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Created on 27.11.2024
Reduce heating costs: The 5 most effective heating tips for the winter
If you don't want to freeze within your own four walls in winter, you turn up the heating to ensure cosy warmth. But as nice as a cosy, warm home is, if you mean it too well, you risk a hefty heating bill. To keep your heating costs as low as possible, there are a whole range of measures that you can implement with little effort. This article takes a closer look at the five most effective ones.
Tip 1: Ventilate properly
Especially when it's really cold outside, many people tend to just tilt their windows when ventilating - after all, you want to keep the heat in and keep the cold out. However, as effective heating only works with fresh, unused air, this must enter the house regularly in large quantities, preferably through diagonal airing. Open as many windows as possible three to four times a day for a few minutes so that the room air can be completely exchanged once. The fresh air will heat up much faster than the ‘stale’ air and your general well-being will thank you for it. Shock ventilation (especially in winter) is also an effective way of preventing mould.
Correct ventilation can save you up to €190 a year on heating costs.
Correct ventilation can save you up to €190 a year on heating costs.
Tip 2: Electronic thermostats
Are you tired of turning the thermostat on your radiators every day without a plan or a clue, only to end up with another horrendous heating bill? Then why not upgrade to electronic thermostats and use them to programme when and how warm you want your heating to be. The use of electronic thermostats is particularly useful if you are away from home for long periods during the day and don't want to heat your home ‘full’ during this time. This is because you can use them to control with pinpoint accuracy so that, for example, your bathroom is cosy and warm in the morning and your living room is at the perfect feel-good temperature at the end of the day.
Electronic thermostats can save you around €170 a year. However, you also have to reckon with an initial cost of €15 to €70 per thermostat.
Electronic thermostats can save you around €170 a year. However, you also have to reckon with an initial cost of €15 to €70 per thermostat.
Tip 3: Lower temperatures by 1° C
Warmer is not always better! Even if you certainly come home frozen through on some days, the heating doesn't have to run at full blast all the time. By lowering the temperature in all rooms by just 1° C, you can save up to €100 over the year - without even noticing a significant difference. Basically, you can stick to these guide values: 20° C in the living rooms, 16° C in the bedroom, 18° C in the kitchen, 21° C in the bathroom and 16° C in the hallway.
Tip 4: Insulate windows and doors
It doesn't always have to be a complete energy refurbishment. Small measures are often enough to better insulate draughty windows and doors and thus prevent cold air from entering the house or heating energy from escaping. Foam or rubber sealing tapes are available for little money from DIY stores and can be installed quickly and easily, even by non-professionals. Even simpler are draught excluders for windows and doors, which often also look good and can be customised to match the style of your interior design.
Tip 5: Keep radiators clear & ventilate
Many people make the mistake of covering their radiators with furniture, plants or curtains. Of course, the ageing metal boxes are not a visual highlight. But that doesn't mean they should be hidden away. The heat simply builds up between the radiator and the object and cannot be distributed evenly throughout the room. The result: a cold room and the urge to turn the thermostat up further, ergo a high energy bill.
As you can see, it is not difficult at all to reduce heating costs. Many of the effective tips in this article can be implemented free of charge, while others can be realised with just a few euros.
As you can see, it is not difficult at all to reduce heating costs. Many of the effective tips in this article can be implemented free of charge, while others can be realised with just a few euros.
Created on 07.10.2024
Floor plan planning: So many decisions, where do I start when building a house?
A romantic bay window with space for a comfy reading chair, a spacious hallway including a dirt trap, a walk-in wardrobe - anyone planning their dream home will soon go into raptures and have a state wish list in front of them. But which points on it are really realistic? What characterizes a good floor plan? And: What will be left of the castle in the air when you put the red pencil with the word ‘budget’ on it?
If you look around on the Internet, in a show home or in catalogues, you will quickly discover that there are an almost infinite number of floor plans: There are an almost infinite number of floor plans for solid construction houses. It's not easy to make a decision. To make your decision a little easier, here are ten questions you should ask yourself before planning your dream home.
