A small balcony with big potential.jpg

Even if the balcony isn't counted as part of the apartment's square footage, it can still add significantly to the home's livability and appeal. If you're looking to buy or lease a home in the near future, this tiny area should be high on your priority list.

## The balcony, a small space with big potential

The balcony, which is rarely used to its full potential, presents exciting new avenues for growth, particularly in urban settings where it can introduce a touch of nature to the lives of city dwellers. It can be converted into a real miniature garden, complete with flower and vegetable plantings, for very little money. When closed, it transforms into a loggia, which is like a real living room in that it can be used year-round.

_“Creative use of the balcony's space is encouraged”._

## Overlooking the street on a balcony with great exposure

A balcony's usability depends on whether or not it receives adequate sunlight. It's simple to foresee how a south-facing balcony, which receives sunlight for the majority of the day, would be preferable to a north-facing balcony, which would be in the shade for most of the day. On the other hand, orientation isn't the only thing a buyer should look at. He should also make sure the sun can shine through. Even if your balcony faces south or west, its light may be blocked by a nearby building, wall, tree, etc. in a city. Check that your lovely balcony isn't shaded by going to the apartment multiple times under varying weather conditions if you're worried about it.

_“A balcony is only useful if it receives direct sunlight; otherwise, you might as well not have one”._

## A hidden balcony with a beautiful view

Your future miniature garden will benefit greatly from a higher floor and a nice view, but these factors also increase the cost. The balcony's usability will be diminished if it faces an unappealing view, but the situation is not hopeless. There are methods to conceal one's identity. Woven bamboo panels are more durable than the traditional straw or wood cane that is often used for privacy. The versatility of bamboo allows for a wide range of applications. They will make a lovely green screen when planted in large decorative pots. Climbing plants supported by trellises can be just as effective. Awnings, pergolas, and even simple parasols can be installed for additional protection from the sun and prying eyes.

It's true that the balcony won't be as appealing if there's a distracting view, but that doesn't mean it's useless.

## It's loggia time when the balcony transforms!

If windows or bay windows are installed to completely enclose the balcony on both ends, it is transformed into a loggia. The transformation creates the impression of a small veranda, a true additional room that can be used throughout the year. By installing sliding glass panels, you can enjoy a space that feels like a classic balcony in the summer and a closed veranda in the winter. The apartment's loggia isn't included in the square footage, but it can function as if it were, thanks to its proximity to the main living area and abundance of windows.

_“Even though it is not technically part of the apartment, the loggia can be used as a spare bedroom if needed”._

Become familiar with the condo association's regulations
To help you visualize what you could do with your future apartment, you should ignore its current purpose when you visit it. Confirm that the proposed alterations are permitted by the condominium's bylaws before moving forward with your plans.

A small balcony with big potential

Is the cave an advantage or a hindrance to your quality of life.jpg

Both apartments and houses may have cellars for their occupants to use for stowing away items they won't need right away. When you go there, try to picture it in your mind as clearly as possible so you'll know whether or not it will be helpful to you.

## A useful place to keep things

Nothing beats a private, easily accessible cellar for storing out-of-season clothing, garden furniture you want to keep from the elements in the winter, or sentimental items that tend to clutter up your living space.

This item has the potential to sway your decision about which home to rent or purchase. In addition, the service is used by the landlord or the seller to logically raise the rent or sale price of the property.

These days, cellars can be found in only a small percentage of homes, and that percentage is steadily declining. Those who are desperate for one may have trouble finding one. However, there are instances where this feature becomes problematic, which is why it has been phased out of new construction.

_“The Cellar: Exclusive Use Private Storage"_

## Humidity and energy loss concerns in basements

Cellars are notoriously humid, despite their apparent functionality and practicality. The basement is often the source of capillary rise or mold on the floors because it is less well insulated than the living rooms.

Basements are especially vulnerable to flooding. As a result of this type of water intrusion, not only is the first floor ruined, but also the basement.

It's important to make sure a basement is dry before purchasing a home with one (or consider doing it yourself afterwards). Use a hygrometer to assess the humidity level; for optimal preservation of materials, relative humidity should be kept below 60%. If you're hoping to build a wine cellar, you can handle a rate of 70–75%, but not higher (the metals could rot).

Last but not least, poor insulation is a major contributor to heat loss, which means higher heating costs and more discomfort for the residents during the colder months. When properly insulated, a cellar can be a valuable resource.

