The window openings with adaptable geometry.jpg

The window has several opening mechanisms (tilt and turn, sliding, fixed) to meet a wide variety of needs. Find the one that suits your needs while being aesthetically pleasing.

## The classic casement window

You're used to seeing this type of window, which has two huge casements that open widely inward. This model is the standard, found in virtually every home. Despite its versatility, this window is quite large. You need a space large enough to accommodate its massive opening radius. Otherwise, opt for a sliding model that is easier to conceal.

## Clever double act with the tilt-and-turn window

The standard type, with its two-way access, is by far the most popular option. The space can be ventilated not only by the traditional vertical opening system, but also by a tilt-and-turn opening, the "bellows," which extends only a few inches in height. This style of window is commonly used in kitchens, as it not only allows fresh air to enter the space, but also disperses odors and harmful gases that can accumulate in this area.

## Significant space savings are achieved with the sliding window

An opening like this works wonderfully with modern furniture. It features a lot of glass, so a lot of natural light can enter the space. Sliding windows, compared to standard casement windows, save a lot of space, which is an added benefit. These features are sure to be of interest to city dwellers who, with limited living space, are always looking for ways to make the most of the space they have. It's not just the kitchen and bathroom that can benefit from sliding models; the living room, bedroom and even the office can also benefit.

## The fixed window, a needs-based model

Let's assume that there is no need for such an opening mechanism. Fixed windows do not open and are simply a panel of glass with no additional accessories. Where would you place such devices? The way you think about it could be. While not the most popular design, it can be modified to meet specific requirements, such as in rooms without exterior access or those on the first floor that are never used. However, the fixed window offers the same primary benefits as other windows, such as natural light and a view of the outdoors, even if it cannot be opened.

## French doors are a particularly beautiful large format option

French doors, sometimes called large tilt-and-turn windows, are a variation on the standard casement window. With these doors installed in the main living areas, the patio and garden can be considered an extension of the house on warm days. The patio door is an important design element, as it provides easy access to the balcony or garden and makes the home more functional and enjoyable to use. Choose a sliding patio door if you need a large opening.

The window: openings with adaptable geometry

How to read and analyze the plan for your new home.jpg

When you buy a home before it is completed, you have the opportunity to choose many details, from furnishings to flooring, and you can move right into your new home without having to worry about renovations. However, potential homeowners often have a hard time visualizing themselves in their home during the construction period; here are some suggestions to help you better understand the floor plan of your house or apartment.

## Discover the information contained in the title block

The title block contains crucial information about your project, but it often goes unnoticed by novices because of its location in the margins of the plan. Even if you have no idea what a "floor plan" is, it is essential to have one, as it shows the location of your property in the building in relation to other apartments, the street and outdoor spaces. This allows you to anticipate any disturbances that may occur.

A compass rose, showing the orientation of the rooms and the path of the sun, is also located in this enclosed space. Formalities such as property type (T1, T2, T3, etc.), area (for houses) or surface area (for commercial lots) will reflect your previous choices (names created by developers, which vary in usage and do not meet any specific standard).

## Important Abbreviations to Remember for Facilities

Each apartment floor plan will include two- or three-letter acronyms designating the rooms for the major household and electronic equipment you will use on a regular basis. The best-known examples are those that designate the most common appliances:

- For the dishwasher, LV
- For the washing machine, LL.
- For the refrigerator, RF 
- For cooking, CU 

You can expect some work to be done before you move in to adapt the apartment to your needs; for example, if the location of the washing machine does not suit you, you can plan to install a water inlet and outlet elsewhere.
In addition, there are additional indicators that refer more simply to specific locations:

- SDE: for shower room with shower
- SDB : for bathroom with bathtub
- DGT : for clearance
- PL: for closet

A window door (designated by PF), roller shutters (designated by VR), and a privacy screen (designated by PV) are all indicated by these abbreviations. The presence of the electrical panel is indicated by the letters "TE" in the last step.

## Plan your apartment move with ease by following these tips!

It is possible that you still have doubts about the plan of your house or apartment, even if you have understood the meaning of each aspect. Do not hesitate to contact the developer of the property for more information.

