Hesperange.jpg

Between town and country, the Luxembourg municipality of Hesperange (Hesper for the locals) includes a total of five towns: Hesperange, Alzingen, Itzig, Howald and Fentange. Its immediate proximity to Luxembourg City makes it one of the most important in Luxembourg. Its many assets have attracted its 15,584 inhabitants, as of January 1, 2020. 

## Hesperange, a very attractive Luxembourg locality

With its surface of 27,22 km², Hesperange is ideally located between an urban and an agricultural territory. This particularity confers to its inhabitants various landscapes mixing urban dynamism, residential districts or commercial activity zones; the whole in the calm of the countryside. 

Its full demographic growth linked to the charm of its atmosphere as well as to its direct proximity to the city of Luxembourg allows the commune of Herserange a strong economic development with in particular:

- a future restructuring of the ZAC of Howald (one of the capital economic points of the commune) ; 
- the creation of a new activity zone "Op de Leemen" in Fentange; 
- the expansion of the industrial zone in Alzingen. 
 
This guarantees a very satisfactory global commercial offer to its residents. 

## The school infrastructures present in Hesperange

With more and more families settled in the commune, the number of school infrastructures has increased in order to be able to welcome children of all ages. 

The five localities therefore offer quality education from cycles 1 to 4, as well as a canteen and daycare service within the schools. 

The media library of Hesperange is also an attractive place to cultivate : 

- the children's thirst for learning to read ; 
- tools adapted to the studies of the older ones.

## An offer of leisure activities accessible to all

### Sports activities

Many sports and leisure activities are proposed to the inhabitants of Hesperange. 

Among them, you will find various infrastructures such as :

- soccer and basketball fields ; 
- beach-volley ; 
- sports hall ; 
- tennis court ;
- cyclocross ;
- Skateboard Track.  

There are multiple playgrounds for the youngest children, allowing them to have fun during their free time while meeting other children from the city.

What do you know about the beautiful city Hesperange in Luxembourg?

4 tips for taking photos that reflect your home.jpg

If you want to sell or rent your property in Luxembourg, photographs are a key element in attracting potential buyers or tenants. Indeed, first impressions are often the most lasting and photos can make or break a buyer's or tenant's decision. Here are some tips to help you take quality photos of your home.

## 1. Use natural light
Natural light is often best for interior photos. If possible, shoot in the early afternoon when the sun is streaming in through the windows. If it's cloudy, photos may not be bright enough, so use a torch or flash to illuminate dark areas.

## 2. Clean rooms before shooting
Make sure the rooms are clean and tidy before you shoot. Put away unnecessary items and wipe down surfaces. If necessary, wash the windows to make sure the rooms are well lit.

## 3. Use good resolution
Poor quality photographs can give a poor impression and reduce the chances of attracting potential buyers or tenants. Make sure you use a high-quality camera or high-end smartphone to take high-resolution photos.

## 4. Highlight your property's strengths
Highlight the best parts of your home by taking photos of its most interesting features, such as its views, balcony, modern kitchen or spacious bathroom. Make sure the photos reflect the best aspects of your home.

## 5. Avoid blurry or distorted photos
Blurry or distorted photos can make your home look unattractive. Use a tripod to avoid blurry photos, and make sure photos are taken at a 90-degree angle to avoid distorted perspectives.

By following these tips, you can take quality photos of your Luxembourg home and show them to potential buyers or tenants. Well-taken photos can make a big difference to your property listing and help sell it.

5 tips for taking photos that reflect your home

Walferdange.jpg

Walferdange is a great place for those interested in history and nature, and it's only 11 minutes away from Luxembourg City via the N7. Located in the center of the Alzette valley, it is home to more than 8,400 people and is ideal for families in search of tranquility and lush vegetation. Have any questions left? Learn the many charms that make Walferdange a desirable location.

## Experiencing daily life in Walferdange

### A place where families can thrive

Walferdange, with its proximity to both the city of Luxembourg and the countryside, is a great place for families to settle. There are three public schools and a crèche in Walferdange. In an effort to facilitate working parents, a school bus service has been established. There are also plenty of parks and open spaces where kids can play and exercise.

Children also have the option of attending "Maisons Relais" (after-school care centers) where they can relax while completing their homework or participating in extracurricular activities (sports, arts, etc.).

