In this special edition of our tax newsletter for family offices and private individuals, everything revolves around the topic of real estate.
Whether owner-occupied or held for investment purposes - there are numerous tax aspects to consider in connection with real estate: Starting from the allocation of acquisition costs to the transfer within the family. It is common knowledge that there is massive pressure to create new living space, especially in the case of rented flats. On the one hand, the legislator is making this more difficult by increasing regulations and requirements for the quality and furnishing of the properties. On the other hand, there are also positive incentives for investment.
You will find these and many other topics in this issue, which you can download here.
Topics of the issue:
Buying and selling real estate
Many married couples invest in real estate together, usually through a property community in which both are directly registered in the land register. If a share of the property is to be transferred at a later date, whether between the spouses or to children, this always requires the transfer of ownership of the property in the form of a notarial purchase contract. However, there are alternatives.
Letting real estate - depreciation, current income, income-related expenses
Anyone who buys and rents out real estate has to pay taxes - and not too little. But those who pay close attention can save large amounts based on the apportionment guide of the tax authorities, which was updated in June 2023.
ESG: Sustainability as a price-determining factor
When climate sinners are denounced with publicity, one sector is often left out - surprisingly enough, since it is estimated that the real estate sector causes around 38 percent of CO2 emissions in Germany. In the past few years, politicians have tried to use subsidy measures and requirements to move this lever in the fight against climate change. However, many of the measures have so far been rather piecemeal. In order to achieve the climate targets, the building sector will be called upon to a much greater extent.
Digitalisation - networked smart real estate
The real estate industry is often characterised as hesitant and cautiously wait-and-see when it comes to digitalisation. Yet numerous innovations have been developed in recent years by young start-ups - so-called PropTechs - and established companies. Through the use of new technologies, buildings and their infrastructure are becoming smarter, more connected and more (energy) efficient - both in new construction and in existing buildings.