Depending on the specifics, various solutions are possible. For example, some service providers are beginning to incorporate virtual reality into their offerings so that their clients can visualize their finished home and make material choices before construction (paint colors, window frames, etc.). If possible, it is recommended that you visit a model home with a sales agent so that you can relate the experience to the project at hand.

How to read and analyze the plan for your new home? 

How about a furnished or unfurnished rental.jpg

While in some countries an owner may see a tax benefit from renting out an unfurnished property rather than a fully furnished one, in Luxembourg the owner sees no such benefit. Whether or not the decision to equip your rental property will affect your taxes, it is still important to consider. The following advice will assist you in making the best decision possible.

## Taxes are the same whether you rent an empty house or a fully furnished apartment

Rental income (rent received during the fiscal year) is reported (and subject to the same taxation) in the same way for both "empty" and furnished properties. The tax burden, however, can be mitigated by deducting depreciation from the owner's overall income. An investor in a fully furnished apartment may deduct the cost of the furnishings over a short period of time in order to lower their taxable income. The tax implications of this question should not guide your thinking; rather, you should consider the needs of the people who will be living in the property to determine whether or not it is necessary to equip the property.

_"Consideration of this matter should not be motivated by tax considerations”._

## Consider the market before furnishing (or not) your rental property

Now that you're a landlord, you need to figure out if the people who might be interested in your rental property are students. New graduates? Those with kids? Who are these people? Are the people here generally wealthy or more modest?

To put it more concretely, if you live in a studio or two-room apartment near public transportation and schools that caters to a young and student public, it is in your best interest to furnish your apartment so that it is more appealing to that demographic. These consumers rarely have the time or money to buy new furniture and appliances, so they will appreciate renting a studio where all they need to do is bring their own belongings.

However, once you reach 3-, 4-, or 5-bedroom homes or your demographic shifts to adults with established careers, empty homes remain in demand. A family that is already well-furnished may have trouble relocating to a furnished home because it will likely not want to get rid of any of its belongings.

_“For a family that has everything they need, moving into a furnished apartment can be a disaster”._

## Which, renting out an empty or furnished property, yields the highest rate of return?

To begin, the monthly cost of a fully furnished apartment is typically higher than the monthly cost of an identically equipped and unfurnished home (surface area, services, neighborhood, etc.). Spending more money up front on furnishings for the rooms will result in higher earnings in the end.

Nonetheless, keep in mind that upkeep expenses can make a significant impact. There is significantly more turnover in furnished apartments as opposed to unoccupied ones. Tenants come and go from rental properties, and they aren't always the most careful with the tools. Overall, you run the risk of higher maintenance costs to keep the apartment in good condition, as well as more time and effort spent on the hunt for new lease signers.

In the end, the purpose and size of your lodging will dictate whether you opt for an empty or furnished rental (it is easier to furnish a studio than 5 rooms). For optimal decision-making, you should first ascertain the rental demand for your property type.

Furnished or unfurnished rental ? Advantages and disadvantages

How much is the rent.jpg

There are a few fundamental questions you need to answer before renting your property to a tenant (before posting ads, scheduling showings, etc.). How can a rent be set without first-hand experience in the real estate market? Which course of action should be taken to prevent potential conflicts and do justice to the owner's responsibilities? Here are the most important factors to consider before signing a lease.

## Rent setting via market research on comparable properties

Whether you're on the hunt for a house, apartment, studio, or furnished student housing, it's always a good idea to compare rental ads. This initial step, however, will not be sufficient to position yourself on the rental market.

_"To determine what the best offer is, you should compare prices of similar listings”._

Finding out if the supply is lower than the demand (tension) or higher (tendency to vacant units) will help you hone your renting expertise. It's possible that the rent would be higher in the former scenario. Research the market as early as possible to determine whether rents are increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable.

Keep in mind that after the first six months of occupancy, a tenant has the right to file a complaint with the city's rent board if they feel they have been overcharged. However, you may need to work out an amicable solution with the Rent Board if your rent is too low and you want to raise it (otherwise, you will have to go to the Justice of the Peace).