Event highlights:
Here's what you can expect in a nutshell from our online event ‘So many decisions, where do I start when building a house’:
- Floor plan planning: recognising and naming needs
- 10 questions to help you decide YOUR perfect floor plan
- Experiences of Town & Country Haus builders
Take this opportunity to get comprehensive information and get a little closer to your dream of owning your own home. You can register here free of charge and without obligation. We look forward to your participation!
Event details:
Date: Wednesday, 09 October 2024
Time: 19:00 - 19:30
Place: Online
Register now for free and without obligation here. We look forward to your participation!
We will be happy to answer any questions you may have in the run-up to the event. Simply contact us via our contact form.
Register now for free and without obligation here. We look forward to your participation!
We will be happy to answer any questions you may have in the run-up to the event. Simply contact us via our contact form.
Created on 10.09.2024
Turnkey construction: Your path to carefree home ownership
The path to owning your own home can be complex and confusing, especially when it comes to terms such as ‘extension stages’ and ‘turnkey’. Our online event ‘Expansion stages: What is a turnkey Town & Country home?’ will help you
help you understand these terms and make the best decision for your building project.
help you understand these terms and make the best decision for your building project.
Event highlights:
- Definition and differences between the expansion stages: Find out what work and services are included in the various
expansion stages are included. - Advantages of a turnkey house: Understand why a turnkey house can save time and money.
Event details:
Date: Wednesday, 11 September 2024
Time: 19:00 - 19:30
Place: Online
Register now for free and without obligation here. We look forward to your participation!
We will be happy to answer any questions you may have in the run-up to the event. Simply contact us via our contact form.
Register now for free and without obligation here. We look forward to your participation!
We will be happy to answer any questions you may have in the run-up to the event. Simply contact us via our contact form.
Created on 08.06.2024
Saving money when building a house: Tricks to reduce interest rates
High construction interest rates often represent a major financial burden for home builders. And some prospective builders are put off from their new build project because of the expected costs. But that doesn't have to be the case! We'll tell you the best tricks, subsidies and rate-eaters to effectively reduce high interest rates when building a house.
#1 Sustainably thought out: The right planning for your new building
If you want to reduce your construction interest rates, the initial planning of the construction project is crucial. If you decide on a plot of land in a rural location, for example, this will have a positive effect on the amount of your future installments. At the same time, the property transfer tax will be reduced.
With a flexible floor plan and a compact design, you also benefit from more living space in fewer square meters. This means you can adapt your new home to your wishes and needs. Thanks to the reduced, effectively used living space, you also lower your interest rates.
With a flexible floor plan and a compact design, you also benefit from more living space in fewer square meters. This means you can adapt your new home to your wishes and needs. Thanks to the reduced, effectively used living space, you also lower your interest rates.
#2 Self-help when building a house
Attention hobbyists! In order to minimize the costs incurred, it can also be worthwhile to do the work yourself. In addition, so-called prefabricated houses significantly reduce your interest rate. But be careful: make sure that you actually have the necessary specialist knowledge and that you have correctly calculated the time required for the work. Complex measures are better left to experienced professionals, because delays or construction defects due to a lack of know-how also lead to unwanted additional costs.
#3 Ease your own wallet with government subsidies
Another trick to effectively reduce interest rates when building a house is to apply for suitable house building funding. The state-owned credit institution KfW offers house builders a wide range of funding programs.
KfW funding for climate-friendly new buildings (BEG-KFN)
By opting for an energy-efficient new building, you can save twice as much! On the one hand, sustainable construction reduces your future energy costs - even in the long term. On the other hand, you can reduce your interest rates with the "Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings - Climate-Friendly New Buildings". The program allows you to take out a low-interest loan of up to 150,000 euros. However, only energy-efficient residential and non-residential buildings with an energy efficiency rating of EH40 that do not use fossil fuels are eligible for funding.
By the way: All solid houses from Town & Country Haus meet the requirements of the energy-efficient KfW subsidy. Our residential buildings already meet the standard of an Efficiency House 55 (EH55).
