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Buyer Guide
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Buying a house without equity
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Buying Property Abroad: Your Step-by-Step Guide
For many people, the idea of buying property abroad evokes dreams of sunny beaches, scenic mountain villages, or bustling cosmopolitan cities. Whether you’re searching for a vacation home abroad, a potential international property investment, or a second home to enjoy during retirement, the allure of overseas real estate lies in its diversity. Different locations around the globe offer unique cultural experiences, potentially lower property prices than your home market, and attractive rental returns.
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International Real Estate: Advantages, Tips, and Countries in Focus
Purchasing international real estate is a significant step that requires careful planning and in-depth knowledge. Engel & Völkers accompanies you on this journey with expertise and a worldwide network. Whether you're looking for a holiday home in Tuscany, a villa on the Côte d'Azur, or an apartment on Lake Constance – we support you in selecting international real estate in the best locations, clarify legal and financial aspects, and help you realize your international real estate dreams abroad.

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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.
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Seller Guide

Zurich real estate prices: Stable market, high demand
Zurich real estate prices continued to show a stable upward trend in 2024. As an economically important metropolis, Switzerland's largest city experiences enormous popularity, even beyond national borders. From urban flair with diverse cultural offerings and entertainment options to magnificent landscapes for recreation, the city and its surrounding canton offer something for every taste. Where does Zurich show its most beautiful side, and how are real estate prices developing? Our Market Insights Zurich provide you with insights into developments and trends!
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How to calculate the property tax in Germany
Every property owner knows it and has to pay it: the property tax. Therefore, even before you buy a property or a plot of land, you should find out how high the tax costs will be in the future. In the following, we show you how to calculate property tax, when you are exempt from paying, and which Payment deadlines exist.

What costs are incurred when selling a house?
As a rule, when selling a house, costs are incurred not only by the buyer but also by the owner. However, these can be kept manageable with a few tricks. For example, if you take tax advantages into account, you can often save many thousands of euros. In this article you will learn what costs are involved in selling a house and how you can sell your house as cheaply as possible.
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Taxes when selling a house - how to sell tax-free
If you want to save taxes when selling a house, there are a few things to consider. However, if you make the effort, you can save a lot of money in the end In the following, we therefore explain which taxes may be incurred when you sell your property, when you sell your house tax-free and what the situation is with taxes on rented properties.
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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.
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Real Estate Agent

Franchise formation: alone or with a partner? Using team synergies for your real estate success.
Real estate agent: How to sucessfully make the career change
Discover the new Engel & Völkers headquarters!
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Successful property marketing - interview with Mr Sven Schäfer

Start-up assistance for every franchisee: the franchisor's services
The franchisor is one thing above all for the franchisee: the starting aid on the way to self-employment. He offers you numerous benefits and services from which you will profit comprehensively. In addition, you can count on the support of the system head office or a system supervisor after the successful establishment of your franchise business.
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What is the real estate agent's salary?
The profession of real estate agent is becoming increasingly popular. Many welcome the contact with customers, enjoy negotiating or are happy with their freelance work. But is the profession also financially worthwhile and how high is the real estate agent's salary?
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Become the best real estate agent. With Engel & Völkers.
We’re looking for you! People with a passion for and fascination with real estate – from industry newcomers to experienced agents. Anyone can become a real estate agent, but not everyone makes it a success. As a global property company with an incredibly strong brand, we can help you succeed, and we look forward to getting to know you.


Lifestyle

Spring garden
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Le Corbusier’s style and design philosophy
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Zaha Hadid's style and design philosophy
When sustainability and style go hand in hand:A conversation with interior designer Frederike Better
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Seven essential tips for mixing modern and antique furniture
Looking to lend a visually intriguing sense of balance to your home interior? Try blending contemporary designs with antique pieces. This approach adds a unique contrast to any room, with varying textures, shapes and styles. Here are a few tips for mixing modern and antique furniture with carefully curated panache.

Winter magic in Schleswig-Holstein: the most beautiful Christmas markets in the true north
Roasted almonds, Christmas punch and stalls with Christmas tree decorations: Christmas markets exude a unique charm. In Schleswig-Holstein, Christmas markets are not only held in cities, but also on impressive and beautiful estates and castles throughout the state. Whether it's browsing through the exhibitors' handcrafted offerings, tasting the various delicacies or drinking mulled wine together - get in the mood for Christmas with our tips!

Cutting down trees on your own property
A tree in the garden creates a pleasant atmosphere, provides shade and, for many garden owners, is an essential part of the garden. But if it gets too big or if there are plans to change the garden design, you may want to remove it. There are perfectly understandable reasons for cutting down a tree on your property. Nevertheless, you should be mindful of the legal situation, because this is not always permitted. Depending on the country and region, there are varying legal regulations regarding the removal of trees, even if they are located on your own land.

5 easy-to-implement tips to protect an attic apartment from excessive heat in summer
Living and perhaps even working in an attic apartment, formerly also known as a mansard, constitutes a special lifestyle for many reasons. A view of the green treetops in your garden or the sea of city lights at night - for many people, this sounds like a dream come true. It can be, but for all its beauty, this style of living also has its pitfalls.

Galerie Rieck - The art of the north
Galerie Rieck, an established name for selected Scandinavian and North German art for over 30 years, is opening a new location in Eckernförde. From February 2025, the gallery is presenting a broad spectrum of works from the last 100 years - from classical modernism to contemporary art. With changing themed exhibitions and a carefully curated selection of renowned artists, the gallery invites art lovers to experience the fascination of Nordic art in a new setting.
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7 clever room partition ideas for an open-plan living room
Open floor plans offer plentiful benefits, encouraging spontaneous socialising and providing almost limitless design possibilities. If you’re working with an open-plan living room and wish to add a separate dining area, here are a few room partition ideas to create clear visual designations without installing physical barriers.
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Contact
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