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Created on June 16, 2026

The right house orientation: Making optimal use of sun and light

When building a house, people often think first about the floor plan, features, and price. However, the orientation of the house significantly determines how bright, warm, and energy-efficient it truly is. A well-planned house orientation increases living comfort and can reduce energy costs in the long run. We explain what's important.

Cardinal directions and their influence on interiors

The sun rises in the east, reaches its highest point in the south at midday, and sets in the west in the evening. This daily cycle should be taken into account in the building plans from the outset.


The south side of the house receives the most sun. South-facing facades and windows capture valuable solar heat even in winter and can reduce the heating requirements in the rooms located there. A roof overhang helps keep out unpleasant heat during the warmer months. This is because in summer the sun is higher in the sky and strikes the building at a shallower angle.



The north side receives very little direct sunlight. This results in consistent, cooler light conditions and makes rooms more prone to higher heating costs. The east side brings pleasant sun into the house in the morning and is in shadow in the afternoon. The west side, on the other hand, receives intense afternoon sun.

Properly positioning the terrace, living room and bedrooms

For an optimal living environment, the room layout should be oriented towards the sun's path. Living rooms and eat-in kitchens They particularly benefit from a south- or southwest-facing orientation. During the day, this provides bright, natural light, and in the evening, a pleasant living atmosphere.


The terrace Ideally, it should also face south or southwest. This way, it remains usable even on cooler days and offers as many hours of sunshine as possible. A north-facing terrace, on the other hand, is usually in the shade during peak usage times.



An east or northeast orientation is ideal for bedroomsThe morning light provides a natural start to the day, while the rooms remain cool and dark in the evenings – ideal for restful sleep. Kitchens without an open dining or living area are also traditionally located on the east side to create a cool climate for food storage.


Side rooms Garages, storage rooms, utility rooms, and stairwells are ideally located on the north side. They act as a natural buffer zone, protecting the living spaces from heat loss.

You should avoid these planning mistakes.

- Terrace incorrectly placed: A north- or east-facing terrace is often in the shade during peak usage times. Especially on cool spring days, the warming sun that makes spending time outdoors pleasant is then lacking.


- Floor-to-ceiling windows without sun protection: Floor-to-ceiling windows facing south or southwest are attractive, but without blinds or awnings, the rooms behind them overheat considerably in summer. This results in increased electricity costs due to more frequent use of the air conditioning.


- Ignore the surroundings: Trees or neighboring buildings can significantly affect the amount of light entering a room. Therefore, planning for shadows early on is advisable.



- Forgot the roof overhang: A well-planned roof overhang protects against the hot summer sun. The lower winter sun, on the other hand, easily enters the house and provides pleasant daylight.

Orientation as a crucial basis in house construction

House orientation is one of the few construction decisions that is difficult to correct later. Therefore, it's crucial to thoroughly consider the sun's path, room functions, and energy efficiency before construction even begins. This will help you create a home that is comfortable year-round, sustainable, and retains its value. Discuss this with your architect or construction partner – and let the sun work to your advantage.

Created on May 6, 2026

Solid house or prefabricated house: These are the differences

Anyone planning to build their own home faces a fundamental decision: a traditional brick-and-mortar house or a prefabricated house? Both construction methods have their advantages, but differ significantly in terms of construction time, costs, customization options, and long-term value. A detailed comparison will help you find the perfect solution for your specific building project.

Construction methods explained simply: Brick by brick vs. prefabrication

A traditional brick-and-mortar house is built using the classic "brick-by-brick" method, with walls erected directly on the construction site. This construction method is considered particularly solid and durable. Concrete, stone, and wood are the most commonly used materials in the construction of a traditional brick-and-mortar house. In contrast, prefabricated houses consist of large components such as walls or ceiling elements that are industrially prefabricated and then assembled on the construction site. Timber frame constructions are frequently used in this process, allowing for rapid completion.

Construction period and planning

One of the biggest differences lies in the construction time. While delivery times for the prefabricated components of a prefabricated house can take several weeks or months, the house itself can then be erected within a few days. Interior finishing is also completed quickly. Conversely, building a solid brick house takes more time, as many work steps are carried out directly on-site and drying times must be observed. However, this construction method offers greater flexibility for individual adjustments during the building phase.

Individuality and design

Prefabricated houses are based on pre-designed models that can be adapted. While the possibilities are now extensive, they are not unlimited. For example, adding a conservatory or installing an awning is not always straightforward. Those who prioritize maximum design freedom when building a house will find a solid brick or concrete house to be the better choice. Floor plan, materials, and features can be planned very individually.