_"A cellar's flooding or capillary rise can cause issues with the house's floors. Mold growth is another possibility”._

## Be wary of the security of your possessions if you keep them in a building's cellar

Each unit has its own cellar, which can be designed to fit in with the building's aesthetic. Do not trust storing precious items in the storage facility if it is not secure. Put something secure like a padlock or lock on a closed, unlocked storage unit.

Basements in buildings, like basements in homes, can be a boon if they are properly insulated, or they can be a bane if they are too damp.

The presence of a cellar in a real estate ad should pique your interest for both good and bad reasons. The visit will become deciding; examine every inch of this room as thoroughly as you did the living quarters.

_"A building's cellar is not always discreetly hidden away”._

Is the cellar a benefit or a hindrance to your quality of life ?

A guide for those who plan to make their home in a building that has an elevator.jpg

Numerous apartment-seekers, for understandable practical reasons, will only consider complexes that offer elevator access. Installation of this kind is a real comfort argument, but it comes at a price that can affect both the buyer's and the tenant's budget. Here's what you need to know before you start searching for apartments with elevators.

## A necessary convenience, but at a price

When moving into a building that already has an elevator, it's reasonable to assume that there will be ongoing maintenance costs, which are reflected in the condo fees. It's a good idea to poll current tenants about the building's overall maintenance costs, as well as any major repairs or malfunctions, before committing to a lease.

The elevator may be scheduled for replacement if it has been experiencing frequent breakdowns. The buyer should be aware of this additional cost before signing any documents.
_
“A new elevator might be necessary if the current one has been acting up for a while”._

As a tenant, are you responsible for the upkeep of the elevator?
Both the landlord and the tenant contribute to the upkeep of a rental property. The renter is responsible for all utilities and maintenance (including the boiler, minor repairs, garbage collection, and building cleaning). The upkeep of the elevator is included in this last item, along with the cleaning of the lobby and the mowing of the lawn in the private outdoor spaces. Rent increases may be warranted to cover the added expense of maintaining an elevator.

Tenants cannot be held liable for extraordinary expenses, such as the cost of replacing the entire installation or making major repairs.

_“Because of this, "the presence of an elevator may result in a monthly rent increase"._

## Should you take your chances by reserving a unit on the ground floor of a building with an elevator, or should you just move?

Since people living on the ground floor don't have to use the elevator, it would seem that they are losing money every month on their condo dues. In fact, you need to know how the fees are divided up before you can refuse a unit for this reason. Each shared ownership arrangement is set up on a voluntary basis.

Legal precedent dictates that the co-owner of the ground floor is exempt from sharing the elevator's operating expenses. This, however, is never the case outside of a written condo agreement. Indeed, everyone pays their fair share of the administrative costs.
It is assumed that the first-floor tenant will occasionally, if not daily, use the elevator to access the basement, garage, or laundry room. Finally, these extremely exceptional circumstances still rarely result in a fee waiver.

## Advantages of reaching the top

When going up only one or two floors, the elevator isn't always necessary, but as the building rises, it becomes indispensable. The upper floors make the most sense when you want to live in peace and quiet away from curious neighbors.

Although it may be more expensive, having an elevator and relocating to a floor above the third one has many benefits, including fewer issues with neighbors, more light, a greater sense of safety, and, very often, less need for heating due to that of the neighbors below.


Should I buy an apartment with an elevator?

When making a purchase, what are your responsibilities and rights.jpg

In Luxembourg, the process of buying and selling property is governed by statute. As a result, from the time an advertisement is posted online until the time a contract is signed before a notary public, each party is both obligated to and endowed with certain rights. If you're the one selling the item, it's important to know what you're responsible for and what safeguards are in place just in case. They'll improve the context in which you can think about this undertaking.

## Mandatory Pre-Sale Energy Passport Requirements

An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) — also known as an energy passport — is Luxembourg's sole mandatory property disclosure document. This document is accurate for the property's primary energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for the past 10 years. Each performer is given a letter grade ranging from A+ to F, with A being the highest possible grade and F being the lowest (poorly insulated homes, aging heating systems, humidity, etc.).

The co-most ownership's recent meeting minutes and common area maintenance expense statements are also required in the event of an apartment sale. The prospective buyer must be aware of the full price of the apartment and of any upcoming major renovations.

In addition to the above, you may wish to include in your file: floor plans, recent and significant bills (renovations), and heating energy consumption. They're not required, but they can help close the deal since buyers feel more at ease and informed with complete details.

