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Created on March 7th, 2024
Building a subsidised house - affordable, future-proof and flexible
Property prices are falling and subsidies are available for builders, home buyers and owners. But how do you find the right financing for your building project? To ensure that nothing stands in the way of your dream home, we have an independent subsidy and financing service to support you and give you cost control right from the start.
The comparison portal Check24, which is one of the first port of call for property developers, announced at the turn of the year that now is the right time to build a house. You should remember: as soon as the percentage points fall by at least 0.3, you can already save more than 10,000 euros in interest costs on a home loan of 400,000 euros. Would you like to find out whether 2024 is your house-building year? Then use the bank-independent subsidy and financing service from Town & Country Haus and get closer to your dream home step by step.
Advantages of the subsidy and financing service
There are many good reasons in favour of our financing service, but the biggest advantage is the nationwide search for financing offers. We not only compare regional banks, but also national ones to find the best offer for your dream home. We don't just rely on one bank, but act independently of banks. This enables us to make a wide range of offers and provide comprehensive financial advice, because your dream is our priority. But not only does the financing have to be right, we also check subsidies for you. Here too, we compare which subsidy is best for you. Because even at state level, there are sometimes subsidies that have better conditions for your individual case.
And best of all, our more than 250 regional Town & Country Haus partners can advise you on your financing directly at your location. With Town & Country Haus, you can get everything you need from a single source: house, plot and financing. We look forward to your house project!
And best of all, our more than 250 regional Town & Country Haus partners can advise you on your financing directly at your location. With Town & Country Haus, you can get everything you need from a single source: house, plot and financing. We look forward to your house project!
Created on November 23rd, 2023
Building a subsidised house - affordable, future-proof and flexible
Up to 200,000 euros in subsidised loans with a monthly instalment of 900 euros - does that sound impossible at current interest rates? Not with the federal subsidy for efficient buildings - climate-friendly residential buildings (BEG-KFWG)! You can find out directly from us which requirements you need to fulfil for the subsidy.
The federal subsidy for efficient buildings - climate-friendly new build (BEG KFN) subsidises house construction in two subsidy levels: climate-friendly residential building (KWFG) and climate-friendly residential building with QNG (KWFG-QNG). And best of all: subsidised loans are available per residential unit.
The federal subsidy for efficient buildings - climate-friendly new build (BEG KFN) subsidises house construction in two subsidy levels: climate-friendly residential building (KWFG) and climate-friendly residential building with QNG (KWFG-QNG). And best of all: subsidised loans are available per residential unit.
House with granny flat: double subsidy
If you are building a two-family house or a house with a granny flat, you can benefit from a double subsidy and receive a subsidised loan of 200,000 euros. The KFWG subsidy level of the federal subsidy for efficient buildings subsidises up to 100,000 euros per residential unit if you build an Efficiency House 40 and sustainably reduce CO2 emissions with a view to the ecological balance.
The monthly instalments are just as important to us as they are to you, which is why our independent subsidy and financing service will support you right from the start so that you can fulfil your dream of owning your own home. With this subsidy level, you can invest around 200,000 euros in your dream home with a monthly instalment of 900 euros. In combination with an additional bank loan, you can cover the remaining costs of building your home, such as the plot and ancillary building costs. At first glance, this sounds too good to be true, but we have created a financing example for the Mitwachshaus Flair 148 with granny flat for you here to give you a better overview of the subsidy.
The monthly instalments are just as important to us as they are to you, which is why our independent subsidy and financing service will support you right from the start so that you can fulfil your dream of owning your own home. With this subsidy level, you can invest around 200,000 euros in your dream home with a monthly instalment of 900 euros. In combination with an additional bank loan, you can cover the remaining costs of building your home, such as the plot and ancillary building costs. At first glance, this sounds too good to be true, but we have created a financing example for the Mitwachshaus Flair 148 with granny flat for you here to give you a better overview of the subsidy.
The advantages: House with granny flat
A house with two residential units not only gives you double the subsidy, but also reduces the monthly expenses you have to bear as the owner. You can benefit from rental income if you rent out the smaller residential unit of your home. This will additionally reduce your monthly loan instalment and the living space will not be empty. You can limit the duration of this constellation if you are planning to use the granny flat as a long-term home for grandparents or your adult children. It is also possible for you to move into the small residential unit yourself in old age and leave the larger one to your children and grandchildren. Experience shows that people in old age live in more living space than necessary, which is why you should plan ahead with a house with a granny flat.
