement. There is also a model contract for the letting of garages and car parks. All three Hamburg tenancy agreements have the same requirements and advantages. With Engel & Völkers Hamburg Elbe, you will also find fantastic flats and houses to rent or buy. Discover interesting properties with us in Baakenhafen, the Elbe suburbs and other districts of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. Find out more about the individual properties:

  • 2 min read
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Retrofitting fireplace systems: What you need to look out for in your property

They are the epitome of a cosy living atmosphere and set individual design accents in their various forms, from modern to classic: wood-burning stoves have a long tradition worldwide and are very popular with property owners. What's more, the combination of energy efficiency and design can make a fireplace a real heating alternative, which also makes retrofitting worthwhile. In this article by your real estate agent Engel & Völkers Hamburg Elbe, you can find out why it may be worth installing a fireplace in your house or flat in Hamburg and what requirements your property must fulfil.

  • 2 min read
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Guide for owners: Redevelopment and preservation areas

If you want to buy or sell a multi-family house, you have to comply with some building laws which are particularly relevant for investors. In addition to the current legal situation, the possible development of municipal regulations should also be taken into account when making an investment decision.

  • 7 min read
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Engel & Völkers Germany

Vancouverstraße 2a

20457 Hamburg, Germany

Tel: +49 40 361310