Walferdange also provides a "Meals on wheels" service, which delivers meals to the homes of senior citizens. The city government also provides a gymnastics program tailored to the needs of senior citizens.

### Advantageous entry into Luxembourg's capital

If you're a commuter who dreads sitting in traffic on the N7 during rush hour, you can get to the heart of Luxembourg from the Walferdange train station in just 10 minutes.

The city also has shuttle buses that run frequently to make getting around easier. Scheduled times for these are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.

The Night Card is a discounted weekend bus pass for young adults (16–26) that allows them to ride the bus late at night.

### A city packed with fun things to do

In the commune, you can participate in a wide variety of sports and recreational activities. Numerous soccer and tennis courts are available.

You can join a club team in basketball, volleyball, or rugby.

A spa, sauna, and swimming area can be found on the Alzette River, north of Walferdange, for those who need or want to unwind for a while.

### You can go hiking and biking in Walferdange

The township of Walferdange includes the neighboring communities of Bereldange and Helmsange in the southern Guttland region.

The three settlements span both banks of the Alzette, and their forested surroundings provide ample opportunities for exploring the river and its environs on foot. Hikers and cyclists of all skill levels will enjoy exploring this tranquil area.

Visitors can learn the ins and outs of gypsum mining by embarking on a hike out of Bereldange. The ruins of the ancient Roman aqueduct Raschptzer can be found at the end of another path in the woods.

Helmsange, on the other side of the Alzette, is home to a nature reserve known as Sonnebierg. The site includes a list of many uncommon plants, which will be of interest to botanists. Orchid enthusiasts will undoubtedly get to see some beautiful specimens.

In the 20th century, gypsum was mined in the area not far from there, between Bereldange and the Kléngelbaach valley. Their renowned whiteness is a testament to the abundant natural resources in the area. Although the gypsum mines are now primarily used for testing measuring instruments, a 5.2-kilometer path beginning in Bereldange provides access to the historical mining sites.

## Walferdange Historical Attractions

The town has been around since Roman times and was once home to Prince Henry of the Netherlands.

It's rich in history, so storytellers will find plenty of material there.

The Walferdange Castle, constructed by William I in 1817, is just one of many sites waiting to be explored. Before the Belgian revolution of 1830, it served as a storage facility for royal stallions. The castle was left forsaken for a decade before it was reclaimed as a royal residence in 1841. There, Prince Henri wed Princess Amélie and later Princess Marie of Prussia. This was after he relocated there in 1850.

The fact that the castle housed Luxembourgish children and their families during the First World War is an interesting aside as well. The Ministry of Education, Children and Youth has been using it for some of its operations since 2015.
But the commune of Walferdange has other historical places of interest, such as:

- The Roman villa : located in Helmsange, not far from Walferdange, it consists of 50 rooms. Numerous potteries have been discovered there by archaeologists. The ruins are still visible today.
- The church of the Trinity: murals by Gerdhard Lamers, a German artist from the beginning of the 20th century, can be admired here.

## Walferdange, a place of cultural wealth

But nature and history are not the only riches of Walferdange! Culture also has its place here. 

Lovers of literature will find their happiness here thanks to the Walfer Bicherdeeg. This event, which takes place every year in November, attracts many Luxembourg collectors and book dealers.

Those who prefer to stroll through the art galleries will be delighted by the Walfer Kulturschapp, an exhibition space, or by the CAW. This space, open to adults as well as to youngsters, honors local artists while organizing discovery workshops for children.
Ideal for families and nature lovers, Walferdange is greatly appreciated for its direct proximity to Luxembourg City. Real estate prices are more attractive than in the capital of Luxembourg, where it is easy to get to daily by car or train. 

If you are still looking for a place to live, don't hesitate: Walferdange regularly welcomes new residents.

Walferdange, family nature near the city of Luxembourg

Should you furnish your rental property for a better return in Luxembourg.jpg

Once you have invested in a rental property in Luxembourg, there are a few things to consider.

Do you need to upgrade the property before you can rent it at a higher price? Do you want to rent it "empty" or with furniture?

This is an excellent question, and here are some solutions!

## Higher rents and potential tax benefits are the advantages of renting a furnished property

You can save money on taxes by renting your property in Luxembourg as a "furnished rental". The furniture and equipment you buy for the interior depreciate over time. This means that you can deduct them from your rental income, but only if you respect the rules.