With Town & Country Haus, you are building for the future and making the construction of your dream home affordable again. Find out more from us now and start planning your home. We look forward to receiving your enquiry!
With Town & Country Haus, you are building for the future and making the construction of your dream home affordable again. Find out more from us now and start planning your home. We look forward to receiving your enquiry!
Created on August 2nd, 2023
Real estate prices are falling: Why it's worth buying a house now
Realizing your dream of owning your own home is becoming realistic again for many families: real estate prices are falling nationwide. So is now the right time to buy a home? And if so, where?
After more than ten years of real estate boom, the big price slide is now coming as a result of inflation, interest rate increases and declining demand: In the first quarter of 2023, prices for residential real estate fell by an average of 2.1 percent compared to the previous year, according to the current real estate price index of the Association of German Pfandbrief Banks ( VDP) shows. A good time to put the topic of buying a house back on the agenda.
Where real estate is now cheap
Anyone who is thinking about buying a house has a chance of getting cheap prices, especially in rural areas. Houses and apartments here cost around 30 percent less than in the cities. These are the results of a new study by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) and the Allensbach Institute. Accordingly, the average purchase price for a house or apartment in the countryside is around 2,800 euros per square meter, while in German cities it is just under 4,200 euros.
Living is still the most expensive in Germany's seven metropolises - Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart and Frankfurt: the purchase price for a property here is on average a good 6,000 euros per square meter. But according to the real estate price index, the price decline is also noticeable in cities with over a million inhabitants. However, at 1.4 percent, this is moderate. What might come as a surprise: Buying a house in the suburbs of the country's largest metropolises is often not worth it. The bottom line is that property prices here are higher than in the big cities themselves.
Living is still the most expensive in Germany's seven metropolises - Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart and Frankfurt: the purchase price for a property here is on average a good 6,000 euros per square meter. But according to the real estate price index, the price decline is also noticeable in cities with over a million inhabitants. However, at 1.4 percent, this is moderate. What might come as a surprise: Buying a house in the suburbs of the country's largest metropolises is often not worth it. The bottom line is that property prices here are higher than in the big cities themselves.
What's next for real estate prices?
Jens Tolckmitt, Managing Director of the Association of German Pfandbrief Banks, assumes that the current price development is only the beginning. Due to inflation and rising interest rates, the demand for real estate has fallen sharply. Properties remain undeveloped, old buildings are empty. A downward price correction should lead to the long-awaited turnaround in the real estate market.
According to the expert, the trend is likely to continue downwards in the coming quarters. Reason enough to start looking for your dream property in good time. Also because the interest rates on real estate loans are currently stable and there are no drastic interest rate cuts in sight.
According to the expert, the trend is likely to continue downwards in the coming quarters. Reason enough to start looking for your dream property in good time. Also because the interest rates on real estate loans are currently stable and there are no drastic interest rate cuts in sight.
Better to build or buy now?
The situation on the real estate market is slowly calming down. Interest rates are stable and property prices are falling moderately. Now is the optimal time for both building a house and buying a house. In both cases, your local Town & Country Haus partner will support you. Simply contact us: We will inform you about current house building subsidies and subsidies for energy-efficient renovation to create an efficient house. Regardless of whether it is a new building or an existing building – let our experts advise you and make your dream of owning your own home a reality now.
Created on June 5th, 2023
Home ownership for families: The Baukindergeld 2023
Do you dream of your own garden and a nursery for your youngest offspring? From June 1st, 2023, families will be supported by the new house building funding from the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW). You can now find out what requirements you have to meet for this.
Since the beginning of the year there has been talk of a successor program for the building child benefit. The new family funding is no longer an annual grant, but rather a low-interest loan, like the federal funding for efficient buildings - climate-friendly new buildings (BEG-KFN).
Family support: the requirements
First obstacles for Dannounced how funding is carried out. But the conditions have been clear for a long time:
- 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
- Promotion of a new building for personal use
Which residential buildings are funded?
The home ownership support for families (WEF) cannot be combined with the federal funding for efficient buildings - climate-friendly new buildings (BEG-KFN), as both funding is aimed at these residential building levels: climate-friendly residential building and climate-friendly residential building with the Sustainable Building (QNG) quality seal. As already described, the WEF program is aimed at families with low to middle incomes. Families who exceed the income limit of the program can apply for “climate-friendly new construction” house building funding instead.
How is it funded?
