Real estate investment: direct and indirect
An old-age insurance that differs fundamentally from the type presented so far is the investment in real estate that you can buy directly and then either resell or rent. There are various factors to consider in order to find the right property.
The key is of course the situation. So the place should have a minimum number of residents. Other factors that need to be taken into account are the transport connection and attractiveness as well as the local infrastructure: Are there enough shopping opportunities, a school, kindergartens, doctor’s surgeries and green areas nearby. You should also pay attention to noise sources such as airports, roads, rail traffic or commercial areas.
An important question is of course whether the area is booming or structurally weak, whether it is home to important companies and thus jobs, or whether they are growing and the area or region is attractive to companies and will continue to be. You should also keep an eye on the development of property prices and rent levels in the past.
Of course, it is also important how the building is. Below you should pay particular attention to the condition of the following building components: Age and condition of the house inside and the facade, condition of the roof, the electrical system, the heating system, insulation, age of the windows and glazing, energy efficiency, connections, floor plan and accessibility.
Attention: According to the consumer center, buildings in Germany account for almost 40 percent of energy consumption. The energy requirements for buildings are specified in the Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV). The EnEV applies to almost all buildings that are heated or air-conditioned and, in addition to the heating and air-conditioning technology, relates above all to the thermal insulation of the building. So before buying a house or apartment, you should make sure that the energy certificate indicates high consumption and that energetic renovation measures are necessary. Here you could come up with unexpected additional costs.