Buying new furniture can reduce your taxable income, leaving you more money to spend on rent increases. Of course, if two properties are identical in terms of size and other key features, the rent for the one you don't have to do anything but unpack will be higher. If you are looking to invest in a rental property in Luxembourg in order to minimize your tax liabilities and collect the highest possible rent, you should be aware that you cannot charge more than twice the rate that would apply to an "empty" apartment or house.

## Risks of vacancy and gradual deterioration of rental properties

Renting apartments in Luxembourg for individuals can be complicated when furniture is included. At the end of the lease, it is important to make an inventory of all the equipment, not just the walls, taps and electrical appliances. A broken drawer, a cabinet door that won't stay closed or a refrigerator that doesn't work properly are just a few examples of furniture defects that need to be considered.

The risk of damage increases the likelihood of legal action. We advise you to hire a real estate agency in Luxembourg to take care of the rental management of your property so that you don't have to worry about the daily operations of your rental property investment.

If you take into account that tenants in furnished rentals tend to be less reliable, you will appreciate their service even more. Although these properties usually find a tenant quickly, the contracts may not be long term, which increases the risk of vacancy... In order to sign a new contract, it is usually necessary to re-run the ad.

There is no universally correct answer to the question "should I furnish my property for rent in Luxembourg or not? If you want to be sure to make the right choice, do not hesitate to consult professionals.

Should you furnish your rental property for a better return in Luxembourg?

Finding a good roommate what to do.jpg

Having roommates is an attractive option for many people. It's a cost-effective strategy for filling a spacious apartment with people. And who among us hasn't wished our lives were like that of one of the characters on Friends? So many of our most beloved protagonists have also been blessed with fantastic roommates. However, having a roommate in the real world isn't always easy and may not turn out the way you hoped. To help you find that much needed roommate, here are some tips.

## Picking your dorm mates

Finding people that are similar to yourself is essential if you want to have the kind of lively, joyful, and memorable roommate experience that you would remember fondly. Find a roommate (or roommates) who are a good fit for you in terms of lifestyle preferences (close or distant living, smoking, guests, parties, work, a mixed roommate). There are so many issues where consensus is required. If you're looking for roommates, it's important to ask yourself the following questions first, and then schedule a meeting with potential candidates to determine if you're a good fit for each other. Don't just focus on how you appear. Even if you and your roommate are from completely different cultures, you can still get along well. Pay attention to what they have to say and how they respond to your questions.

## Consider the costs and constraints imposed by rules

The solidarity clause, payment terms, and security deposit are all crucial to a problem-free roommate situation. There are still a number of factors to consider, such as homeowner's insurance, which has two options. In order to protect yourself and your belongings without impacting your roommates, you can get home insurance coverage under your own name. If the unit is rented using individual leases, this is feasible. However, if a master lease is signed for the entire co-housing complex, then just one home insurance coverage needs to be purchased. Only one resident signs, but all of the names are listed. Prioritizing each person's portion by calculating and allocating it is a good idea. Internet, cable, energy, water, and other utilities are only some of the many extra costs that must be calculated. Last but not least, you must account for these expenses in your budget and reach a consensus with the other residents.

## Having a roommate is like having a life coach

Is work assigned on a rota basis? Do you typically eat together or run errands together? Do you each have your own closet, or do you have to share? Discuss this and see if you can come up with some ground rules to follow. An additional option is to create a calendar or chart. Once you begin sharing a home, these guidelines can change as needed. The closer you are, the more comfortable you should feel switching them around. Develop new ones and make some of the old ones obsolete. However, keep these in mind. However, take cautious not to become overly rigorous with these standards or with the routines of others. Sharing housing with others requires a flexible attitude.

## Don't pry or harass

Protecting the intimacy you share with your roommate is like caring for a rare and delicate bird. Don't pry too much. The pace of life may slow down on its own, but there's always the danger of assuming that since you're roommates, you have to share everything. Figure out how to give people their personal space and time. Just like you, I need breaks from time to time. Make your room into a sanctuary where you may retreat from the outside world. You can provide attention to the interior design of your space. You'll be able to settle in with your roommate, rediscover who you are, and live a happier life as a result.

## Break the ice while you still can during your roommate stint

Effective communication is one of your most potent tools in a shared living situation. You must be able to maintain a level of composure while maintaining a regular schedule of positive, regular communication. Rather than letting tensions build up, it's best to address issues head-on in a calm dialogue well in advance. This will allow any potential problems to be avoided or resolved early on, limiting the potential harm to relationships. There is the option of setting up conferences to talk about problems, potential answers, and positive developments.