A maximum loan of 240,000 euros should be available per applicant. The loan amount is made up of the maximum annual income and the number of children. Families can choose from the financing forms of annuity loan and bullet loan for the loan.*
Too much information at once? In a non-binding consultation, we can check which house building funding is suitable for you so that you can get one step closer to your dream of owning your own four walls.
*Source: Credit Union for Reconstruction (KfW)
*Source: Credit Union for Reconstruction (KfW)
Created on April 18, 2023
How to make your home burglar-proof
Experience has shown that the loss of a sense of security in one's own four walls outweighs the financial damage caused by a break-in. 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.
In order to counteract residential 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 “Home Alone” confirms that dusk falls increase in cold months (November to March).
5 tips for your safe home
1. Property security
First obstacles for thieves? Garden fence or yard gate. There is no guarantee of a quick escape or easy prey for burglars. With security and privacy in mind, fences over 80 centimeters are recommended. But if you feel like you're losing the freedom of your own four walls, you can equip your yard gate with an intercom system instead. This combination also deters burglars.
2. Outdoor lighting
Many homeowners have discovered the advantages of a motion detector. Whether in the hallway or in the garden, this lighting offers you protection for your home. A step can easily be overlooked, especially in the dark. But this outdoor lighting not only offers you security, but can also catch burglars in the act and put them to flight.
3. Security cameras
Another step is the surveillance camera. Some will love them and others will hate them because they feel like they are constantly being watched. But if necessary, you can provide the police with evidence. But with a surveillance camera you also have to protect the privacy of your neighbors and passers-by on the street.
4. Burglar-resistant doors
Burglars, thieves and thieves are looking for a weak point in the house: tilted windows, front doors and side doors, such as floor-to-ceiling windows. For this reason, we recommend installing front doors with resistance class 2 or higher.
5. Alarm systems
Well-known alarm systems can be installed as modern danger warning systems in your own four walls. This means they not only warn of burglars, but also of fire, gas or defective devices. Depending on your preference, these systems can also be connected to your smartphone and automatically send a message to the police or the relevant security service. Before purchasing a hazard warning system, check which system is right for you.
Created on March 9, 2023
Built for you – our new expandable Town & Country houses
Get to know our ForYou solid houses and realize your dream of owning your own home in 2023. Our new FürDich house series impresses builders with its longevity, living comfort and flexibility. Because in these solid houses you can save money with craftsmanship. The decision is yours: build a single-family home or a semi-detached house?
Our ForYou
You can write your life story in our 91 square meter single-family home for you. Starting with the clever floor plan, through the light-flooded living space with panoramic windows and gallery, to the expandable loft. You can feel at home here.
Build a semi-detached house for you
Semi-detached houses are well thought out and offer space for two families on one property. The new FürDich semi-detached house from Town & Country Haus is, like our detached single-family home, 91 square meters in size and gives couples and small families a home for now and later.
The open living area with living room and kitchen, utility room and guest toilet is located on the ground floor. The U-shaped staircase connects both floors and allows you to enter the light-flooded gallery on the upper floor. There is also space for a bathroom, bedroom and children's room. Depending on your living situation, you can expand the loft and create additional space.
The open living area with living room and kitchen, utility room and guest toilet is located on the ground floor. The U-shaped staircase connects both floors and allows you to enter the light-flooded gallery on the upper floor. There is also space for a bathroom, bedroom and children's room. Depending on your living situation, you can expand the loft and create additional space.
Expandable loft
Many people assume that a mezzanine floor does not provide any significant benefits. Our house series FürDu proves the opposite! Because of the enlarged attic stairs in the gallery, the loft is already prepared for expansion. There can be space for a dressing room here, for example. Design your home according to your wishes and needs. Your local Town & Country Haus partner will be at your side right from the start and will accompany you on your way into your own four walls. Find out now without obligation and build your dream home in 2023.
Created on November 9th, 2022
Full equipment: What do builders really need?
If you want to build a house, you should not only think intensively about your own wishes, but also about the included services of your future building partner. Because not every extra is luxury.
Building a house is becoming more and more expensive. The reason for this is not only the increased price of building materials, but also the increased demands of builders: the new house should be as energy efficient as possible and use the latest technology. It is all the more important that the pre-determined budget is not exceeded. However, the results of current studies paint a different picture: around three quarters of all private builders pay significantly more for their own home than originally planned.
Building a house is becoming more and more expensive. The reason for this is not only the increased price of building materials, but also the increased demands of builders: the new house should be as energy efficient as possible and use the latest technology. It is all the more important that the pre-determined budget is not exceeded. However, the results of current studies paint a different picture: around three quarters of all private builders pay significantly more for their own home than originally planned.