Quality and lifespan

Solidly built houses stand for high stability and durability. Furthermore, their construction ensures optimal sound insulation and a pleasant indoor climate – even in extreme weather conditions. Thanks to their solid construction, air and moisture circulation is even better than in prefabricated houses. Solidly built houses also generally perform very well in terms of fire safety. While they have a lifespan of around 100 to 120 years, prefabricated houses only last about 60 to 90 years. Nevertheless, modern prefabricated houses have also improved in quality in recent years and usually exhibit high energy efficiency and good construction quality.

Cost comparison and resale value

Naturally, the costs of both construction methods depend heavily on the chosen house size and features. Generally speaking, however, prefabricated houses are often considered easier to budget for, as many services are already included in the fixed price. While traditionally built houses may initially appear more expensive during the planning phase, they offer more flexibility in floor plan design, materials, and construction. This also has a positive long-term impact on the property's value.


Solidly built houses tend to have a higher resale value than prefabricated houses. They are considered particularly stable in value and are in high demand among buyers. Prefabricated houses can also retain their value well, but this is sometimes more dependent on the year of construction and the quality of the building. On average, a prefabricated house loses around 15 percent of its value after just 30 years.

Conclusion: Which construction method suits you best?

The decision between a traditional brick-and-mortar house and a prefabricated house depends primarily on your individual priorities. Those who want to build particularly quickly and simultaneously value a high degree of planning certainty will find a suitable solution in a prefabricated house.


A solid brick house, on the other hand, impresses with its longevity, high value retention, and diverse design options. This construction method offers clear advantages, especially for homeowners who think long-term and want to plan their home individually.


With a turnkey solid house from Town & Country Haus, you combine the advantages of classic construction methods with a convenient all-inclusive package! With us, you benefit from a structured construction process and a high degree of security, combined with maximum flexibility in building your home.

Created on July 15, 2025

Building, living, home ownership: What are the plans of the new federal government?

Accelerating processes, reducing bureaucracy, and lowering costs – that's probably the best way to summarize the new German government's plans regarding construction and housing. The goal is to boost residential construction and create affordable housing. This article provides an overview of the most important projects.

Soaring costs, high building standards, and lengthy planning and approval processes have led to the postponement or complete abandonment of many construction and renovation projects in recent years. The new federal government aims to change this and ignite a "housing construction turbocharger": building should become faster, simpler, and above all, cheaper. Several amendments to the building code are planned, as well as a restructuring of subsidies. In addition, the controversial heating law is under review.

Foregoing comfort standards: Building type E

To simplify construction, densification, and building extensions, the governing coalition of the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU and SPD) intends to further advance the Building Type E Act, which was already initiated by the previous coalition government. This law stipulates that, in new construction, compliance with so-called comfort standards that are not relevant to the building's safety—such as fire protection or structural integrity—can be waived. Specifically, this means that developers and architects can deviate from recognized regulations without this being considered a defect. According to expert estimates, this could reduce construction costs by up to ten percent.

Funding and financial support

The German government also plans to tackle the landscape of subsidies: It aims to consolidate all existing KfW (German Development Bank) funding programs into two central programs – one for new construction and one for modernization. This streamlining is intended to make it easier for families building or renovating to access funding. Plans include temporarily reinstating subsidies for the Efficiency House Standard 55 (EFH 55). In their coalition agreement, the CDU/CSU and SPD also promise "start-up assistance for homeownership," designed to make it easier for families to acquire property. This includes tax advantages, support for those lacking equity, and the provision of government guarantees for mortgages. Those who inherit a property will be able to deduct the costs of energy-efficient renovations from their taxes.

Abolition of the heating law

It was already a campaign issue for the CDU, and in the coalition agreement, the CDU/CSU and SPD agreed to abolish the heating law. However, the Building Energy Act (GEG), as it is formally known, will not be completely scrapped. Rather, it is to be replaced by a new GEG that is "more technology-neutral, flexible, and simpler." What this means for families building new homes and homeowners is not explained. Heating subsidies will continue nonetheless: those who replace their old heating system with an environmentally friendly one will still receive grants. How high these subsidies will be in the future is still unclear.

Impulses for house and apartment construction

With the announced measures, the German government is providing important impetus. A cautious optimism is already evident at Town & Country Haus: After years of crisis, sales figures are slowly rising again. This positive trend is also reflected in building permits, even if these remain at a low level. Whether and how quickly house and apartment construction picks up ultimately depends on how the plans are implemented in practice. Associations such as the GdW (Federal Association of German Housing and Real Estate Companies) are calling for significantly more courage in simplifying regulations.

Created on November 27, 2024

Reduce heating costs: The 5 most effective heating tips for winter

Anyone who doesn't want to freeze in their own home during winter turns up the heating to create a cozy warmth. But as nice as a snug and warm home is, if you overdo it, you risk a hefty heating bill. To keep heating costs as low as possible, there are a number of measures you can implement with minimal effort. This article will take a closer look at the five most effective ones.