By the way: All solid houses from Town & Country Haus meet the requirements of the energy-efficient KfW subsidy. Our residential buildings already meet the standard of an Efficiency House 55 (EH55).
Successor to the child home building allowance: Home ownership for families (WEF)
As a successor program to the child home building allowance, the “Home Ownership for Families” funding program enables families with low to medium incomes in particular to realize their dream of owning their own home. Home builders who are eligible for funding can look forward to low-interest loans of up to 270,000 euros. However, the program only applies to energy-efficient new buildings that are occupied by the family themselves. Existing buildings are excluded from the funding.
All families with at least one minor child and an income limit of 90,000 euros can apply for this subsidy. With each additional child, the income limit increases by 10,000 euros.
All families with at least one minor child and an income limit of 90,000 euros can apply for this subsidy. With each additional child, the income limit increases by 10,000 euros.
#4 Double funding thanks to granny flats or tiny apartments
Whether it's a separate home office, hobby rooms or a separate living space for your teenage offspring - a tiny or granny flat in your own home offers you even more freedom. With this special living concept, you can create additional retreat spaces and are also prepared for unexpected changes in plans. Another advantage: granny flats and tiny apartments in the house are even twice eligible for subsidies. This way, you can skilfully reduce your monthly construction interest and at the same time enjoy even more flexibility in your own four walls.
Created on 07.03.2024
Financing your own home – How to do it with financing services
Real estate prices are falling and subsidies are available for builders, home buyers and owners. But how do you find the right financing for your construction project? To ensure that nothing stands in the way of your dream home, we have an independent subsidy and financing service that is at your side and gives you cost control right from the start.
The comparison portal Check24, which is one of the first points of contact for builders, announced at the turn of the year that now is the right time to build a house. You should remember: As soon as the percentage points fall by at least 0.3, you can save more than 10,000 euros in interest costs on a construction loan of 400,000 euros. Would you like to find out whether 2024 is your year to build a house? Then use the bank-independent funding and financing service from Town & Country Haus and get closer to your dream of owning your own home step by step.
Benefits of the funding and financing service
There are many good reasons to use our financing service, but the biggest advantage is the nationwide search for financing offers. We compare not only regional banks, but also national ones to find the best offer for your dream home. We also do not rely on just one bank, but operate independently of banks. This enables us to offer a wide range of offers and comprehensive financing advice, because your dream is our priority. But it is not just the financing that has to be right, we also check funding for you. Here, too, we compare which funding is best for you. Because even at the state level, there are sometimes funding options that have better conditions for your individual case.
And the best part: Our more than 250 regional Town & Country Haus partners can advise you on your financing directly on site. At Town & Country Haus, you can get everything from a single source: house, plot of land and financing. We look forward to your house project!
And the best part: Our more than 250 regional Town & Country Haus partners can advise you on your financing directly on site. At Town & Country Haus, you can get everything from a single source: house, plot of land and financing. We look forward to your house project!
Created on 23.11.2023
Building a house with funding – affordable, future-proof and flexible
Up to 200,000 euros in subsidized loans with a monthly rate of 900 euros - does that sound impossible given the current interest rates? Not with the federal funding for efficient buildings - climate-friendly residential buildings (BEG-KFWG)! You can find out directly from us what requirements you have to meet to receive the funding.
The Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings - Climate-Friendly New Construction (BEG KFN) supports house construction in two funding levels: climate-friendly residential building (KWFG) and climate-friendly residential building with QNG (KWFG-QNG). And the best thing: subsidized loans are available per residential unit.
The Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings - Climate-Friendly New Construction (BEG KFN) supports house construction in two funding levels: climate-friendly residential building (KWFG) and climate-friendly residential building with QNG (KWFG-QNG). And the best thing: subsidized loans are available per residential unit.
House with granny flat: double funding
If you build a two-family house or a house with a granny flat, you can benefit from double funding and receive a subsidized loan of 200,000 euros. The KFWG funding level of the federal funding for efficient buildings provides funding of up to 100,000 euros per residential unit if you build an Efficiency House 40 and sustainably reduce CO2 emissions with a view to the ecological balance.
