NRW ruling overturns higher property tax for businesses – what this now means for owners A recent ruling in North Rhine-Westphalia has overturned a municipal statute that imposed a higher property tax rate on commercially used plots of land. This is an important signal for owners of commercial real estate: a flat higher tax rate solely due to its use as

Mortgage interest rates on the brink of a leap? Experts expect more expensive financing for home buyers in 2026. After a pause for mortgage interest rates in 2024 and a sideways development for many months in 2025, the signs are gathering: in 2026, owning a home could become more expensive to finance. The reasons for this are persistent inflation risks, higher long-term capital market yields, and potential risk premiums from banks.

Rents Linked to Inflation: Why the Planned Reform is Waking Up Tenants and Landlords Rents linked to inflation have gained significant importance in recent years: the rental price follows the consumer price index (CPI) and rises – or falls – with inflation. This model offered landlords predictability and a transparent logic for tenants. However

Charging stations in the basement – How e-mobility is now determining the attractiveness of residential locations E-mobility has gone from a trend to the standard. For apartment buildings and residential complexes, the ability to install charging stations in the basement is increasingly determining rentalability, vacancy risk, and long-term value development. Prospective tenants are now actively asking about charging points at parking spaces; owners are paying attention to retrofittable

Property Prices Plummeting: Why Buyers Will Have the Best Opportunities in Major Cities in 2025 After years of rapid price increases, signals in the housing market are turning: In many major German cities, supply and room for negotiation have noticeably improved. This trend is likely to continue in 2025 – a real advantage for buyers who act strategically. The reason: falling property prices.

Rental court ruling from Berlin: Court overturns upper limits – Jobcentre at a costly turning point A current rental ruling from Berlin's social court justice system sends a clear signal: Blanket rental caps for accommodation costs (KdU) have been criticised or rejected in Berlin. For landlords, asset managers and owners, this means a possible change of course: The previous capping according to the

Building Offensive 2026: Multi-billion pound package to finally alleviate housing shortage The housing situation remains tense: high construction costs, rising interest rates, and scarce plots of land are hindering new construction. With the „Bauoffensive 2026“ (Building Offensive 2026), politicians are announcing a multi-billion pound package intended to stimulate investment again. The goal: more affordable housing, faster procedures, more reliable funding. What does this mean in concrete terms for property owners,

Housing construction takes priority: Federal government ignites turbo for faster new construction projects. Good news for developers, investors, and municipalities: Housing construction is receiving political priority. With a bundle of acceleration measures – from digital building applications to type approvals for serial construction – the path from idea to ready-to-occupy property should become significantly shorter.

KfW Launches Anew: €75 Million for Climate-Resilient Urban Districts – Secure Grants Now KfW is focusing on climate-resilient urban districts: Up to €75 million is available to energetically refurbish entire neighbourhoods, modernise heating infrastructure, and sustainably improve quality of life. This presents a rare opportunity for owner associations (WEG), portfolio holders, and developers to,

Fire protection in existing buildings: Why managers are particularly challenged by old buildings now. Germany's property stock is ageing – and with it, the demands for professional fire protection management are growing. For property managers and owners' association managers, this means: identifying risks, minimising liability, securing values. Especially in old buildings, historical constructions, subsequent conversions, and mixed uses