Everything around the topic of home ownership

Need some help finding a cheaper and more energy-efficient way to heat your home? Look no further than geothermal probe heating: the Tesla of heating system solutions. Read on for more details of the basic requirements, costs and how to install systems like this in the following expert article to help you choose.

A tile that covers your roof and simultaneously produces environmentally friendly electricity? What might sound like hitting the jackpot is a reality: The integrated solar tile. This remarkable invention serves as both a roofing material and a power generator. In the following article, discover the advantages and disadvantages of these high-tech tiles compared to conventional photovoltaic systems. Find out when installing them is a worthwhile investment, or when it might not be, and get insights into the potential costs you'll incur.

The moving boxes are stored away, the housewarming party is over – life in your own house can finally begin. But what ongoing costs do homeowners need to factor into their budget? Find out in the following blog post the monthly expenses that come with owning a house and discover tips on how to optimize them.

Every year, in spring, the buzzing begins. Bees, wasps, and hornets take over the airspace, and sometimes even parts of your own home, starting from May at the latest. Find out how insect nests can pose a threat to your property, what to consider when removing them, and the associated costs.

Tired of descaling your coffee maker every fortnight and battling stubborn limescale spots in your bathroom? A whole-house water softener could be just the ticket. Discover if this investment is right for you, what to consider before taking the plunge, and how to keep your system shipshape post-installation.

Whether it’s a hedge, wall, or frosted glass, many homeowners install garden fixtures to protect their privacy, particularly along the borders with neighbouring properties. But what are the red lines to note when designing them? With numerous regulations governing their use in Switzerland, lawyer Alexandra Pestalozzi joins us to help avoid any legal blind spots. We explain what to keep in mind at the planning stage and what to clarify with the building authority for your project.

Has your newly acquired or inherited older property hit you with a hefty heating bill, leaving you shocked and confused? That initial excitement might have faded a bit and now you’re probably wondering whether an energy-efficient renovation or a fresh new build is the smartest move. So, what should you do - breathe new life into those old walls or bring them down for a completely fresh start? Fear not! We’ll guide you through this labyrinth of decisions - this blog post is your comprehensive list of all factors to consider.

Are you planning an energy renovation? Then remember to ask the government for support. Switzerland is loosening the purse strings to promote eco-friendly construction. Get the lowdown on what getting these incentives entails and how to apply for them in this blog post.

Ever considered when to hang up the towel in your job! The thought may be a twinkle in your eye or even right around the corner. Either way, as a homeowner, considering how to remain in your home affordably in your golden years is a must. But worry not – here are some simple steps you can take today for a more comfortable tomorrow!

The number of reasons people have for selling are almost as varied as the homes they live in. Let's face it though - the ultimate goal for many of us is to make as much profit as possible on the deal! But just how can you manage the bidding process and get maximum profit? What are the must-dos and what pointers should be top of mind? Keep reading to find out!

“Old pans are where you learn to cook” That’s all well and good, but it may be far easier said than done when the kitchens you cook in have seen better days! If yours needs a spruce-up - or you want to reinvent it completely - read on. In fact, get kitchen-ready. Our design pro shares insider tips on planning, budgeting and fitting out your dream space. Discover the best materials, top trends and how to make the process fun!”

Finally, Switzerland looks set to do away with its imputed rental value system! But abolishing it will involve far more than just getting rid of a tax – a completely new system is set to emerge. National Councillor and expert Franziska Ryser shares more on just what this could mean for you as a homeowner and the pros and cons of this abolition.

Season-wise, it’s hard to beat spring. Flowers bloom at their best, days get longer and balmier. It’s a season of beauty, best spent outside on your own garden patio. That said, the magic may be lacking somewhat when you still have autumn leaves around and weeds are sprouting. In other words, after hibernation, it’s high time to spruce up your terrace and garden. Our checklist gives you the lowdown on exactly what needs to be done in spring and in what order. Getting your garden shipshape has never been easier...

One of the best things about a conservatory is the added comfort factor: you can sit in one outside, be surrounded by nature, but sheltered from the wind and weather. And what does making one entail, I hear you ask? Read on – we answer all your questions below.

Living side by side is not always a bed of roses and disputes often arise from one side of the garden fence. Good communication is the first step, our FAQ on the law of neighbours the second.

With these eight New Year's resolutions for your own home, there will certainly be no more "house chores" left undone in the new year!