_“Plan drawings, receipts for recently large purchases (renovations), and information on how much energy was used for heating can now all be included in your file”._

## Confirmed agreement to sell; a promise

Both you and the buyer commit to selling the property at the price stated in the promise to sell. In Luxembourg, "the promise to sell is equivalent to a sale," with the notarial act serving merely as a formality. This means that it is too late to reverse your decision. If you renounce the sale, the purchaser can sue you to get the process restarted or to collect damages. However, if the buyer discovers a flaw after the promise to sell has been signed that wasn't apparent during the post-signing visits, he has the right to back out of the deal (provided he has a reason clearly justifying his intention).

That's why it's so important to put together a comprehensive and detailed preliminary sales agreement that specifies all relevant terms and conditions, including a clear statement of the sale price and appropriate suspensive clauses to account for any potential delays. This is the kind of complex legal document that should be drafted with the assistance of an attorney.

## Rights and responsibilities when selling a home in Luxembourg

Prior to any discussion of a possible sale, the asking price is entirely up to you. Since it can be difficult for an individual who is unfamiliar with the market to position themselves favorably, it is wise to rely on the estimates provided by real estate agencies. Although, there is nothing stopping you from talking with your agent about trying to get closer to the desired amount.

_“You can choose whatever price you like”._

Hire a real estate agency to help you out so that you can meet all your responsibilities and protect your rights during the sale of your home.

When making a purchase, what are your responsibilities and rights?

Whom should one consult for advice before making a real estate purchase.jpg

Whether it's your first purchase, a new rental property investment or an acquisition following the sale of another property, your real estate project requires a lot of thought. Before buying a property, you need to gather as much information as possible, know the essential administrative procedures, identify all the additional costs, and anticipate every little hazard that could delay or disrupt the process. In order to better envisage this period, which is sometimes fraught with doubts, do not choose to act alone: surround yourself with professionals capable of supporting you in your choices and informing you of all the subtleties related to your purchase.

## Internet, an ally with limited resources

You have the impression that you can find answers to all your questions on the Internet. This is not entirely untrue: real estate websites try to cover as many topics as possible, with the aim of solving the most common problems and guiding all Internet users ready to buy.

_"Real estate sites try to cover as many topics as possible, with the aim of solving the most common problems”._

But the data you access will have been written with a broad audience in mind, so that everyone can grasp the concepts presented. It won't be relevant to your situation at all. By comparing ads from different properties, you can learn more about the real estate market as a whole and become more familiar with common sales jargon through your online research. This inquisitive and methodical mindset, however, will not be sufficient to acquire even in prime market conditions.

## When selling property, it is necessary to go through the notary as it is a legal requirement

Real estate transactions are not complete until a notary is requested by both the selling and buying parties. For example, a notary is needed for the signing of the deed of sale. It's also worth noting that the notary handles many other necessary administrative formalities, such as remitting taxes to the proper authorities and filing any necessary declarations in advance, so that you don't have to worry about a thing.

The presence of a notary at the closing provides peace of mind for both parties because the expert can attest to the legitimacy of the energy passport and the legality of the transfer, as well as check for any other nuances that might alter the terms of the sale (such as certain conventional easements).

## An agent at the real estate firm is there to answer your questions and address your concerns

You can take advantage of a real estate agency's services if you feel the need to be guided through the entire process, from the initial search to the final signature at the notary's office. All the specific guidance you need to weigh the pros and cons of this move is right here.

Your real estate agent will take your preferences into account when choosing suitable homes and scheduling showings. He presents himself as someone you can talk to about any issue; someone who is well-versed in the market and the law; and someone who can handle even the most unique circumstances.

_“Working with a real estate agent will save you time and effort in your search for a new home”._

If you want full support throughout the process, an agency should be your first choice even if online research and talking to a notary can help you make a more informed decision.


Who should you consult before buying a property?

All the information you need to know about the lease.jpg

Protect yourself from tenant mistreatment with the help of a rental agreement or lease contract. In the event of a dispute, this will undoubtedly be the most important document under scrutiny.

As such, it is wise to favor a bespoke contract, drafted according to the criteria of your rental, in order to anticipate all situations and better protect yourself. Learn the most crucial factors to consider before signing a lease.

## Breaking down the Money Details

Settling on a rent amount, tenant fees, and security deposits are all matters that must be dealt with in accordance with the law enacted in Luxembourg in 2006. Article 3 of the lease may outline guidelines for determining the rent, but in practice, the amount is typically determined through negotiation between the parties and/or market conditions. A legal framework is only applied if and when a dispute arises during the lease term.