What is included?
Additional costs lurk especially when it comes to furnishing the house - even or especially if it is bought “turnkey”. Because “turnkey” doesn’t mean that you can move in and start living straight away. Since there is no binding definition, solid house companies interpret the term quite differently. Often details such as interior doors, stairs or filler work are not included. Some offers also lack items that are essential for the construction and completion of the building - such as earthworks, floor slabs or windows. This quickly adds up to five-figure additional costs. Those interested in building should therefore take a close look at the construction company's building descriptions and check which services are included - and which are not.
Do I allow myself that?
It is just as important that builders in Spe consider their own wishes and needs before planning the house. Not every piece of equipment is necessary or useful. But there are elements that shouldn't be skimped on. These include, for example, energy-saving windows with triple insulating glazing, roller shutters or efficient heating technology based on renewable energies.
Everything has been thought of: fully equipped at Town & Country Haus
Anyone who builds a house with Town & Country doesn't have to worry about unplanned additional costs: all solid houses are already fully equipped as standard. The price of the house includes the earthworks, the floor 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 new building standard “Efficiency House GEG 2023”. Preparation for photovoltaics and electric cars is also included.
The basic inventory also includes a fully equipped bathroom with a floor-level shower, depending on the type of house, a separate guest bathroom, easy-care interior doors, a high-quality wooden staircase and clever building technology. Builders who decide on a turnkey solid house only have to do the wallpapering and flooring work, then it's time to move in and feel comfortable!
The basic inventory also includes a fully equipped bathroom with a floor-level shower, depending on the type of house, a separate guest bathroom, easy-care interior doors, a high-quality wooden staircase and clever building technology. Builders who decide on a turnkey solid house only have to do the wallpapering and flooring work, then it's time to move in and feel comfortable!
Created on June 2nd, 2022
Property tax reform – what awaits owners?
The new property tax will come into force on January 1, 2025. The reason is a ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court from 2018, which declared the current calculation system to be unconstitutional. What changes for owners and when do they have to take action? This post will enlighten you.
The property tax is one of the oldest taxes in Germany. The tax authorities use it to tax real estate – regardless of whether it is just a small plot of land or a large residential property.
The property tax is one of the oldest taxes in Germany. The tax authorities use it to tax real estate – regardless of whether it is just a small plot of land or a large residential property.
Why is property tax reform needed?
The property values used to calculate property tax are based on data from 1964 (West) and 1935 (East). However, this means that a property built in 2015 is valued in the same way as an unrenovated old building from the 1960s - unconstitutional, as the Federal Constitutional Court found in 2018. That is why all 36 million properties in Germany should be revalued.
When will the new property tax apply and what will change?
The new property tax will be introduced on January 1, 2025. The aim is an “unbureaucratic, fair and constitutional regulation”. The total amount of income should not increase, it will just be composed differently. Since the new valuation model now takes into account not only the size of the property and the building area but also the location, some owners could face higher costs.
What do owners need to do now?
According to the Federal Ministry of Finance, a request to submit the declaration of findings will probably be made through a public announcement by the end of March 2022. The declaration of determination should be uploaded to the ELSTER online tax platform by October 31, 2022 at the latest. The property tax will be determined until the end of 2024. It results from the property value, which is calculated from the transmitted data, a legally established tax figure and the individual municipal assessment rate.
What data is needed?
In most federal states, the so-called “federal model” applies, which requires a large amount of data. For undeveloped properties, this includes the location, individual land register data such as the land register sheet, district and parcel number, the land area and the standard land value. Owners of residential properties must also indicate the living space, the type of property, the number of garage spaces and the year the building was built. Taxpayers can find the data in the land register extract, in the construction documents, in the purchase contract or in 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 have to expose energy guzzlers in order to reduce annual electricity consumption in the household despite rising electricity prices.
At 31.8 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh), the electricity price in Germany is in second place among international electricity prices. The reasons for the price development are demand, production, purchase price, low competition and the network fee that electricity providers have to pay to network operators. The aim is the EEG levy (Erenewable-Eenergy-Gesetz) not only to reduce it, but to abolish it in the long term.
At 31.8 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh), the electricity price in Germany is in second place among international electricity prices. The reasons for the price development are demand, production, purchase price, low competition and the network fee that electricity providers have to pay to network operators. The aim is the EEG levy (Erenewable-Eenergy-Gesetz) not only to reduce it, but to abolish it in the long term.