The monthly installments are just as important to us as they are to you, which is why our independent funding and financing service accompanies you from the beginning so that you can fulfill your dream of owning your own home. With this funding level, you can invest around 200,000 euros in subsidized loans in your dream home with a monthly installment of 900 euros. In combination with an additional bank loan, you can cover the remaining costs of building your house, such as land and additional construction costs. At first glance, that sounds too good to be true, but we have created a financing example for the Flair 148 growing house with a granny flat for you here to give you a better overview of the funding.
The monthly installments are just as important to us as they are to you, which is why our independent funding and financing service accompanies you from the beginning so that you can fulfill your dream of owning your own home. With this funding level, you can invest around 200,000 euros in subsidized loans in your dream home with a monthly installment of 900 euros. In combination with an additional bank loan, you can cover the remaining costs of building your house, such as land and additional construction costs. At first glance, that sounds too good to be true, but we have created a financing example for the Flair 148 growing house with a granny flat for you here to give you a better overview of the funding.
The advantages: House with granny flat
A house with two residential units not only allows you to receive double the subsidy, but also reduces the monthly expenses that you have to bear as the builder. You can benefit from rental income if you rent out the smaller residential unit of your house. This will also reduce your monthly loan repayments and the living space will not be empty. You can limit this constellation to a certain time if you plan the granny flat as a long-term apartment for your grandparents or your adult children. It is also possible that you move into the small residential unit yourself when you are older and leave the larger one to your children and grandchildren. Experience shows that older people live in more living space than they need, which is why you plan ahead with a house with a granny flat.
With Town & Country Haus you are building for the future and making the construction of your dream home affordable again. Find out more from us now and start planning your home. We look forward to your inquiry!
Created on 02.08.2023
Real estate prices are falling: Why it's worth buying a house now
Realizing their dream of owning their own home is becoming a reality again for many families: property prices are falling nationwide. So is now the right time to buy a house? And if so, where?
After more than ten years of real estate boom, the big price slump is now coming as a result of inflation, rising interest rates and declining demand: In the first quarter of 2023, prices for residential properties fell by an average of 2.1 percent compared to the previous year, as the current real estate price index of the Association of German Pfandbrief Banks (VDP) shows. A good time to put the topic of buying a house back on the agenda.
Where real estate is now cheap
Anyone thinking of buying a house has a good chance of getting a good price, especially in rural areas. Houses and apartments here cost around 30 percent less than in cities. This is the result of a new study by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) and the Allensbach Institute. According to the study, the average purchase price for a house or apartment in the country is around 2,800 euros per square meter, while in German cities it is just under 4,200 euros.
Housing is still the most expensive in Germany's seven major cities - Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart and Frankfurt: the purchase price for a property here is on average a good 6,000 euros per square meter. But the price decline is also noticeable in the cities with a population of one million, according to the property price index. At 1.4 percent, however, it is moderate. What might be surprising is that buying a house in the suburbs of the country's largest metropolises is often not worth it. Property prices here are higher than in the big cities themselves.
Housing is still the most expensive in Germany's seven major cities - Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart and Frankfurt: the purchase price for a property here is on average a good 6,000 euros per square meter. But the price decline is also noticeable in the cities with a population of one million, according to the property price index. At 1.4 percent, however, it is moderate. What might be surprising is that buying a house in the suburbs of the country's largest metropolises is often not worth it. Property prices here are higher than in the big cities themselves.
What will happen to real estate prices?
Jens Tolckmitt, General Manager of the Association of German Pfandbrief Banks, believes that the current price development is just the beginning. Due to inflation and rising interest rates, demand for real estate has fallen sharply. Plots of land remain undeveloped, old stock stands empty. A downward price correction should lead to the long-awaited turnaround in the real estate market.
According to the expert, the trend is likely to continue downward in the coming quarters. Reason enough to start looking for your dream property in good time. Also because the interest rates on real estate loans are currently stable and drastic interest rate cuts are not in sight.
