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Buyer Guide

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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Woman in white shirt examining papers related to international real estate in an upscale, sunlit room with large windows and modern furnishings, suggesting a high-end property investment scenario

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.

  • 3 min read
  • 29.08.2024
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Seller Guide

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.

  • 6 min read
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Successful property marketing - interview with Mr Sven Schäfer

A successful property sale is a matter of trusting the right partners right partner. Sven Schäfer is the managing partner of Engel & Völkers Konstanz. In addition to Constance, the successful property consultant also runs other Engel & Völkers property shops in Germany, including the Radolfzell, Höri, Singen and Überlingen locations. With this broad presence, Sven Schäfer and his 25-strong team have established themselves as a regional estate agent for property in Constance.

  • 3 min read
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Early repayment penalty: 5 questions on selling a house before the fixed-interest period expires

Almost every property owner who wants to sell his or her house before the fixed-interest period expires has to pay a so-called early repayment penalty. However, this topic often raises questions among home sellers: What is the early repayment penalty for? How high is it? And is it possible to avoid it? If you are considering selling your home before the end of the fixed-interest period, you should find out in advance what costs an early termination of the loan agreement may entail. In the following, we explain the most important questions about early repayment fees.

  • 6 min read
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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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Selling a property tax-free

Would you like to sell your property tax-free? Find out here whether and how this is possible.

  • 10 min read
  • 11.11.2022
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Real Estate Agent

Successful property marketing - interview with Mr Sven Schäfer

A successful property sale is a matter of trusting the right partners right partner. Sven Schäfer is the managing partner of Engel & Völkers Konstanz. In addition to Constance, the successful property consultant also runs other Engel & Völkers property shops in Germany, including the Radolfzell, Höri, Singen and Überlingen locations. With this broad presence, Sven Schäfer and his 25-strong team have established themselves as a regional estate agent for property in Constance.

  • 3 min read
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.

  • 5 min read
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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?

  • 4 min read
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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.

  • 6 min read
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Franchise formation: alone or with a partner? So you can use team synergies for your success as a real estate agent.

In the context of the Engel & Völkers real estate franchise, there is the possibility not to become self-employed when founding your own real estate agent company, but to take this step with a trustworthy business partner. This can be, for example, a family member, your partner or a good friend who is convinced of the jointly implemented business idea as Engel & Völkers franchisee. Such a business partnership, which is also supported by a leading international franchise brand, can have a significant impact on the profitability of your company. In this article you can read how you can benefit from a joint franchise as a real estate agent and how you can find a suitable founding partner.

  • 4 min read
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What is the difference between real estate agent and real estate salesperson?

The profession of real estate agent is often confused with that of real estate broker. This is usually because certain areas of responsibility overlap. But in terms of the daily structure, the exact role during a real estate brokerage and last but not least the different salary models, some differences can be identified. We will describe both job profiles here so that you can compare them and weigh up the respective advantages.

  • 4 min read
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Training as a real estate agent - what awaits you!

Training as a real estate agent is a multifaceted challenge. Real estate agents have to deal with a wide range of tasks related to the real estate industry and real estate management.

  • 5 min read
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Lifestyle & GG Magazine articles

Island Idyll – The charming "Töpferhaus" in Sylt

As the tides of the North Sea come and go here, the Töpferhaus stands as a genuine testament to beauty and longevity. The special property in Keitum on Sylt is steeped in a long history of art and craftsmanship.

  • 3 min read
  • 29.08.2024
Island Idyll – The charming "Töpferhaus" in Sylt

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.

  • 4 min read
  • 29.09.2021
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The best smart locks: Security and convenience

House or apartment doors can be conveniently opened and locked electronically with the innovative smart locks. Anyone who has ever stood at the front door with full shopping bags looking for the front door key knows what advantages this can have. 

  • 11 min read
  • 17.02.2022
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Good vibrations – A visit to Bavaria's capital Munich

Every year, the Oktoberfest lures over six million visitors to Munich. But the Bavarian capital has more to offer than beer and festivals; it’s home to seven DAX-listed companies and world-class museums.

  • 3 min read
  • 27.09.2024
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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.

  • 4 min read
  • 15.05.2018
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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.

  • 4 min read
  • 14.08.2018
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Contact

Contact your personal advisor

Engel & Völkers Germany

Vancouverstraße 2a

20457 Hamburg, Germany

Tel: +49 40 361310