Last but not least, keep in mind that rent increases are capped at 5% of the initial investment under Luxembourg law, and can occur once every two years.

## Taxes and fees that can be deducted from rent

You collect additional fees from the tenant on top of the rent to cover the costs you incurred. Only costs directly related to the tenant can be deducted from this total. Costs incurred in practice must always be reasonable (invoices, receipts, etc.).

Major co-ownership expenses such as property tax, energy passport, and meeting organization costs are covered by the landlord (cleaning, changing the boilers, etc.).

## However, the renter is responsible for paying for utilities and routine maintenance

What the owner is responsible for in terms of utilities, rental agreements, and inventory.
Without a current Energy Performance Certificate, a rental property cannot be considered. After issue, you'll have 10 years to use this certificate. If this deadline has passed, you'll have to pay to have a new one ordered from a qualified professional. Indeed, one of the required criteria to be mentioned on the advertisements is the energy class of the property.

_"The energy efficiency rating of the home is one of the criteria that must be disclosed in the listings”._

Concurrently, ensure you have all the documents you'll need for a rental, including the lease and an inventory of the property's furnishings. Drafting the lease requires more expertise, even if inventory of fixtures grids are readily available online (the standard models do not always meet the specificities of the accommodation). Therefore, it is recommended that you have a professional service prepare the contract for you to ensure your best interests are protected in the event of a disagreement.

It is still challenging for an individual owner to begin renting out their property. In order to rent legally, but also to delegate the management of the property and avoid various administrative worries, you should not hesitate to contact an agency (repairs, unpaid rent, vacancy, etc.).

What is the exact amount of rent?

The appliances in the kitchen, the comforts and amenities.jpg

The kitchen is usually the first room a guest checks out when visiting a new house. The kitchen has evolved from a strictly functional space where meals are prepared to a true gathering place for family and friends. However, due to the high cost of installation, careful consideration should be given before proceeding.

## Among the most eye-catching parts of a home, the kitchen is undergoing renovations

Due to its prominence as a selling point, a well-appointed kitchen is often one of the first things prospective buyers will notice about a home. As a result, even though it's more expensive, it has a larger impact on potential buyers than other, less obvious renovation work. Repairs to the plumbing or cleaning procedures, for example, will have much less of an effect on the visitor because, despite requiring significant expenditures, they are also invisible. Most of the time, the visitor makes a subjective assessment of the property's quality. Without any relation to their actual value, decorative elements positively influence their judgment and allow them to better project themselves in their future home.

_"One potential selling point is a kitchen that includes all the necessary appliances.”_

## Putting in a brand new kitchen just before listing a house for sale

When selling a home or apartment, the owner may feel pressured to make a few finishing touches. Home staging, the process of improving a house in order to sell it, is largely responsible for this modern fad. It's not a matter of physical labor, but rather of setting the scene so that the buyer feels comfortable making an offer. You could look at it as nothing more than a marketing ploy. Incorporating the installation of a fully-stocked kitchen into such an approach is unrealistic due to the high cost involved and the consequent low likelihood of recovering those expenses in the asking price of the home. While a fully stocked kitchen won't necessarily increase the asking price, it can make the home more appealing to potential buyers and reduce the amount of time it takes to sell.

_"Staged homes are presented to potential buyers in an environment designed to increase the likelihood that they will make a purchase”._

## Each project comes with its own fully-stocked kitchen

The kitchen is an important part of the home because it serves as a gathering place for the family and provides necessities such as food and drink. A new homeowner may feel compelled to immediately devote attention here upon moving in. Yet, before settling on a kitchen, he needs to give some thought to his goals. Since he owns the house and plans to stay there for the foreseeable future, he deserves to have the kitchen of his dreams.

Since he will only be staying for a short period of time, the added expense of the renovations cannot be rolled into the sale price of the property. If he is renting, he will need to prioritize a simple kitchen and get permission from the landlord. When he moves out, he can either leave the kitchen set up without getting paid for it or take it apart and put it back to how it was before.

The equipped kitchen, a comfort element or an enhancement element?