How is the electricity price made up?
The electricity price for your own four walls is made up of three cost blocks. The state determines the taxes, levies and levies, which make up half of the electricity price. These are the VAT and electricity tax, the concession fee and the EEG levy. A quarter of the electricity price is regulated by law with the network fee and the costs for the meter in the second cost block. Electricity production, transport and distribution is the third and smallest component that is not specified by the state.
Factors influencing power consumption
Your annual electricity consumption is influenced by various factors. Your house type, living space, household size and household appliances all play a role. The electricity mirror gives you an overview of the average electricity consumption of a German household. For example, for a 3-person household, electricity consumption of 3,500 kWh per year or less is ideal.
Since March 1, 2021, electrical appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, combined washer-dryers, refrigerators and freezers, televisions and monitors have been available according to classification A to G. Because household appliances can drive up electricity costs, the top 5 electricity guzzlers are old heating pumps, electric stoves, freezers, refrigerators and lighting. Other power guzzlers that are often forgotten are standby mode and charging cables that remain in the socket even though no device is connected. The better the energy efficiency class of your electrical appliance, the less electricity you use.
Since March 1, 2021, electrical appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, combined washer-dryers, refrigerators and freezers, televisions and monitors have been available according to classification A to G. Because household appliances can drive up electricity costs, the top 5 electricity guzzlers are old heating pumps, electric stoves, freezers, refrigerators and lighting. Other power guzzlers that are often forgotten are standby mode and charging cables that remain in the socket even though no device is connected. The better the energy efficiency class of your electrical appliance, the less electricity you use.
Photovoltaic system for personal use
The four pillars of the energy transition are the Renewable Energy Act (EEG levy), the Building Energy Act (GEG), the Offshore Wind Energy Act and the Combined Heat and Power Act (KWKG). In this context, the EEG levy serves as an instrument to promote renewable energies. The levy fell from 6.5 to 3.72 cents per kilowatt hour in 2022. Solar power is becoming more and more attractive for private users thanks to the EEG, because they do not have to pay any EEG surcharges with a maximum output of 30 kWp and an annual solar self-consumption of a maximum of 30 megawatt hours. At Town & Country Haus you can benefit from photovoltaic packages depending on the type of house in order to rely on green energy at moderate prices. Your regional Town & Country partner will advise you individually on your dream home.
Created on January 24, 2022
Equipping your home with a digital electricity meter - This is what you need to know
By 2023, all households in Germany should be equipped with a modern, digital electricity meter. Some of them even receive a so-called smart meter. You can find out what you need to know about the change here. Analogue electricity meters have become obsolete and are to be replaced across the board by 2023 - this is what the Metering Point Operation Act (MsbG) stipulates. Two different systems are used: digital electricity meters and intelligent measuring systems.
What is the difference between a digital electricity meter and a smart meter?
A digital electricity meter, also known as a modern measuring device, is installed in most households. This is a simple electrical electricity meter that, in addition to the current meter readings, also displays daily, weekly, monthly and annual electricity consumption values. Since it is not connected to the Internet, it can neither be read remotely nor transmit consumption values.
Intelligent measuring 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 gets a smart meter?
There are three groups of electricity customers for whom an intelligent metering system must be installed:
- Households with high electricity consumption of over 6,000 kWh per year. The decisive factor is the average electricity consumption over the last three years.
- Owners of electricity-generating systems (e.g. photovoltaic systems) with a nominal output of more than 7 kW. For new systems with a nominal output between 1 and 7 kW, the measuring point operator decides.
- Households with a controllable consumption device (e.g. a heat pump or night storage heater), provided that control has been agreed with the network operator.
What are the benefits of the new devices?
With the conversion, consumers and energy producers should receive a detailed overview of their electricity consumption and electricity generation. This allows the energy to be used more efficiently. 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 measuring point operator is responsible for the provision, installation, operation and maintenance of the new measuring system. This is usually the local network operator. Installation will be announced three months in advance. The consumer cannot object to the plan, but he can switch to a cheaper metering point operator.
What costs do consumers face?
The new electricity meters entail higher costs for most consumers. However, the legislature has set upper limits: Measuring point operators are allowed to charge a maximum of 20 euros per year for digital electricity meters. For intelligent metering systems, prices are staggered based on electricity consumption. They range from 23 euros (electricity consumption up to 2,300 kWh per year) to 130 euros (electricity consumption up to 20,000 kWh per year).