According to the expert, the trend is likely to continue downward in the coming quarters. Reason enough to start looking for your dream property in good time. Also because the interest rates on real estate loans are currently stable and drastic interest rate cuts are not in sight.
Is it better to build or buy now?
The situation on the real estate market is slowly calming down. Interest rates are stable and real estate prices are falling moderately. Now is the perfect time to build or buy a house. In both cases, your local Town & Country Haus partner will support you. Just talk to us: We will inform you about current house building subsidies and grants for energy-efficient renovation to become an efficient house. Regardless of whether it is a new build or an existing building - get advice from our experts and make your dream of owning your own home come true now.
Created on 05.06.2023
Home ownership for families: The child home building allowance 2023
Do you dream of your own garden and a children's room for your youngest offspring? From June 1, 2023, families will be supported by the new home building subsidy from the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW). Find out now what requirements you have to meet.
Since the beginning of the year, there has been talk of a successor program for the child home building allowance. The new family support is no longer an annual grant, but a low-interest loan, like the federal funding for efficient buildings - climate-friendly new construction (BEG-KFN).
Family support: The prerequisites
First obstacles for D announced how funding will be provided. But the conditions have long been set:
- Families with at least one minor child and an annual income of 60,000 euros
- 10,000 euros more annual income for each additional minor child living in the household
- Funding a new building for personal use
Which residential buildings are subsidized?
The home ownership subsidy for families (WEF) cannot be combined with the federal subsidy for efficient buildings - climate-friendly new buildings (BEG-KFN), as both subsidies are aimed at these residential building levels: climate-friendly residential buildings and climate-friendly residential buildings with the Sustainable Building Quality Seal (QNG). As already described, the WEF program is aimed at families with low to medium incomes. Families who exceed the income limit of the program can apply for the "climate-friendly new building" home building subsidy instead.
How is funding provided?
A maximum loan of 240,000 euros should be available per applicant. The loan amount is based on the maximum annual income and the number of children. Families can choose between annuity loans and bullet loans for the loan.*
Too much information at once? In a non-binding consultation, we can check which home building subsidies are suitable for you so that you can get one step closer to your dream of owning your own four walls.
*Source: Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW)
*Source: Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW)
Created on 18.04.2023
How to make your home burglar-proof
Experience shows that the loss of the feeling of security in your own four walls outweighs the financial damage caused by a break-in. According to statistics, a total of 54,236 burglaries were recorded in 2021. Thieves take advantage of every opportunity, especially holidays such as Christmas and Easter.
To prevent home burglaries, you need to know how burglars operate. Statistics show that 30 percent of burglaries occur during the day, 70 percent of them between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. The classic "Home Alone" confirms that burglaries at dusk increase in the cold months (November to March).
5 tips for your safe home
1. Property security
First obstacles for thieves? Garden fence or yard gate. Here, there is no guarantee of a quick escape or easy prey for burglars. With a view to security and privacy, fences over 80 centimeters are recommended. However, if you feel like you are losing the freedom of your own four walls, you can equip your yard gate with an intercom instead. This combination will also deter burglars.
2. Outdoor lighting
Many homeowners have discovered the benefits of a motion detector. Whether in the hallway or in the garden, this lighting offers protection for your home. A step can easily be overlooked, especially in the dark. But this outdoor lighting not only offers you security, it can also catch burglars in the act and scare them away.
3. Surveillance cameras
Another step is the surveillance camera. Some people will love it and others will hate it because they feel like they are constantly being watched. But if the worst comes to the worst, you can provide the police with evidence. But with a surveillance camera you also have to respect the privacy of your neighbors and passers-by on the street.
4. Burglar-resistant doors
Burglars, pickpockets and thieves are looking for a weak point in the house: tilted windows, front doors and side doors, such as floor-to-ceiling windows. For this reason, we recommend installing front doors with resistance class 2 or higher.
5. Alarm systems
Well-known alarm systems can be installed as modern hazard warning systems in your own home. This means that they not only warn of burglars, but also of fire, gas or defective devices. These systems can also be connected to a smartphone if desired and automatically send a message to the police or the relevant security service. Before purchasing a hazard warning system, check which system is suitable for you.