Tip 1: Ventilate properly

Especially when it's really cold outside, many people tend to only tilt their windows when ventilating – after all, they want to keep the heat in and the cold out. However, since effective heating only works with fresh, unused air, this air needs to enter the house regularly in large quantities, ideally through diagonal ventilation. Open as many windows as possible fully for a few minutes three to four times a day so that the room air can be completely exchanged. The fresh air will heat up much faster than the "stale" air, and your overall well-being will thank you. Furthermore, cross ventilation (especially in winter) is an effective way to prevent mold.

Proper ventilation can save you up to €190 in heating costs per year.

Tip 2: Electronic thermostats

Are you tired of aimlessly adjusting your radiator thermostats every day, only to end up with a hefty heating bill? Then consider switching to electronic thermostats and programming them to set the temperature of each radiator and when. Electronic thermostats are especially useful if you're out of the house for extended periods during the day and don't want to run the heating at full blast. They allow you to precisely control the temperature, ensuring, for example, that your bathroom is comfortably warm in the morning and that your living room reaches the perfect temperature for relaxing after work.

The potential cost savings from electronic thermostats amount to approximately €170 per year. However, you must also expect to pay between €15 and €70 for each thermostat initially.

Tip 3: Lower the temperature around 1° C

Warmer isn't always better! Even if you come home freezing cold some days, the heating doesn't need to be running at full blast all the time. By lowering the temperature in all rooms by just 1°C, you can save up to €100 over the course of a year – without noticing any significant difference. As a general guideline, you can aim for: 20°C in the living areas, 16°C in the bedroom, 18°C in the kitchen, 21°C in the bathroom, and 16°C in the hallway.

Tip 4: Insulate windows and doors

It doesn't always have to be a complete energy-efficient renovation. Often, small measures are enough to better insulate drafty windows and doors, preventing cold air from entering the house and heating energy from escaping. Foam or rubber sealing strips are available at hardware stores for a small price and can be installed quickly and easily, even by those without DIY experience. Even simpler are draught excluders for windows and doors, which often look quite attractive and can be matched to your interior design style.

Insulating the gaps around windows and doors to prevent drafts can save you up to €100. You can save another €20 by insulating with roller shutters and curtains.

Tip 5: Keep radiators clear and bleed them

Many people make the mistake of covering their radiators with furniture, plants, or curtains. Sure, these aging metal boxes aren't exactly aesthetically pleasing. But that's no reason to hide them. The heat simply gets trapped between the radiator and the object, preventing it from circulating evenly throughout the room. The result: a cold room and the urge to crank up the thermostat, leading to a hefty energy bill.

As you can see, reducing heating costs isn't difficult at all. Many of the effective tips in this article can be implemented for free, while others can be achieved with just a few euros.

Created on October 7, 2024

Floor plan design: So many decisions, where do I start when building a house?

A romantic bay window with space for a comfortable reading chair, a spacious hallway including a mudroom, a walk-in closet – anyone planning their dream home quickly gets carried away and soon has a veritable wish list in front of them. But which items on that list are truly realistic? What makes a good floor plan? And: What's left of the pipe dream when you take out the red pen labeled "budget"?

If you look around online, in show homes, or in catalogs, you'll quickly realize: there are a seemingly endless number of floor plans for solid houses. Making a decision isn't so easy. To make the decision a little easier, we've compiled ten questions you should ask yourself before planning your dream home.

Event highlights:

Here's a brief overview of what you can expect at our online event "So many decisions, where do I start when building a house?":
  • Floor plan design: Identifying and defining needs
  • 10 questions to help you choose YOUR perfect floor plan
  • Experiences of Town & Country House builders
Take this opportunity to learn more and get one step closer to your dream of owning a home. Register here for free and without obligation. We look forward to your participation!

Event details:

Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Online

Sign up now for free and without obligation here We look forward to your participation!

We are happy to answer any questions you may have before the event. Simply contact us via our Contact form.

Created on 10/09/2024

Turnkey construction: Your path to a carefree home

The path to owning your own home can be complex and confusing, especially when it comes to terms like "construction stages" and "turnkey." Our online event "Construction Stages: What is a Turnkey Town & Country House?" can help.

to help you understand these terms and make the best decision for your construction project.

Event highlights:

Here's a brief overview of what you can expect at our online event "So many decisions, where do I start when building a house?":

Floor plan design: Identifying and defining needs
10 questions to help you choose YOUR perfect floor plan
Experiences of Town & Country House builders

Take this opportunity to learn more and get one step closer to your dream of owning a home. Register here for free and without obligation. We look forward to your participation!

Event highlights:


  • Definition and differences of the development stages: Learn which tasks and services are included in the different development stages.
    are included.
  • Advantages of a turnkey house: Understand why a turnkey house can save time and money.

