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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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Jork - the paradise in the Old Land

Less than 35 kilometers separate Jork in Lower Saxony from Hamburg city center. Between Stade and Hamburg Harburg, the small municipality with just over 12,000 inhabitants is picturesquely situated on the southern bank of the Elbe. Covering an impressive 62.26 square kilometers, the heart of the Altes Land offers plenty of space for fruit trees, but also for families, couples or singles and their properties. The romantic village has a lot to offer its residents and visitors. At first glance, time seems to have stood still a little in Jork. Charming half-timbered houses adorn the center of Jork and the banks of the Elbe as well as the various districts along the Este. There are no traffic jams or dense population in Jork. As the center of the largest fruit-growing region in Europe, Jork consists of seemingly endless rows of fruit trees. There are said to be around 20,000,000 trees that produce the famous apples as well as other trees that bear delicious fruit. The seven districts are generously spread out in between, where it is still possible to live comfortably and with plenty of open space.

  • 2 min read
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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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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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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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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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Real Estate Agent

Real estate agent: How to sucessfully make the career change

The real estate agent career-change programme is aimed at those who previously worked in another profession and are now looking for a career change. The reasons for this can be varied and always depend on the individual person. However, one thing is always the same when deciding to change jobs the process of working yourself up the ladder again. Becoming a real estate agent allows you, as a career changer, to enjoy success without the lengthy process of working your way up within the industry. For anyone who enjoys selling real estate, appreciates design and architecture, is interested in developments on the real estate market and is also looking for an all-around fulfilling profession, the real estate industry is made for you. Because the real estate industry, in particular, offers attractive, alternative careers for architects and designers. Below, we will go through some of the general key qualifications as well as some career and job tips if you want to become a real estate agent.

  • 6 min read
Real estate agent: How to sucessfully make the career change

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? Using team synergies for your real estate success.

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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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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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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What does a real estate agent do?

The broker’s fee is one of the biggest cost factors arising from property sales for owners and buyers. But what does a real estate agent do for the brokers fee you pay and why does it pay off?

  • 7 min read
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Lifestyle

Le Corbusier’s style and design philosophy

Le Corbusier ranks among the most influential figures in modern architecture and is perhaps one of the most divisive. He has been both lauded for the sculptural quality of his free-form living spaces and reviled for setting the stage for concrete social housing blocks thrown up in the post-war years. But how did a self-taught architect from a small Swiss town make such an impact, and why is he still relevant?

  • 4 min read
  • 25.04.2019
Le Corbusier’s style and design philosophy

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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Villa, chalet, mansion: what’s the difference?

When perusing our property listings, you’ll see many terms used to describe stately homes, including villa, chalet and mansion. While all are quite luxurious, there are distinct differences between the three types of property. If you’ve always wondered what is the difference between a mansion and chalet, find out below.

  • 4 min read
  • 27.03.2019
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Five mistakes to avoid in your new bedroom design

Whether as an oasis of calm, a sea of tranquillity, or a facilitator of a good night’s sleep, bedrooms play a major part in our lives – in fact, we all spend around a third of our lives there. However, they are often undervalued during home renovations and can be overlooked in favour of redecorating the living space or kitchen. To help you avoid this, here are the five most common interior design mistakes when redesigning a bedroom.

  • 3 min read
  • 09.07.2018
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What is Micro Living and why is it called the urban living concept of the future?

A look at the current market trends reveals that the large conurbations are still immensely popular as places to live. After all, their extensive offer of jobs, entertainment and general infrastructure fits perfectly with the modern 24-hour lifestyle.

  • 4 min read
  • 03.05.2019
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Contact

Contact your personal advisor

Engel & Völkers Germany

Vancouverstraße 2a

20457 Hamburg, Germany

Tel: +49 40 361310