Make a list of your wants and needs before looking for a place to live.jpg

Buying a home is a long-term investment because it requires getting a loan, using savings for a down payment, and possibly investing in repairs. Whether this is your first home or your fifth, you should always ask yourself these questions to ensure you find a place that perfectly suits your requirements. I hope the following guidelines will help you define your needs more precisely.

## Don't rush into buying a home without first doing some serious budgeting

The first and most important requirement for buying property is a stable financial background. Have you been saving up for a down payment? Can you regularly afford the mortgage payments? Make sure this move won't get you into financial trouble in the long run by determining how much of your monthly income can go toward paying off the loan.

_“Determine the maximum monthly revolving credit balance you can have without going into debt”._

## Your home life and outlook

You won't be able to afford renting or buying for the next year or two. So, before settling on criteria like square footage or number of bedrooms, give some thought to your plans. Possible that you only need two bedrooms right now. To increase your family, however, more will be required. This forethought also extends to other, more concrete concerns. If you're thinking about getting a second car, for instance, you'll need a secure place to keep both of them.

## Situation: satisfying your wants and needs

Before beginning your search, give careful consideration to the kind of atmosphere you'd like to have, as you'll be settling in for at least a few years. How about the bustle of a neighborhood? The energy of a commercial district? The ease of being in a location with good public transportation options? Spend some time together as a family figuring out the answers to these questions so that we can settle on a set of shared priorities. Take into account the utmost distance you're willing to commute to work in order to immediately eliminate any homes that are too far from your office (or the kids' school) on the list.

## No matter how old or new a home is, the priority and criteria for comfort

Which type of house, new or old, do you prefer? There's no rule against pursuing either market, but knowing which you prefer will help you save energy and zero in on the homes that are the best fit for your requirements. In a broader sense, think about whether you want a private outdoor space, whether you need an elevator, whether you want covered parking, and so on (garden, terrace, balcony). If you prioritize your own criteria, you'll have an easier time sifting through the properties that don't quite measure up.

_"To save time and easily identify the properties that meet your request, "you need to have a clear idea of what you prefer."_

Talking with everyone in the family is essential if you want to arrive at a consensus on what features are most important to you and what kind of home is best for your situation. The assistance of a real estate firm can be invaluable in defining the essential components of your project.

4 points to check before buying a home 

The terrace is an extra that comes at an additional cost.jpg

Terraces are a major selling point for residential real estate in urban settings. Their relative scarcity in some areas of the city, namely the historic districts, can lead to irrationally high prices. Many city dwellers would love to have a nice terrace in a central location, but they should be wary of paying too much for the property they desire.

## A selling point is the terrace

Apartments with a terrace provide a nice alternative for city dwellers who love "nature" but cannot afford to buy a house with a garden due to high property prices in major metropolitan areas. They are easily smitten by a lovely terrace with favorable weather conditions, no direct neighbors, and an appealing vista. When these conditions are met, they can reasonably conclude that they are in possession of a unique and, therefore, valuable property. In the case of more expensive finds, the buyer should always ensure that the asking price is fair.

_It is important for a buyer to always make sure that the asking price is reasonable, especially when it comes to a favorite._

## Exactly what factors into the final cost of a deck?

This is an extremely complex and debatable issue. Buyers should keep their cool and not overpay for a home, even if features like a terrace add significant value. In determining total floor space, terrace area is disregarded. However, due to the lack of guidelines for accurately determining its worth, some experts use the same price per square meter as that of the apartment, to which they add a weighting coefficient based on the level of the apartment in which the terrace is located. Because other, more subjective factors, such as orientation, lack of noise pollution, or opposite, can intervene in this evaluation, limiting oneself to this strict calculation seems arbitrary. Apartments with terraces are unusual, and as such, their value is hard to pin down because of a lack of comparable properties.

_"The purchaser needs to maintain composure and not get emotionally attached to the property”._

## Whether you call it a terrace or a balcony is a matter of terminology

Even the tiniest of balconies can be considered a terrace by some owners. There is, however, a distinction between the two that is not based on size alone; a sizable balcony can be more than 15 square meters in area, while a modest terrace might be no more than five square meters. In terms of the building's structure, a balcony is an element that extends outward along the facade, while a terrace extends out over the apartment's rooftop. This is why most apartments on higher floors don't have terraces, though other configurations are possible due to alterations or changes in building use.