Last but not least, each roommate has its own personality and method of operation. You shouldn't be scared to give potential roommates a chance, even if you worry that you might end up with a bad match. You will have a wonderful time even if your roommate turns out to be a dud. If you discover the ideal roommate, you'll be sad to have to give up the opportunity to star in your own comedy.

Finding a good roommate: what to do ? 

Save in 2023 by investing in real estate in Luxembourg.jpg

If you're looking to save money, you may be wondering where you'll get the most benefit. If you don't have a huge amount of money to set aside each month, you can still start a savings project; several options, such as real estate investing in Luxembourg, may be right for you.

## To make smart decisions, use the apps on your mobile device

It's true that some smartphone apps can serve as true financial advisors, offering personalized recommendations on how best to save money in light of your unique situation and goals. If you can afford it, you can get in over your head if you set up an automatic monthly transfer from your checking account to a savings account. You can maximize your savings by using a specialized program.

## Buying a property with the intention of renting it

Did you know that you can make your first real estate investment in Luxembourg even if you don't own a primary residence? In fact, banks are happy to approve loan applications from people who are still paying rent on their own home. The rent will start to be paid after the debt has been repaid. After a predetermined period, some people also decide to sell.

Investing in real estate in Luxembourg, in any form, is a proven way to build long-term wealth, as stone always retains its intrinsic value.

## Get your hands on expensive objects

If you have a basic knowledge of a subject, you can buy items that may increase in value in the future and resell them at a profit. When it comes to aesthetic and wine disciplines, this cost-cutting method is invaluable. It is common to invest in the work of an up-and-coming artist in the hope that their work will increase in value over time, but one can also buy good wines with the expectation of making a nice profit years or decades from now.

It is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the products in question to avoid making poor strategic decisions that result in poor financial returns.

## Consider consulting a financial advisor

There are professionals who offer advice and can guide you to the most appropriate savings options for your personal situation. You can arrange a meeting to discuss your situation and goals. They will provide you with advice on how to maximize your financial return while minimizing your time and resources (e.g. buying a small apartment with a low monthly payment).

Setting up an investment fund or looking for your first property in Luxembourg is something you can do at any time. If you are having trouble deciding what is best for you, it may be time to seek expert advice.

Save in 2023 by investing in real estate in Luxembourg 

As winter approaches, brighten your rooms and life!.jpg

Light is an indispensable element of your life. It helps to chase away stress, fatigue and low energy. That's why it is essential to live in a space bathed in light. Not always obvious? Here are some tips to say goodbye to dark rooms. 

## Draw light directly from the source: windows

To favor natural lighting, focus on the windows. When designing your rooms, it's best to keep the decor near the windows simple. If you avoid bulky furniture near the windows, you will clear the space and allow plenty of light to enter. As for window treatments, light white curtains are the perfect decorative touch to amplify the brightness of the room.

## Mirror, oh my beautiful mirror... illuminate me!

When faced with a dark room, a small dummy eye can have a magical effect! Simply place a standing mirror in front of your window to reflect the light from it. The lighting will be greatly enhanced! If you want even more, you can place several mirrors on the wall perpendicular to the window, where the light rays accumulate.

## Walls as a halo of light

To brighten up your room, it's best to opt for a light wall. The simplicity of the white wall will refresh the house. If white is not to your taste, you can swap it for a warm color. Yellow promises sunshine! 

## A few lamps are enough to make your interior sparkle

Multiplying the light sources allows the shadow to dissipate, so don't settle for a central light. Alternate floor lamps, sconces, garlands, lamps, candles ... by positioning them in dark spaces. This is your chance to bring your personal touch to the room! 

## The brilliance of glass to illuminate your room

The transparent surface of glass can help you in many ways. To counteract a problem of darkness, opt for glass. If you place a glass partition that faces a bright room, its neighbor will enjoy a bath of light. However, if you can't afford to do any work, work with glass in other ways: placed on a table or hung, any decorative element made with this material will allow you to enhance the brightness of the room. 