From different types of cat flaps, to the correct placement, to installation: Learn everything you need to know when installing a cat flap in your home in this article.

Draw where you want to live. Liiva's new Map Search makes this possible. We spoke to our Product Manager Krystyna Waterhouse about the development of our new feature and the benefits for future homeowners.

“Yippee, time to spring clean again!” - Said no-one ever. Like it or not, when flowers start to bloom and the days get longer, the time to clean up your dear dwelling has come! This year, we’ve made a checklist for a smoother spring clean that will have your home sparkling and shining again in no time.

«How to have your cake and eat it”: Or, in other words, donating or selling your home with the right of residence, but continuing to live there, even if it no longer belongs to you. Find out how this works in our interview with notary and lawyer Christine Boldi-Goetschy.

Heat pumps are little marvels that tap into energy around them and efficiently convert it to heat. A recipe for success, in which the (not so) secret ingredient is electricity! But why do they consume electricity in the first place, and how much of it do they need to be sated?

The roof - an essential part of our home. It needs to be well maintained and roof damage avoided as far as possible. In the following article, you will receive valuable tips on when a roof renovation makes sense for you, what you should pay attention to and how it is carried out.

Celebrated as a miracle fibre in the 1920s and now recognised as a disease-causing agent, asbestos still sits in many walls. Learn everything you need to know about asbestos in the following blog post: What it is exactly, why it is so dangerous and what you should consider when removing it.

Will your dream house build get the green light? Is the planned conversion feasible? When it comes to construction projects, the floor area ratio is the decisive criterion. We explain what it means and how you can calculate it correctly.

Autumn and winter are the favourite seasons of thieves and the most popular entry point of houses are their windows. Do you know how secure your windows are? Find out everything you need to know about the various security measures, resistance classes and other anti-burglary tips in the following blog post.

Your old attic deserves a makeover? Then you've come to the right place! In the following article you will find creative ideas for the conversion, as well as expert tips on planning, costs and necessary permits. Your attic project is guaranteed to be a success!

In times of rising energy prices and growing environmental awareness, the energy-efficient renovation of buildings is becoming more and more important. In the following article, you will learn why energy-efficient renovation is worthwhile for you, what costs you will incur and how you can proceed step by step.

For many, nothing is scarier than their thought of their own home falling into the hands of others. Usufruct helps you ease this risk and kill two birds with one stone in the process.

The pre-emptive right gives entitled persons the priority. Read on for what that means for you when selling your property.

Even though buying a house and getting a mortgage go together more often than not, the topic still ties some homebuyers in knots. Read on for some key pointers to remember and sorting all issues of mortgages, promissory notes and real estate lien.

As fossil fuels dry up and more sustainable heating systems emerge, oil heating is also approaching the age of obsolescence. Read on for our future roadmap.

Autumn is here, winter is coming. How fit is your home for the upcoming cold season? This time of year can take a toll on your property and your wallet. With temperatures dropping, it's time to winterize your home. Protect your home from the cold, snow and wet with this helpful checklist.

In addition to the usual heating systems with gas or oil, there are now numerous alternatives for filling your home with heat in the most ecological way possible. But not only the issue of sustainability, but also the currently rapidly rising prices for oil and gas make the decision for a heating system anything but easy. We will help you find the right heating system for your home and present the most common types of heating here, starting with the most environmentally friendly.

It goes without saying that would-be sellers are keen to sell their property as easily and profitably as possible. However, the path of least resistance can often prove quite the opposite. We’ve partnered Bestag to spotlight two of the easiest traps to fall into.

Evidence shows that estate agents can sell property at a higher price. So it’s hardly surprising that most homeowners looking to sell rely on their support. We’ve partnered Bestag to compile a list of pointers and potential pitfalls to note when choosing an agent.

Digital search platforms provide important information for real estate sales. However, sales proceeds can only be optimized with the help of a combination of digital services, physical presence, and the expertise of experienced brokers.

Though most people don’t bother, getting your property valued can actually make a lot of sense. We’ve partnered Bestag to compile a list of helpful pointers to keep in mind during the process.

Value-preserving or value-enhancing? Anyone who is thinking about modernization or has already started it will inevitably come across this pair of words - at the latest when the tax return is due.

In most cases, the information provided is more confusing than clarifying. We have summarized the most important tips and tricks for you and will turn you into a know-it-all!