_"The average balcony is around 5 square meters, while a large balcony can be up to 15 square meters”._

## Can spacious balconies take the place of a terrace?

Adding the word "terrace" to an ad is guaranteed to increase sales. They may be let down if they visit the apartment and find a tiny balcony instead of the lovely terrace pictured in the ad, too small even for a bistro set. No matter how nice a balcony is, it can never replace a terrace, which can be used as a true extra room as soon as the weather permits, and therefore will never fetch the same price.

The terrace, a very popular space for buyers!

Essential protection with shutters and blinds.jpg

Shades and drapes not only add to the visual appeal of a structure, but also increase the comfort of the space. Which tools provide the highest level of safety and convenience for your everyday life? Let's sidetrack for a second and check out what the exterior joinery section has to offer.

## Shutters can be hinged or rolling, depending on your preferences

### Resistance is greatly reduced by hinged shutters

The most common type of shutter, hinged shutters are also the most basic and durable. They can be easily adjusted to meet the needs of local zoning ordinances while also giving the home's exterior a much-needed boost in personality. All these features help the shutters compete with roller shutters, which are generally regarded as more functional. PVC, aluminum, and wood all have their own unique aesthetics and price points, so it's possible to find the perfect model no matter what your priorities are. Steel is a more secure material in the event of a break-in.

_While roller shutters are generally regarded as more convenient, "all these qualities make casement shutters stand up well against competition from roller shutters."_

### The most functional window treatment is roller shutters

When compared to their swinging counterparts, roller shutters are preferred because their operation can be handled from the comfort of the home's interior. They can be motorized for even more ease of use. Because they are motorized, shutters can be controlled via home automation systems and set to open and close at predetermined times. Those who are particularly interested in technology will be captivated by the prospect of linking their set-up. One factor in picking window coverings is whether or not they can be operated via an app on the user's smartphone.

_"Motorization paves the way for the implementation of home automation, which in turn permits the programming of the opening and closing times of the shutters."_

## Blinds are used to block the sun's rays

### Incredibly easy to use, the projection awning

The projection awning is as straightforward as they come, whether you need to shade your home's windows or the railing on your city apartment. It blocks the sun's harmful rays without dimming the room's illumination. Fabric encases a steel tube in this straightforward system. Two side arms can extend it to an angle of 180 degrees. Because it doesn't require a box, the awning is portable, lightweight, simple to set up, and straightforward to fix if anything goes wrong. 

With these features, it can replace an awning in any setting where the latter would be impractical to set up. The finishing touch is a valance, which can be used to add a touch of flair and make the space feel more like your own. It can be operated either manually or electrically, and a timer can be added so that it goes off at predetermined intervals. In its networked iteration, it can be controlled remotely, weather-dependently, via an app on a smartphone.

_“In situations where it would be impossible to install an awning, its adaptability and versatility make for a viable alternative”._

## The awning, ideal for the patio or deck

Awnings are typically reserved for outdoor spaces like patios and decks. Designed to shield you from the sun or light rain, it consists of a large canvas that can be extended with the help of flexible arms. You can turn a handle or plug in an electric motor to power it. The awning can have either a full box, which completely seals it off from the elements when it is folded, or a half box, which leaves the arms and sides of the fabric open to the elements but allows for easy access for repairs and adjustments. The monobloc awning is the cheapest option and does not require a box. Since it is not weatherproof, it should be installed in a protected area, such as a roof overhang or sheltered wall.

Essential protection with shutters and blinds!

How to secure your windows and glazing.jpg

The traditional window selection criteria of thermal efficiency, soundproofing, and UV protection are no longer sufficient. Protecting the home from intruders is a top priority, so modern doors and windows are fitted with sophisticated security mechanisms. Have you met them before?

## Despite their fragility, windows are surprisingly sturdy

In just 10 seconds, any window can be opened with a screwdriver, regardless of its material (wood, PVC, or aluminum). Because they have so little time, burglars want to gain entry to the home as quickly as they can. The primary goal of most security measures is to buy time until the threat has passed. Reinforced frames, multiple locking points, and hinges make it nearly impossible to force entry through security openings.