_“Any legal dispute that may arise during the lease's execution shall be resolved in accordance with the law and only the law”._

It is common practice to include prepayments for utilities such as electricity, gas, and heating in the "charges" section you provide to your tenant. A tenant can only be made responsible for utilities, routine apartment and common area maintenance, and minor repairs if written into the lease agreement. You have to pay for things like a trustee or expensive repairs.

Also, be sure to include the security deposit amount in your lease agreement. This is a preliminary payment in case the property sustains any damage after the tenant vacates. No more than three months' worth of rent should be included in this sum.

_“The security deposit amount must be stated.”_

## Duration, subletting, and inventory of furnishings are all necessary formalities

Your lease should include more than just the financial details. In principle, when a lease is signed, it is for an indefinite period of time. Although an end date may be specified, the contract may be extended by mutual agreement of the parties in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Code, which states that a lease with a specified end date automatically converts to an open-ended lease on the date the lease's term expires, regardless of the lease's original terms. Contrarily, the notice period and other termination terms should be spelled out in the contract (usually 3 months).

Keep in mind that you can include a clause in the lease prohibiting subletting if you so choose. Keep in mind that if your tenant signs a sublease, you have no say in the terms of the agreement he makes with his subtenant. If you're more comfortable maintaining total command, you should probably forbid this.

Make sure to take stock of all of your furniture and other belongings before you sign the lease and officially relocate. Doing so will help you differentiate between pre-existing damage and any damage that may have been caused by the tenant after you moved in.

Instructions for the upkeep of the garden, garage, ancillary rooms, etc., can be included in the lease as needed. If you want to make sure your contract accurately reflects the property and covers every eventuality, it's best to have a real estate professional draft it rather than using a template you found online.


All you need to know about a lease 

How do you make an offer to purchase after a visit.jpg

After touring the property, you can't help but feel drawn to it and think it's a fantastic opportunity. You should make a first purchase offer at this point in the negotiation process. So, what do you do now? What should you say to justify your offer if it is lower than the going rate? As such, it is imperative that you pay close attention to the guidance of your real estate agent at this time so that you can acquire the property in the most advantageous manner possible.

## Get together on a new visit to further your case

Even if you've felt a genuine crush or appreciated the property enough to position yourself on an offer after just one visit, you still haven't mastered the tools necessary for a successful negotiation. We recommend planning a return trip so you can examine this opportunity with a more critical eye, verify the merits that initially piqued your interest — and call attention to any flaws that might allow you to negotiate a lower price.

Don't be shy about bringing along an architect or site manager on your second visit if the home or apartment you're eyeing will require renovations. The latter will be able to give you an accurate estimate of the costs associated with the upgrades, which is obviously a powerful point of leverage during negotiations.

_"If the house or apartment you're interested in needs renovations, don't be bashful about bringing an architect or site manager with you on the second visit."_

## Conduct a thorough market evaluation to determine the property's true value

Since the seller anticipates some haggling on the part of the buyer, there will always be a discrepancy between the asking price and the fair market value of the property. Due diligence is required to determine whether or not the asking price of the home or apartment you're interested in is actually fair.

Real estate agents are invaluable for this because they are conversant with the local market and the area in which they operate. You can confidently ask for an estimate of the lowest possible price from this person without jeopardizing your position.

## Before making an offer to buy, it's important to establish the sale's setting

You need to understand the larger picture of the sale to know if a price reduction is feasible. If the owner is eager to finalize the sale, for instance, they may be more flexible with the asking price. Attempt to meet with the owner and ask questions to better understand the motivations behind the sale. This information may prove useful during negotiations.

_The owner may be more flexible on the asking price if they are eager to finalize the sale._

A property that has been on the market for a while will also be more amenable to negotiations than a brand new listing. In this regard, you should inquire with the real estate agent as to how long the listing has been active (or use your previous research to find the information yourself).

Be wary, not all situations allow for negotiation; seizing an opportunity as presented is sometimes necessary if the seller is receiving multiple offers and can afford to be picky. Therefore, before you decide to position yourself on a price lower than the selling price, be aware of all the criteria mentioned in this article and do not proceed without the help of a real estate specialist.



How do you make an offer to purchase after a visit?

Surround yourself with the right people for a successful real estate sale.jpg

The successful sale of a home requires the participation of many people, and especially the guidance of seasoned professionals. If you want to save time and effort or negotiate the best possible price, you should seek the assistance of real estate experts. In what ways can you tell who to trust? With just these few things, you'll be in a much better position to sell.