Created on 09.03.2023
Built for you – our new expandable Town & Country houses
Get to know our FürDich solid houses and make your dream of owning your own home come true in 2023. Our new FürDich house series inspires builders with longevity, living comfort and flexibility. Because in these solid houses you can save money with craftsmanship. The decision is yours: build a single-family home or a semi-detached house?
Our ForYou
You can write your life story in our 91 square meter single-family home FürDich. From the clever floor plan to the light-flooded living area with panoramic windows and gallery to the expandable attic. You can feel at home here.
Build a semi-detached house for you
Semi-detached houses are well thought out and offer space for two families on one plot. The new FürDich semi-detached house from Town & Country Haus, like our detached single-family house, is 91 square metres in size and gives couples and small families a home for now and later.
The open living area with living room and kitchen, utility room and guest toilet is located on the ground floor. The U-shaped staircase connects the two floors and allows you to enter the light-flooded gallery on the upper floor. There is also space here for a bathroom, bedroom and children's room. Depending on your situation, you can expand the attic and create additional space.
The open living area with living room and kitchen, utility room and guest toilet is located on the ground floor. The U-shaped staircase connects the two floors and allows you to enter the light-flooded gallery on the upper floor. There is also space here for a bathroom, bedroom and children's room. Depending on your situation, you can expand the attic and create additional space.
Expandable attic
Many people assume that an attic does not have any significant advantages. Our FürDich house series proves the opposite! Because the enlarged attic staircase in the gallery means that the attic is already prepared for expansion. For example, there is space for a dressing room here. Design your own home according to your wishes and needs. Your local Town & Country Haus partner will be at your side from the start and will accompany you on the way to your own four walls. Find out more now without obligation and build your dream home in 2023.
Created on 09.11.2022
Fully equipped: What do builders really need?
Anyone who wants to build a house should not only think carefully about their own wishes, but also about the services included in the contract from their future construction partner. Because not every extra is a luxury.
Building a house is becoming more and more expensive. The reason for this is not only the increased price of building materials, but also the increased demands of the builders: the new house should be as energy efficient as possible and state-of-the-art. This makes it all the more important that the pre-determined budget is not exceeded. However, the results of current studies paint a different picture: around three-quarters of all private builders pay significantly more for their home than originally planned.
Building a house is becoming more and more expensive. The reason for this is not only the increased price of building materials, but also the increased demands of the builders: the new house should be as energy efficient as possible and state-of-the-art. This makes it all the more important that the pre-determined budget is not exceeded. However, the results of current studies paint a different picture: around three-quarters of all private builders pay significantly more for their home than originally planned.
What is included?
Additional costs are particularly likely when it comes to furnishing the house - even, or especially, when it is bought "turnkey". Because "turnkey" does not mean that you can move in and start living straight away. Since there is no binding definition, solid house companies interpret the term very differently. Details such as interior doors, stairs or plastering work are often not included. Some offers also lack items that are essential for the construction and completion of the building - such as earthworks, floor slabs or windows. This quickly adds up to additional costs in the five-figure range. Those interested in building should therefore take a close look at the construction company's construction descriptions and check which services are included - and which are not.
Can I treat myself to that?
It is just as important that prospective builders consider their own wishes and needs before planning their house. Not every piece of equipment is necessary or useful. However, there are elements that should not be skimped on. These include, for example, energy-saving windows with triple-glazed insulation, roller shutters or efficient heating technology based on renewable energies.
Everything has been thought of: Fully equipped at Town & Country Haus
Anyone who builds a house with Town & Country does not have to worry about unplanned additional costs: All solid houses are already fully equipped as standard. The price of the house includes the earthwork, the floor slab, the masonry, the roof, triple-glazed energy-saving windows, roller shutters and the front door. Together with energy-efficient heating technology, consisting of a heat pump and underfloor heating, all house types already meet the requirements of the new building standard "Efficiency House GEG 2023". Pre-installation for photovoltaics and electric cars is also included.
