Perfect apartment for singles: move in from November 2025! How to secure your home!

Perfect apartment for singles: move in from November 2025! How to secure your home!

A lot is happening on the real estate market in Cologne! From November 1, 2025, a cozy apartment can be rented that is ideal for one or two people. This apartment has gas floor heating, a practical solution for smaller households, which is characterized by a minimum rental period of 12 months. Anyone interested can view the apartment at short notice, although broker inquiries are expressly not welcome. This is clear in the official documents and makes it clear that the apartment is being offered without an agent. As with so many rental offers, the following also applies here: Unsolicited contact by brokers is illegal, as stipulated in Section 7 UWG. Furthermore, the OM platform points out that it is neither a provider nor an agent of this property and therefore cannot assume any responsibility for legal violations.

But the housing situation in Cologne is not only shaped by the demand for new rental offers, but also by legal changes in the heating sector. According to Haufe, homeowners must ensure that their heating systems consist of at least 65% renewable energy by mid-2028 at the latest. This applies to both new buildings and existing properties, although a generous transition period is granted for the latter.

The new requirements of the Building Energy Act

With the Building Energy Act (GEG), which comes into force on January 1, 2024, Germany expects a fundamental change in the heating sector. From then on, only heating systems that correspond to the required proportions of renewable energy, such as the one, may be installed Federal Government communicates. This transition will be important not only for new buildings, but also for existing buildings, which presents landlords and owners with new challenges.

Large cities will have to implement corresponding measures from mid-2026, while smaller cities have until mid-2028. When deciding whether a heating modernization is necessary, owners are well advised to consult with experts at an early stage.

Funding opportunities and support

To make it easier for owners to switch to more environmentally friendly heating systems, the federal government offers state support programs. From August 27, 2024, homeowners can apply for subsidies that cover a maximum of 35% of the investment costs. There are various funding options available: There is also a speed bonus for owners who replace their fossil heating systems with climate-friendly alternatives by the end of 2028.

The existing heating options include electric heat pumps and hybrid heaters that rely on renewable energy. The continued spread of fossil fuels is becoming increasingly expensive, as the price of CO2 will rise to 45 euros per ton from as early as 2024. This means for landlords and tenants that an early decision about changing the heating system is becoming increasingly urgent.

In summary, it can be said: The coming years will not only bring new rental offers in Cologne, but also significant infrastructural changes in the heating sector. It pays to look to the future now so that you are well prepared for the challenges ahead.