Event details:

Date: Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Online

Sign up now for free and without obligation here We look forward to your participation!

We are happy to answer any questions you may have before the event. Simply contact us via our Contact form.

Created on June 8, 2024

Saving money when building a house: Tricks to lower interest rates

High mortgage rates often represent a significant financial burden for homebuyers. And some prospective homeowners are even deterred from their building plans due to the anticipated costs. But it doesn't have to be that way! We'll reveal the best tips, subsidies, and ways to effectively reduce high mortgage rates when building a house.

#1 Sustainably thought through: The right planning for your new building

If you want to lower your mortgage interest rates, the initial planning stages of your construction project are crucial. For example, choosing a plot of land in a rural location will have a positive impact on future monthly payments. At the same time, the property transfer tax will be reduced.

With a flexible floor plan and compact construction, you also benefit from more living space in fewer square meters. This allows you to perfectly adapt your new home to your wishes and needs. Thanks to the reduced, efficiently used living space, you also lower your mortgage payments.

#2 Self-build contributions during house construction

DIY enthusiasts, listen up! To minimize costs, doing some of the work yourself can be worthwhile. Furthermore, so-called "shell houses" (homes that can be partially finished) can significantly reduce your mortgage payments. But be careful: Make sure you actually have the necessary expertise and accurately calculate the time required for each task. It's best to leave complex projects to experienced professionals, as delays or construction defects due to a lack of know-how can also lead to unwanted additional costs.

#3 Relieve the burden on your own wallet with government subsidies

Another way to effectively reduce interest payments when building a house is to apply for suitable home construction subsidies. The state-owned KfW development bank offers a wide range of funding programs for home builders.

KfW funding for climate-friendly new buildings (BEG-KFN)

Choosing an energy-efficient new building can save you money twice! Firstly, sustainable construction reduces your future energy costs – and this savings will last for years to come. Secondly, the "Federal Funding Program for Efficient Buildings – Climate-Friendly New Construction" allows you to lower your interest rates. This program provides you with a subsidized loan of up to €150,000. However, only energy-efficient residential and non-residential buildings with an energy efficiency rating of EH40 that do not use fossil fuel heating systems are eligible for funding.

By the way: All Town & Country Haus solid houses meet the requirements for KfW energy-efficient funding. Our residential buildings already meet the standard of an Efficiency House 55 (EH55).

Successor to the child benefit for home construction: Home ownership for families (WEF)

As a successor program to the child benefit for home construction, the "Home Ownership for Families" subsidy program makes the dream of homeownership possible, especially for families with low to middle incomes. Eligible home builders can benefit from subsidized loans of up to €270,000. However, the program only applies to energy-efficient new builds that are occupied by the family themselves. Existing buildings are excluded from the subsidy.

All families with at least one minor child and an income of €90,000 are eligible to apply for this subsidy. The income limit increases by €10,000 for each additional child.

#4 Double funding thanks to granny flats or tiny houses

Whether it's a separate home office, hobby rooms, or a dedicated space for teenagers – a tiny house or granny flat within your own home offers even more freedom. This unique living concept creates additional retreats and prepares you for unexpected changes in plans. Another advantage: granny flats and tiny houses are eligible for double subsidies. This allows you to effectively reduce your monthly mortgage payments while enjoying even greater flexibility within your own four walls.

Created on March 7, 2024

Financing your own home – Here's how it works with a financing service

Property prices are falling, and subsidies are available for builders, homebuyers, and owners alike. But how do you find the right financing for your construction project? To ensure nothing stands in the way of your dream home, we offer an independent subsidy and financing service that supports you and gives you cost control from the very beginning.
The comparison portal Check24, one of the first points of contact for prospective home builders, announced at the turn of the year that now is the right time to build a house. Remember: As soon as interest rates drop by at least 0.3 percentage points, you can save more than €10,000 in interest costs on a €400,000 mortgage. Want to find out if 2024 is the year to build your house? Then take advantage of Town & Country Haus's independent funding and financing service and get closer to your dream home, step by step.

Advantages of the funding and financing service

Many good reasons speak in favor of our financing service, but the biggest advantage is our nationwide search for financing offers. We compare not only regional banks but also national and international ones to find the best offer for your dream home. We don't rely on just one bank; we operate independently. This allows us to offer a wide range of options and comprehensive financing advice, because your dream is our priority. But it's not just the financing that has to be right; we also check for available subsidies and grants. Here, too, we compare which subsidies are best suited to your individual situation. Even at the state level, there are sometimes subsidies that offer better terms for your specific circumstances.

And the best part: Our more than 250 regional Town & Country House partners can advise you directly on your financing in your home. With Town & Country House, you can get everything from a single source, if desired: house, land, and financing. We look forward to your home project!