The basic inventory also includes a fully equipped bathroom with a floor-level shower, a separate guest bathroom depending on the type of house, easy-care interior doors, a high-quality wooden staircase and clever building technology. Builders who opt for a turnkey solid house only have to do the wallpapering and flooring work, then it's time to move in and feel good!
The basic inventory also includes a fully equipped bathroom with a floor-level shower, a separate guest bathroom depending on the type of house, easy-care interior doors, a high-quality wooden staircase and clever building technology. Builders who opt for a turnkey solid house only have to do the wallpapering and flooring work, then it's time to move in and feel good!
Created on 02.06.2022
Property tax reform – what awaits property owners?
The new property tax will come into force on January 1, 2025. The reason is a ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court in 2018, which declared the current calculation system unconstitutional. What will change for owners and when do they have to take action? This article will explain it to you.
The property tax is one of the oldest taxes in Germany. The tax authorities use it to tax real estate – regardless of whether it is just a small plot of land or a large residential property.
The property tax is one of the oldest taxes in Germany. The tax authorities use it to tax real estate – regardless of whether it is just a small plot of land or a large residential property.
Why is a reform of the property tax needed?
The property values on which the property tax is calculated are based on data from 1964 (West) and 1935 (East). However, this means that a property built in 2015 is valued in the same way as an unrenovated old building from the 1960s - unconstitutional, as the Federal Constitutional Court found in 2018. Therefore, all 36 million properties in Germany are to be revalued.
When does the new property tax come into effect and what changes?
The new property tax will be introduced on January 1, 2025. The aim is to create an "unbureaucratic, fair and constitutional regulation". The total amount of revenue will not increase, it will just be structured differently. Since the new valuation model will now take into account not only the size of the property and the building area, but also the location, some owners could face higher costs.
What do owners need to do now?
According to the Federal Ministry of Finance, a request to submit the assessment declaration is expected to be made by public announcement by the end of March 2022. The assessment declaration must be uploaded to the ELSTER online tax platform by October 31, 2022 at the latest. The property tax will be determined by the end of 2024. It is based on the property value, which is calculated from the data submitted, a legally established tax assessment rate and the individual assessment rate of the municipalities.
What data is required?
In most federal states, the so-called "federal model" applies, which requires a large amount of data. For undeveloped properties, this includes the location, individual land register data such as land register sheet, district and parcel number, the area of the property and the land value. Owners of residential properties must also state the living space, the type of property, the number of garage spaces and the year the building was built. Taxpayers can find the data in the land register extract, in the construction documents, in the purchase contract or in rental and lease agreements.
Created on 16.02.2022
This is how electricity price developments affect your household
For many people, electricity prices are a constant burden. Homeowners must identify energy guzzlers in order to reduce annual household electricity consumption despite rising electricity prices.
The price of electricity in Germany is 31.8 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) and ranks second among international electricity prices. The reasons for the price development are demand, production, purchase price, low competition and the network fee that electricity providers have to pay to the network operators. The aim is to reduce the EEG levy (Erenewable-Energies-Gnot only to reduce the tax burden (eStetz) but to abolish it in the long term.
The price of electricity in Germany is 31.8 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) and ranks second among international electricity prices. The reasons for the price development are demand, production, purchase price, low competition and the network fee that electricity providers have to pay to the network operators. The aim is to reduce the EEG levy (Erenewable-Energies-Gnot only to reduce the tax burden (eStetz) but to abolish it in the long term.
How is the electricity price calculated?
The price of electricity for your own home is made up of three cost blocks. The state sets the taxes, duties and levies that make up half of the price of electricity. These are the value added tax and electricity tax, the concession fee and the EEG levy. A quarter of the price of electricity is regulated by law with the network fee and the costs for the meter in the second cost block. Electricity generation, transport and distribution is the third and smallest component that is not set by the state.
Factors influencing electricity consumption
Your annual electricity consumption is influenced by various factors. Your house type, living space, household size and household appliances all play a role. The electricity mirror gives you an overview of the average electricity consumption of a German household. For a 3-person household, for example, an electricity consumption of 3,500 kWh per year or less is ideal.