_"Security procedures are put in place primarily to delay an intruder until the right moment comes to strike."_

## Locks are placed in window cranks

Many burglaries can be prevented simply by using the inside handle on a window or patio door, as these are the weak points that intruders focus on when selecting homes to target. They select the most convenient approach, such as shattering the glass or making a hole in the frame to feed a wire through and activate the internal knob. It's simple to prevent this kind of invasion by taking precautions. It would be a shame not to have lockable handles on your windows, patio doors, and picture windows because doing so is simple and inexpensive.

_“French windows, bay windows, and any other type of window can have lockable handles installed with little effort”._

## The laminated glass is resistant to shocks

Laminated glass can be installed in windows, French windows, and bay windows to make them more burglar-proof. The impact resistance of this glazing is enhanced by a PVB plastic film sandwiched between the panes of glass. The splinters will stay in place no matter how many times a burglar hits it with a sledgehammer, forcing him to abandon his original plan or come up with an entirely new one. The first-floor windows are the most important ones to lock down because they can be reached quickly and easily. The resistance of laminated glass ranges from 1 to 6, and is used to categorize various types of laminated glass. Glass with a rating of RC2 is what you want for residential use.

_“The first-floor openings are the most pressing to protect because of their convenience”._

## When it comes to safety, triple-glazed windows are the way to go

Triple glazing, which typically ranges in thickness from 32 to 36 mm, can give the impression of invulnerability. However, it does not provide enough security to ward off intruders. If you want to make it more burglar-proof, you can switch out the outer glass for laminated glass, which will make it much more sturdy.

_“To make the exterior more burglar-proof, laminated glass can be installed in the windows”._

Even if you have all of these devices installed, burglars can still be deterred with the addition of an alarm.

How to secure your windows and glazing?

How to put your own stamp on your new home.jpg

When you move into a new apartment, you're not necessarily entering a pristine, unfurnished space. When you make a reservation, you'll have the opportunity to select several customization options that will allow you to make your home truly your own. When you finally get all of your boxes unpacked, here are some ways to make yourself at home right away.

## Get in there early and do some customizing to make the place feel like home

Reserving a home means you can immediately begin planning how you'll make each room uniquely your own. Contacts (sales reps, promoters) can be helpful in this regard because it can be difficult to do this with only a plan and computer-generated images.

In practice, this means you can quickly and easily voice a desire to alter the physical placement of particular dividers. There is no rule that says you can't convert an office into a guest room or open up the kitchen to the dining room.

_"You can communicate your desire to relocate specific partitions as soon as possible”._

Every member of the household has their own preferences and routines, so the "default" solutions from builders aren't always the best option in the kitchen. That's why it's important to plan ahead for the kitchen's layout in a new home, from where you'll put the appliances to how you'll arrange the cabinets, and even down to how you'll open and close the various compartments.

## Making adjustments to the placement of wires and plugs

Since the apartment you're buying is being "built for you," it's important to carefully inspect the floor plan and mark the locations of all switches, light switches, and water inlets and outlets. Again, if you don't think the options presented are right, don't be afraid to ask for alternatives.

There is no hard and fast rule against relocating a washing machine from the kitchen to the bathroom, or even creating a separate space specifically for laundry. Make all of your suggestions and ask all of your questions within the constraints of the available space, and we will lead you through the rest of the work, explaining what is possible and where compromises will be necessary.

Finally, it's crucial to clearly label where each plug-in is situated. Though seemingly unimportant now, the best decisions will pay off greatly once you're actually living in your new home.

_“Please clearly label the location of each power outlet”._

## Picking out the final touches: the paint, the fixtures, and the furniture

When you buy a new apartment, you have a lot of options for how you can customize the space aesthetically, even beyond the major changes that may require work and the help of specialized tradespeople.

Bathroom towel radiator and ceiling-mounted toilet; separate shower and tub; tile or hardwood flooring; wall colors; etc. Typically, there are a plethora of options from which to choose when visualizing your ideal home. Make the most of it!

Blog and real estate advices