Created on November 23, 2023

Building a house with subsidies – affordable, future-proof and flexible

Up to €200,000 in subsidized loans with a monthly payment of €900 – sounds impossible with current interest rates? Not with the Federal Funding Program for Efficient Buildings – Climate-Friendly Residential Buildings (BEG-KFWG)! We can tell you directly what requirements you need to meet to qualify for funding.

The Federal Funding Program for Efficient Buildings – Climate-Friendly New Construction (BEG KFN) supports house construction in two funding levels: climate-friendly residential building (KWFG) and climate-friendly residential building with QNG (KWFG-QNG). And the best part: subsidized loans are available per residential unit.

House with granny flat: Double funding

If you are building a two-family house or a house with a granny flat, you can benefit from double funding and receive a subsidized loan of €200,000. The KfW funding level of the federal government's efficient building program provides up to €100,000 per residential unit if you build an Efficiency House 40 and sustainably reduce CO2 emissions with a focus on environmental impact assessment.

We understand the importance of monthly payments, which is why our independent funding and financing service supports you from the very beginning, helping you realize your dream of homeownership. With this funding level, you can invest around €200,000 in subsidized loans for your dream home with a monthly payment of €900. Combined with an additional bank loan, you can cover the remaining costs of your home construction, such as land and ancillary building expenses. This may sound too good to be true at first glance, but we've created a financing example for the Flair 148 expandable house with an attached apartment to give you a better overview of the available funding.

The advantages: House with a granny flat

A house with two apartments not only allows you to qualify for double subsidies, but also reduces the monthly costs you, as the homeowner, have to bear. You can benefit from rental income if you rent out the smaller apartment. This further lowers your monthly mortgage payment and ensures the living space isn't vacant. You can limit this arrangement to a specific timeframe if you plan to use the smaller apartment long-term as a residence for grandparents or adult children. It's also possible that you yourself move into the smaller apartment in your later years and leave the larger one to your children and grandchildren. Experience shows that older people often live in more living space than necessary, which is why planning ahead with a house that includes an apartment is a smart move.

With Town & Country House, you're building for the future and making the construction of your dream home affordable again. Contact us now to learn more and start planning your house. We look forward to your inquiry!

Created on August 2, 2023

Property prices are falling: Why now is a good time to buy a house.

Realizing their dream of homeownership is becoming a realistic prospect again for many families: Property prices are falling nationwide. So, is now the right time to buy a house? And if so, where?
After more than ten years of a real estate boom, inflation, rising interest rates, and declining demand are now causing a major price drop: In the first quarter of 2023, residential property prices fell by an average of 2.1 percent compared to the previous year, as shown by the latest real estate price index from the Association of German Pfandbrief Banks (VDP). A good time to put the topic of buying a house back on the agenda.

Where real estate is cheap now

Anyone considering buying a house has the best chance of finding affordable prices in rural areas. Houses and apartments there cost around 30 percent less than in cities. This is the finding of a new study by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) and the Allensbach Institute. According to the study, the average purchase price for a house or apartment in the countryside is around €2,800 per square meter, while in German cities it is almost €4,200.

In Germany's seven major cities – Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, and Frankfurt – housing remains the most expensive: The average purchase price for a property here is around €6,000 per square meter. However, according to the real estate price index, even in these metropolitan areas, a decline in prices is noticeable. At 1.4 percent, this decline is moderate. Perhaps surprisingly, buying a house in the commuter belt of the country's largest cities is often not worthwhile. Here, property prices are ultimately higher than in the major cities themselves.

What will happen to real estate prices?

Jens Tolckmitt, CEO of the Association of German Pfandbrief Banks, believes that the current price trend is just the beginning. Due to inflation and rising interest rates, demand for real estate has declined sharply. Land remains undeveloped, and existing properties stand empty. A downward price correction is expected to bring about the long-awaited turnaround in the real estate market.

According to the expert, the trend is likely to continue downward in the coming quarters. All the more reason to start looking for your dream property now. This is also because mortgage interest rates are currently stable and drastic rate cuts are not in sight.

Is it better to build or buy?

The situation on the real estate market is slowly calming down. Interest rates are stable and property prices are falling moderately. Now is the ideal time for both building and buying a house. In both cases, your local Town & Country House partner will support you. Simply contact us: We will inform you about current home building subsidies and grants for energy-efficient renovations to achieve energy-efficient home standards. Whether new construction or an existing property – let our experts advise you and make your dream of homeownership a reality.

Created on June 5, 2023

Homeownership for families: The child benefit for home construction 2023

Do you dream of your own garden and a children's room for your youngest child? From June 1, 2023, families can receive support through the new home building subsidy program from the KfW Development Bank. Find out now what requirements you need to meet.