## The importance of working with the right real estate agency

It's likely that a number of real estate agencies are vying for your business in your area. But with seemingly similar selling points, how can you decide which one to hire? Get multiple estimates on the value of your home from different companies.

In this way, you can meet a number of different real estate agents and quickly determine whether or not you can work well with each of them.

In order to get a clearer picture of the value of your home, it's helpful to get multiple estimates and compare them to one another. More importantly, this initial interaction can reveal a lot about the real estate agent, including his level of expertise, his enthusiasm for the sale, his interpersonal skills, and the ease with which he can relate to you as an individual.

_“You will only partner with reliable service providers”._

At this point, you'll know that working with the company that gives you the highest estimate of your property's worth is not a requirement. Instead, you'll shop around for the service that can get you and the seller the best deal possible, and you'll only work with reputable companies.

## Whom to call or what to tell them when selling real estate?

You have the option of signing either a simple or exclusive mandate with the real estate agency you hire to sell your home or apartment. If the former, you are free to sell your possessions anywhere, including on the Internet through private transactions. When you sign an exclusive mandate, however, you agree to work exclusively with that agency.

## Notary public for signing energy passport documents and other relevant individuals

There will be times when people other than the real estate agency step in to help you out when the agency isn't available to be your privileged interlocutor and the first solution to mobilize to answer all your questions. To obtain an energy passport, which is required prior to the sale, you will need to hire a company's services, as an example. It's crucial to have supportive people around you right now; consult your agency for guidance in locating a competent professional who can make this diagnosis thoroughly and affordably.

Finally, consider the presence of a notary public, as a sale can never be finalized without one. Again, the agency is there to assist you in making contact with its partners if you are having trouble doing so.

_Once more, "if you're having trouble locating contact information, the agency will be able to assist you and put you in touch with its partners."_

At the end of the day, the agency is the main point of contact for the seller throughout the transaction. As such, it's important to take your time picking an agency so you don't end up regretting your final choice.

Surround yourself with the right people for a successful real estate sale

Choosing the right tenant can save you from a lot of headaches.jpg

Like every landlord, you worry about your future tenant causing trouble, whether it's through rent nonpayment, property damage, or disturbances to the neighbors. The perfect tenant would adhere to all of the lease's stipulations, be prompt with rent payments, take good care of the apartment, and be respectful of the building's other occupants (especially in buildings). If you want your next lease to go off without a hitch, what can you do? If you take some preventative measures, you can rent with more confidence.

## Obtain pay stubs and rental agreements as proof of income

Landlords have the right to check official records to ensure that tenants can pay their rent and are reliable residents. Keep in mind that you can't request everything; for example, bank records can't be requested because they reveal personal information. However, prioritize those who can show you recent rent receipts and their last three pay stubs (indicating a stable employment situation). The rent should ideally not be more than a third of the salary, which could put the tenant in a difficult situation, and can be compared to the tenant's other monthly expenses using the pay stubs. The tenant's up-to-dateness is demonstrated by the receipts for rent payments.

_“Bank statements are considered private information and therefore cannot be requested”._

## It's important to talk to the tenant and establish rapport

It's only natural to want to meet the person who will soon be calling your house their own. Of course, you can try to strike up a conversation by asking about the other person's passions and aspirations. This way, you can gauge his seriousness, maturity, and dependability with greater accuracy. In addition, you can inquire as to whether or not the renter is looking for a long-term lease. Indeed, if you find someone with long-term commitment goals, you can rest easy knowing that you won't have to go back out and look for love in a matter of months. However, it's important to be sensitive to political correctness during this conversation. For example, you shouldn't pry into the prospective tenant's personal life by asking him about his religious or sexual orientation if he doesn't feel comfortable doing so. Remember that there are severe consequences for any form of discrimination, including in the rental of a property.

_And if you find someone who wants to put down roots for a while, you can relax knowing that you won't have to go back out and look for love again after a few months._

## Hire a property management company to oversee your rentals

People who aren't well-versed in the field may be daunted by the intricacies of the search for new tenants. Furthermore, afterward, the actions of rental management lead to some challenges, as you must pursue unpaid bills, anticipate repairs, and account for your share of maintenance. Having a real estate company handle the management of your property can free you from all these costs. The management company will take over for you completely, from tenant screening to inventory to collecting rent and enforcing maintenance and payment policies. The monthly rent payment will be made to you by the agency, less a predetermined percentage that reflects the value of the services they provided.

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