You’ll never know if you never ask... or just read our FAQs if you prefer! This time around, we take a closer look at financing and taxes for renovations. Whether it's owning a condominium, sussing out subsidies or deep-diving tax deductions: we’ve compiled all the questions homeowners had on these topics – complete with answers from our professionals.

What do Kyoto and Paris have in common? Both cities have binding climate targets. Switzerland has set itself such targets and this will become noticeable in the coming years, especially for homeowners. We show you how to react in time and in the right way - and how best to proceed.

Identifying and improving the energy weaknesses of a property is made easier with the cantonal building energy certificate, known as GEAK. In the following article, you will learn the key facts about GEAK and GEAK Plus, and when it is worthwhile for you to have one or both reports prepared.

If you don't ask, you don't know - or you can read our FAQ! First off, let's take a look at the subject of solar power. In a nutshell: Solar power makes sense both for your wallet and for the environment. But as always, the devil is in the detail. Find out what people attending a webinar organised by our partner RaiffeisenCasa wanted to know about the subject - and how the professionals, including Liiva employees, answered.

Are you thinking of installing a solar power system? From the requirements for solar panels to calculating the power of solar cells – in collaboration with the Buildigo trade platform, we have answered the most important questions for you about environmentally friendly electricity production using a photovoltaic system.

Are you planning to renovate your facade? In conjunction with the Buildigo trade platform, we’ve answered the most important questions about facade insulation for you, providing you with an overview of energy-efficient facade renovation – plus all the advantages and disadvantages.

Does your heating system need to be replaced? Are you considering heating with domestic, renewable energies instead of fossil fuels? In collaboration with the Buildigo trades platform, we have summarised how to replace your heating system in 7 simple steps. Take our test and find out which heating system is best suited to you and your home.

If you invest in your property, you’ll also want to see some returns. Certain investments are more worthwhile than others – far more so, in fact. And they also make more sense. We’ve summarised everything you need to know.

Keep track of your property’s current condition with Liiva’s free Modernisation Planner. See at a glance which maintenance or renovation work is due for each part of the building. Our digital tool also provides a sound basis for your planning and a transparent energy balance.

Are you looking for the property of your dreams? Then you probably know that finding the perfect home can often be time-consuming and take more time than you think. It is important that you keep your needs in mind and know which points are prerequisites.

Let's face it, how much does a house cost? Admittedly, it is not inexpensive. And in addition to the purchase price of the property, there are various other expenses. That's why we'll now take a look at the one-time and recurring costs.

Selling residential property: what you need to pay attention to

Private home ownership is a central part of many people's lives. Nevertheless, it often seems complicated to make the right decisions about home ownership. Which investments are also financially worthwhile? Liiva helps you to keep an overview. We support you in maintaining or even increasing the value of your home.

For many people, buying their own home is the biggest financial purchase of all. That's what you have to bear in mind.

As a homebuyer, there is practically no way around price negotiations. You may increase your chances of buying by arguing sensibly and comprehensibly. The optimal mix of sovereignty, goodwill, but also steadfastness is most likely to lead to success. In short, you need to demonstrate negotiating skills.

Studies show that in Switzerland around 40 percent of home buyers are confronted with hidden defects and contaminated sites after moving in due to a lack of serious preliminary clarification. This often results in unplanned renovation costs. Early detection of the affected building elements prevents damage and subsequent costs. Use our checklist and find out what you can look out for during the house inspection.

A real estate purchase is not only accompanied by emotions, but also requires a lot of administrative preparatory work. Those who register for an appropriate meeting with their client advisor should bring the complete documents with them.

To protect themselves from trouble and expensive surprises, a buyer must be extremely attentive when taking over a house. Raiffeisen expert Roland Altwegg recommends in an interview that it makes sense to have an expert accompany and advise you already during the first inspection.

The ad speaks to you immediately: it describes exactly the house that you have been looking for again and again for months. Now the "dream home" seems real and within reach. The contact to the broker's office is quickly made, an inspection date in the next few days is already agreed upon. But even if the idea is so wonderful: be critical from the beginning and do not let yourself be blinded by the first impression. A viewing protocol is the most valuable tool here.

The purchase contract for an apartment or a house involves a lot of money. It's worth knowing what's involved and eliminating potential problems from the outset. Your partner in this process is the notary - or, depending on the canton, another certifying officer - who notarizes the purchase contract and enters the purchase in the land register. Without these formalities, you will not become the owner of your new home.