Since the beginning of the year, there has been talk of a successor program to the child benefit for home construction. The new family support program is no longer an annual grant, but rather a low-interest loan, similar to the federal funding program for efficient buildings – climate-friendly new construction (BEG-KFN).

Family support: The requirements

The first obstacles for D were announced, as was the funding process. However, the prerequisites have long been established:
  • Families with at least one minor child and an annual income of 60,000 euros
  • 10,000 euros more annual income for each additional minor child living in the household
  • Funding for a new building for owner-occupancy
The purchase of existing buildings is excluded. Furthermore, the "Home Ownership for Families (WEF)" program is capped at an annual volume of €350 million, which experts consider too low. Thanks to €9.9 billion in funding, a total of 310,000 families benefited from the child benefit for home construction. This means you should act quickly and check your eligibility for family support together with one of more than 300 regional Town & Country House partners.

Which residential buildings are eligible for funding?

The Home Ownership Promotion for Families (WEF) cannot be combined with the Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings – Climate-Friendly New Construction (BEG-KFN), as both programs target specific residential building categories: climate-friendly residential buildings and climate-friendly residential buildings with the Sustainable Building Quality Seal (QNG). As previously mentioned, the WEF program is aimed at families with low to middle incomes. Families whose income exceeds the program's limit can instead apply for the "Climate-Friendly New Construction" subsidy.

How is funding provided?

Each applicant will be eligible for a loan of up to €240,000. The loan amount is determined by the maximum annual income and the number of children. Families can choose between an annuity loan and a bullet loan for the loan.*


Too much information at once? In a free consultation, we can check which home building subsidies you are eligible for, so you can get one step closer to your dream of owning your own home.

*Source: KfW Development Bank

Created on April 18, 2023

How to make your home burglar-proof

Experience shows that the loss of security in one's own home outweighs the financial damage caused by a burglary. According to statistics, a total of 54,236 burglaries were recorded in 2021. Thieves take advantage of every opportunity, especially holidays like Christmas and Easter.

To combat burglaries, you need to know how burglars operate. According to statistics, 30 percent of burglaries occur during the day, 70 percent of them between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. The classic film "Home Alone" confirms that burglaries at dusk increase during the colder months (November to March).

5 tips for a safe home

1. Securing the property

The first obstacles for thieves? Garden fences or gates. These offer no quick escape or easy prey for burglars. For security and privacy, fences over 80 centimeters high are recommended. However, if you feel you're losing the freedom of your own home, you can equip your gate with an intercom system. This combination provides an additional deterrent to burglars.

2. Outdoor lighting

Many homeowners have discovered the advantages of motion detectors. Whether in the hallway or the garden, this type of lighting offers protection for your home. A step can easily be overlooked, especially in the dark. But this outdoor lighting not only provides security, it can also catch burglars in the act and scare them away.

3. Surveillance cameras

Another step is the installation of a surveillance camera. Some will love them, others will hate them because they feel constantly watched. But in case of an incident, you can provide evidence to the police. However, with a surveillance camera, you must also respect the privacy of your neighbors and passersby on the street.

4. Burglar-resistant doors

Burglars, pickpockets, and thieves look for weak points in a house: tilted windows, front doors, and side doors, such as floor-to-ceiling windows. For this reason, we recommend installing front doors with a resistance class of at least 2.

5. Alarm systems

Traditional alarm systems can be modernized and installed in your home as hazard warning systems. This allows them to warn you not only of burglars, but also of fire, gas leaks, or malfunctioning appliances. These systems can also be connected to your smartphone and automatically send a notification to the police or your security service. Before purchasing a hazard warning system, consider which system best suits your needs.

Created on March 9, 2023

Built for you – Our new expandable Town & Country houses

Discover our FürDich solid houses and make your dream of homeownership a reality in 2023. Our new FürDich house series impresses homeowners with its durability, living comfort, and flexibility. With skilled craftsmanship, you can save real money on these solid houses. The choice is yours: build a detached house or a semi-detached house?

Our For You

In our 91-square-meter detached house, FürDich, you can write your own life story. From the clever floor plan and the light-filled living space with panoramic windows and a gallery, to the expandable attic, you can truly feel at home here.

This detached house is being built just for you! From the outside, it boasts the classic architecture of a single-family home with a pitched roof, while inside, two floors await you and your loved ones. The open-plan kitchen flows seamlessly into the living/dining area, creating the heart of the home. Upstairs, you'll find a bathroom, children's rooms, and a master bedroom. See for yourself what makes our detached house so special!

Building a semi-detached house for you

Semi-detached houses are well-designed and offer space for two families on one plot. The new FürDich semi-detached house from Town & Country Haus, like our detached single-family home, is 91 square meters and provides couples and small families with a home for now and in the future.

