Home types and what to look out for when buying

Each home type has characteristic flaws, from damp basements and outdated heating systems to sound issues and energy inefficiency.

Simple tests, like a candle flame to spot drafty windows or checking for odors in the cellar, can reveal hidden issues during viewings.

A professional inspection costing €800–€1,500 is a smart investment, especially for homes over 30 years old or unusually inexpensive ones. It can prevent five-figure surprises.

What to Watch for by Home Type

1. Apartment (Etagenwohnung)

Noise and footfall are common due to thin floors or walls.

Water seepage risk comes from leaks in units above.

Uneven heating occurs in older or shared systems, so ask for maintenance records.

Elevator problems like breakdowns or outdated systems can mean costly repairs.

Shared decisions tie you to community choices that may delay important fixes.

2. Row House (Reihenhaus)

Noise from neighbors travels through shared walls, so listen carefully during viewings.

Moisture intrusion shows in damp patches, peeling wallpaper, and musty smells along shared walls.

Roof coordination issues, like mismatched materials or different repair timelines, signal possible disputes.

3. Loft

Toxic construction materials such as asbestos or PCB may still be present.

High ceilings, while beautiful, can be expensive to heat.

Echo problems result from open spaces and hard surfaces.

Glass walls or large windows often cause overheating or condensation.

Illegal conversions need to be checked for proper approval

4. Panel-Building Apartment (Plattenbau)

Concrete deterioration shows in cracks, rust stains, or spalling.

Thin walls make both noise and cold a problem.

Poor insulation is common in older buildings.

Old infrastructure, such as outdated wiring or plumbing, is often still in place.

5. Bungalow

Flat roofs are prone to standing water or cracked seals that require regular upkeep.

Accessibility is not always guaranteed, so check for step-free transitions and suitable layouts.

Heat loss occurs due to the large surface area compared to living space.

Security requires sturdy locks, lighting, and privacy measures since everything is ground-level.

6. Single Family House (Einfamilienhaus)

Roof issues such as loose tiles, moss, blocked gutters, or sagging sections are major red flags. Basement dampness shows in mold, salty streaks on walls, cold patches, or musty odors. Old heating systems often show rusty tanks, old controls, or fluctuating energy bills.

Drafty windows appear as warped frames, flaking paint, noisy drafts, or condensation between panes.

7. Maisonette (Split-Level)

Inter-floor noise travels through internal staircases.

Safety hazards include wobbly stairs, poor lighting, or uneven steps.

Temperature imbalance is common, with upper floors overheating or getting too cold.

Water flow issues may reduce pressure or slow hot water delivery.

8. Semi-Detached (Doppelhaushälfte)

Fire safety depends on properly dividing walls that act as fire barriers.

Noise leakage can pass through adjoining walls or floors, so test during active hours.

Drainage issues often affect both units, complicating accountability.

Boundary disputes arise if property lines and responsibilities are unclear.

Final Thoughts

Every home style offers unique advantages but also comes with specific pitfalls. To avoid costly regret, arm yourself with simple inspection tricks, always consider a professional home check, and recognize which problems are easy fixes and which are systemic.

Looking for your new home? Contact us today at +4917626909854 or contact@immoassetsolutions.com