Since March 1, 2021, electrical appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, combined washer-dryers, refrigerators and freezers, televisions and monitors have been available according to classifications A to G. This is because household appliances can drive up electricity costs; the top 5 power guzzlers are old heating pumps, electric stoves, freezers, refrigerators and lighting. Other power guzzlers that are often forgotten are standby mode and charging cables that remain in the socket even though no device is connected. The better the energy efficiency class of your electrical appliance, the less electricity you use.
Since March 1, 2021, electrical appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, combined washer-dryers, refrigerators and freezers, televisions and monitors have been available according to classifications A to G. This is because household appliances can drive up electricity costs; the top 5 power guzzlers are old heating pumps, electric stoves, freezers, refrigerators and lighting. Other power guzzlers that are often forgotten are standby mode and charging cables that remain in the socket even though no device is connected. The better the energy efficiency class of your electrical appliance, the less electricity you use.
Photovoltaic system for personal use
The four pillars of the energy transition are the Renewable Energy Act (EEG surcharge), the Building Energy Act (GEG), the Offshore Wind Energy Act and the Combined Heat and Power Act (KWKG). In this context, the EEG surcharge serves as an instrument to promote renewable energies. The surcharge fell from 6.5 to 3.72 cents per kilowatt hour in 2022. Thanks to the EEG, solar power is becoming increasingly attractive for private users, as they do not have to pay EEG surcharges with a maximum output of 30 kWp and an annual solar self-consumption of a maximum of 30 megawatt hours. At Town & Country Haus, you can benefit from photovoltaic packages that depend on the type of house in order to rely on green energy at moderate prices. Your regional Town & Country partner will advise you individually on your dream home.
Created on 24.01.2022
Equip your home with a digital electricity meter - What you need to know
By 2023, all households in Germany are to be equipped with a modern, digital electricity meter. Some of them will even receive a so-called smart meter. Find out what you need to know about the changeover here. Analogue electricity meters have served their purpose and are to be replaced across the board by 2023 - this is stipulated in the Metering Point Operation Act (MsbG). Two different systems are used: digital electricity meters and intelligent measuring systems.
What is the difference between a digital electricity meter and a smart meter?
Most households have a digital electricity meter, also known as a modern measuring device, installed. This is a simple electric meter that displays not only the current meter readings but also daily, weekly, monthly and annual electricity consumption values. Since it is not connected to the Internet, it cannot be read remotely and consumption values cannot be transmitted.
Intelligent measuring systems, so-called smart meters, are equipped with a communication module (smart meter gateway). This enables data transmission in two directions: Smart meters can both send and receive data.
Who gets a smart meter?
There are three groups of electricity customers for whom an intelligent metering system must be installed:
- Households with a high electricity consumption of over 6,000 kWh per year. The decisive factor is the average electricity consumption of the last three years.
- Owners of electricity generating systems (such as photovoltaic systems) with a nominal output of more than 7 kW. For new systems with a nominal output between 1 and 7 kW, the meter operator decides.
- Households with a controllable consumption device (e.g. a heat pump or night storage heater), provided that control has been agreed with the network operator.
What are the benefits of the new devices?
The conversion will provide consumers and energy producers with a detailed overview of their electricity consumption and power generation. This will enable energy to be used more efficiently. In the future, it will also be possible to switch on electrical devices specifically when electricity prices are particularly low.
Who is responsible for the exchange?
The meter operator is responsible for the provision, installation, operation and maintenance of the new metering system. This is usually the local network operator. The installation is announced three months in advance. The consumer cannot object to the plan, but can switch to a cheaper meter operator.
What costs will consumers face?
The new electricity meters mean higher costs for most consumers. However, the legislator has set upper limits: meter operators can charge a maximum of 20 euros per year for digital electricity meters. For intelligent metering systems, prices are staggered according to electricity consumption. They range from 23 euros (electricity consumption up to 2,300 kWh per year) to 130 euros (electricity consumption up to 20,000 kWh per year).