The ground floor features an open-plan living area with a living room and kitchen, a utility room, and a guest WC. A U-shaped staircase connects both floors, leading to the light-filled gallery on the upper floor. This level also offers space for a bathroom, a bedroom, and a children's room. Depending on your needs, you can convert the attic to create additional living space.

Expandable attic

Many people assume that an attic offers no significant advantages. Our FürDich house series proves otherwise! Thanks to the enlarged pull-down stairs in the gallery, the attic is already prepared for conversion. A dressing room, for example, could easily be created here. Design your home according to your wishes and needs. Your local Town & Country House partner will be by your side from the very beginning and will guide you on your journey to owning your own home. Get in touch now, no obligation, and build your dream home in 2023.

Created on November 9, 2022

Full equipment: What do home builders really need?

Anyone planning to build a house should not only carefully consider their own wishes, but also the services included in the package offered by their future building partner. Not every extra is a luxury.

Building a house is becoming increasingly expensive. This is due not only to rising building material prices, but also to the increased demands of homeowners: the new house should be as energy-efficient as possible and equipped with the latest technology. This makes it all the more important that the pre-agreed budget is not exceeded. However, the results of recent studies paint a different picture: around three-quarters of all private homeowners end up paying significantly more for their property than originally planned.

What's included?

Additional costs lurk primarily in the house's interior fittings – even, or especially, when it's purchased "turnkey." "Turnkey" doesn't mean you can move in and start living immediately. Since there's no legally binding definition, construction companies interpret the term quite differently. Often, details like interior doors, stairs, or plastering aren't included. Some offers also omit items essential for the building's construction and completion – such as earthworks, the foundation slab, or windows. This can quickly add up to five-figure additional costs. Prospective homeowners should therefore carefully examine the construction specifications from the building companies and check which services are included – and which are not.

I'm treating myself to that?

It is equally important that prospective homeowners consider their own wishes and needs even before planning their house. Not every feature is necessary or useful. However, there are elements where you shouldn't skimp. These include, for example, energy-efficient windows with triple glazing, roller shutters, or efficient heating technology based on renewable energy.

Everything thought of: Full equipment at Town & Country House

Those building with Town & Country Haus don't have to worry about unexpected additional costs: all solid houses come fully equipped as standard. The price includes earthworks, the foundation slab, the masonry, the roof, triple-glazed energy-saving windows, roller shutters, and the front door. Together with energy-efficient heating technology, consisting of a heat pump and underfloor heating, all house types already meet the requirements of the "Efficiency House GEG 2023" new construction standard. Pre-wiring for photovoltaics and electric vehicles is also included.

The standard features also include a fully equipped bathroom with a walk-in shower, a separate guest bathroom depending on the house type, easy-care interior doors, a high-quality wooden staircase, and smart home technology. Homeowners who opt for a turnkey solid house only need to take care of the wallpapering and flooring; then it's time to move in and feel at home!

Created on June 2, 2022

Property tax reform – What's in store for property owners?

The new property tax will come into effect on January 1, 2025. This is due to a 2018 ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court, which declared the current calculation system unconstitutional. What will change for property owners, and when do they need to take action? This article will explain.

Property tax is one of the oldest taxes in Germany. It is used by the tax authorities to tax real estate – regardless of whether it is a small plot of land or a large residential property.

Why is a reform of the property tax necessary?

The property values used to calculate property tax are based on data from 1964 (West Germany) and 1935 (East Germany). This means, however, that a property built in 2015 is assessed the same as an unrenovated building from the 1960s – unconstitutional, as the Federal Constitutional Court ruled in 2018. Therefore, all 36 million properties in Germany are to be reassessed.

When does the new property tax come into effect and what will change?

The new property tax will be introduced on January 1, 2025. The aim is an "unbureaucratic, fair, and constitutionally sound regulation." The total amount of revenue will not increase; it will simply be composed differently. Since the new assessment model will now include the location in addition to the size of the property and the building area, some property owners could face higher costs.

What do owners need to do now?

According to the Federal Ministry of Finance, a public notice requesting the declaration of property tax liability is expected to be issued by the end of March 2022. The declaration must be uploaded to the ELSTER online tax platform by October 31, 2022, at the latest. Property tax will be assessed by the end of 2024. It is calculated based on the assessed value of the property, which is determined from the submitted data, a legally defined tax rate, and the individual multiplier set by the municipality.

What data is needed?

In most German states, the so-called "federal model" applies, which requires a large amount of data. For undeveloped land, this includes the location, specific land registry details such as the land register folio number, cadastral district, and parcel number, the land area, and the standard land value. Owners of residential properties must also provide information on the living space, the type of property, the number of garage parking spaces, and the building's year of construction. Taxpayers can find this data in the land registry extract, building documents, the purchase agreement, or rental and lease agreements.

