Category Archives: Immobilieneigentümer

Slatted roof – a growing trend in German gardens

Autumn garden with colorful trees, hedges, and manicured lawn

Whether freestanding or connected to the house, a slat-covered roof not only offers protection from the sun and weather, but also enhances the appearance of the garden or terrace. Slat-covered roofs are becoming increasingly popular in Germany. They offer a range of benefits and are available in various variants.

The property tax reform – Important facts for property owners

Historic city villa with richly decorated gable and turrets, surrounded by trees in Munich

The Bundestag passed the reform of the property tax by a large majority on October 18, 2019. The reason was a ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court in April 2018, which declared the previously applicable regulation unconstitutional due to „serious unequal treatment“ of property owners.

Rental Law Amendment 2019: What changes for landlords?

Historic residential complex with a red tile roof and well-maintained green space in Munich

Since early 2019, a tenancy law amendment has been in effect, resulting in significantly altered conditions for landlords. For example, they affect the possibilities of passing on modernization costs to the rent. They define new information obligations of the landlord towards prospective new tenants and they establish measures against so-called modernization forcing, where modernization work serves only as a pretext. This article presents the various changes resulting from the current tenancy law amendment.

Real estate tax reform

White single-family home with a steep gable roof and a well-maintained front yard in Munich

The property tax burden affects both owners and tenants. As early as 2016, property tax generated well over 13 billion euros for the municipalities. In June 2016, the property tax reform was passed; Hamburg and Bayern voted against it. The Federal Constitutional Court now expects a new reform by December 31, 2019, as the current regulations on property tax are considered unconstitutional.