## Light as the only decoration

In a dimly lit space (without a sufficient light source), be careful not to choose a decoration that would darken your room even more. Your beautiful and large grandmother's wardrobe will work wonders in another room! For this space, choose a discreet decoration, with low furniture that allows light to enter. It is preferable to opt for sober colors, the pastel trend will suit you perfectly. The same goes for the carpet, which can be white or beige. To accessorize this decor, shiny metal, gold or glittery objects will make the room sparkle! 

## Plants, a beacon in the night

Plants are always a good idea to air, color and embellish a decoration. In this dark room, they bring a little nature and its benefits. For this, you can choose plants that do not require much light. The caladium for example is not disturbed by the shade while its white leaves bring cheerfulness. This is also the case with the majestic orchid!

Brighten up your rooms and your life as winter approaches!

What are the weekly counts of your energy consumption.jpg

The December 2018 European Union directive on energy efficiency in buildings makes it clear that residential buildings must install consumption monitoring systems for heating and hot water.

Since October 2020, the landlord must give the tenant semi-annual information on their consumption. This year, this information has become monthly and is communicated openly rather than passively via the web. By 2027, every meter will have to be equipped with remote reading technology.

This is where ista is leading the way. The Luxembourg company anticipated the regulations and developed a game-changing response: a state-of-the-art, fully automated remote reading device based on two-way radio communication. Consumption data is transferred weekly via this new application, which was designed in-house for the end customer.

This system is also more efficient because meter readers will no longer have to visit the home.

## Using advanced technology to read meters remotely

Ista's German parent company is currently developing this software, which will be tested in two or three projects in Luxembourg. The end user can access information about his or her heating and hot water consumption, as well as an estimate of expenses, via the app, which is based on the latest meter readings.

In addition to reducing residents' monthly costs, the app will educate them on ways to preserve the environment.

About 20% of Luxembourg's carbon dioxide emissions come from home heating and hot water consumption. So this is a fantastic savings opportunity.

## The question here is: how does this application work?

The ista team will install the meters to track the amount of energy used for heating, hot water and cold water, and test the reading system to make sure it works properly. A GSM-connected gateway is installed, and data from the apartment meters is collected via a separate antenna. Once a week, the server makes a call to this gateway and downloads all the consumption statistics of the apartments.

What are the weekly counts of your energy consumption?

What work needs to be done on a rental property in Luxembourg.jpg

You are a landlord in Luxembourg and your tenant has contacted you to ask for permission to carry out certain repairs in the apartment he rents. Could you stop him from doing so if you wanted to? How do you get everyone to agree? When you work with someone, it's important to know your rights as well as theirs. Our answers!

## The tenant's right to decorate

Disputes concerning the completion (or lack thereof) of home improvement projects are a frequent source of friction in the individual real estate market in Luxembourg. In practice, the lease remains the reference contract that sets out the uses, rights and responsibilities of each party.

For this reason, the tenant may be required by the lease to return the property with the same color paint on the walls. However, this will not prevent the tenant from painting the walls in any style he or she wishes while living there. After taking inventory of the fixtures to be removed, he can easily restore them to their original color.

You have no legal standing to prevent your tenant from decorating his studio with paint. He has the possibility to use colors totally different from the standard palette if he wishes. The tenant is responsible for all costs associated with returning the apartment to its pre-tenancy condition, including but not limited to painting the walls before the lease is considered terminated.

## Any changes or repairs must always be approved by the landlord

Your studio tenant writes or calls you to let you know that they want to make renovations to make the space more livable. Rearranging the kitchen by getting rid of old furniture, updating the bathroom with water-saving faucets, or even installing glass over the bathtub can all be helpful.

You must make a formal request for the tenant to undertake any of these activities; otherwise, they will not be undertaken. And if it's just a few minor tweaks, they can't force you to invest with them (but if you agree to the work and think it's a pretty good idea, you can freely contribute to the expense).

Although your tenant may be willing to make repairs or renovations to the apartment at his or her own expense, you are entitled to refuse these requests. If he or she changes the apartment without your permission, for example by replacing the faucets, you can ask him or her to return everything to its previous state.

## Agree with your tenant!

Negotiations between tenants and landlords can be difficult when it comes to making changes to the apartment, as tenants and landlords often have different ideas about what constitutes an acceptable improvement (and not necessarily the same concept of comfort). However, in order to keep the peace during the lease, you should pay close attention to your tenant's requests and not be afraid to hire an agency to handle the administration of work, repairs and other complaints that may arise. This will save you time, avoid disputes and lighten your daily load.

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