Created on February 16, 2022

This is how electricity price developments affect your household

For many people, electricity prices represent a constant burden. Homeowners need to identify energy-guzzling appliances in order to reduce their annual household electricity consumption despite rising prices.

The price of electricity in Germany, at 31.8 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), ranks second among international electricity prices. Reasons for this price development include demand, production, purchase prices, low competition, and the grid fees that electricity suppliers must pay to the grid operators. The goal is to reduce the EEG surcharge (Erenewable-Eenergy-Gnot only to lower the EEG, but to abolish it in the long term.

How is the electricity price calculated?

The electricity price for your home is made up of three cost components. The taxes, levies, and surcharges, which account for half of the electricity price, are set by the government. These include value-added tax (VAT), electricity tax, concession fees, and the EEG surcharge. A quarter of the electricity price, comprising network charges and meter costs, is regulated by law. Electricity generation, transmission, and distribution form the third and smallest component, which is not set by the government.

Factors influencing electricity consumption

Your annual electricity consumption is influenced by various factors. These include the type of house, the living space, the number of people in your household, and the appliances you use. The electricity consumption comparison provides an overview of the average electricity consumption of a German household. For example, an electricity consumption of 3,500 kWh per year or less is ideal for a three-person household.

Since March 1, 2021, electrical appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, washer-dryers, refrigerators and freezers, televisions, and monitors have been available in energy efficiency ratings from A to G. Household appliances can significantly increase electricity costs; the top five energy guzzlers are old heating pumps, electric stoves, freezers, refrigerators, and lighting. Other often overlooked energy consumers include standby mode and charging cables left plugged in even when no appliance is connected. Therefore, the better the energy efficiency rating of your appliance, the less electricity you will use.

Photovoltaic system for self-consumption

The four pillars of the energy transition are the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG surcharge), the Building Energy Act (GEG), the Offshore Wind Energy Act, and the Combined Heat and Power Act (KWKG). In this context, the EEG surcharge serves as an instrument for promoting renewable energies. The surcharge decreased from 6.5 to 3.72 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2022. Thanks to the EEG, solar power is becoming increasingly attractive for private users, as they are exempt from the EEG surcharge for systems with a maximum output of 30 kWp and an annual self-consumption of no more than 30 megawatt-hours. At Town & Country Haus, you can benefit from house-type-specific photovoltaic packages to switch to green energy at moderate prices. Your regional Town & Country partner will provide you with personalized advice for your dream home.

Created on January 24, 2022

Equipping your home with a digital electricity meter - Here's what you need to know

By 2023, all households in Germany are to be equipped with a modern, digital electricity meter. Some will even receive a so-called smart meter. Here's what you need to know about the switchover. Analog electricity meters are becoming obsolete and are to be replaced nationwide by 2023 – this is stipulated by the Metering Point Operation Act (MsbG). Two different systems will be used: digital electricity meters and smart metering systems.

What is the difference between a digital electricity meter and a smart meter?

Most households are equipped with a digital electricity meter, also known as a modern metering device. This is a simple electrical electricity meter that displays current meter readings as well as daily, weekly, monthly, and annual electricity consumption figures. Since it is not connected to the internet, it cannot be read remotely, nor can consumption data be transmitted.

Intelligent metering systems, so-called smart meters, are equipped with a communication module (smart meter gateway). This enables data transmission in two directions: smart meters can both send and receive data.

Who will receive a smart meter?

There are three groups of electricity customers for whom a smart metering system must be installed:
  • Households with high electricity consumption exceeding 6,000 kWh per year. The decisive factor is the average electricity consumption of the last three years.
  • Owners of electricity generating plants (such as photovoltaic systems) with a nominal output of more than 7 kW. For new plants with a nominal output between 1 and 7 kW, the metering point operator decides.
  • Households with a controllable consumption device (e.g. a heat pump or night storage heater), provided that control has been agreed upon with the network operator.

What are the benefits of the new devices?

The conversion is intended to give consumers and energy producers a detailed overview of their electricity consumption and generation. This will allow for more efficient energy use. In the future, it should also be possible to switch on electrical devices specifically when electricity prices are particularly low.

Who is responsible for the exchange?

The metering point operator is responsible for providing, installing, operating, and maintaining the new metering system. This is usually the local grid operator. Installation will be announced three months in advance. Consumers cannot object to the project, but they can switch to a cheaper metering point operator.

What costs will consumers incur?

The new electricity meters will result in higher costs for most consumers. However, the legislator has set upper limits: Meter operators may charge a maximum of €20 per year for digital electricity meters. For smart metering systems, prices are tiered according to electricity consumption. They range from €23 (electricity consumption up to 2,300 kWh per year) to €130 (electricity consumption up to 20,000 kWh per year).