FAQ

General

  • We have drawn up a step-by-step plan that clearly indicates what the purchase process looks like.

  • The Harz region is one of the most picturesque regions in Germany, known for its forests, mountains, historic towns and castles. It offers a perfect blend of nature, culture and history.

  • - Hiking and biking through the vast forests and over the mountain peaks.

    - Visiting historic towns such as Goslar, Quedlinburg and Wernigerode.

    - Exploring castles and palaces, such as Schloss Wernigerode and Schloss Blankenburg.

    - Winter sports in the colder months, such as skiing and snowboarding in Braunlage.

    - Visiting caves and mines, such as the Rammelsberg mines in Goslar.

  • The Harz is attractive all year round:

    - Summer (June-August) for hiking, biking and outdoor activities.

    - Autumn (September-November) for beautiful autumn landscapes.

    - Winter (December-February) for winter sports.

    - Spring (March-May) for mild temperatures and blooming nature.

  • The Harz area is easily accessible via the A7 and A38 freeways. Within 5 hours you can get there from Utrecht

  • Ownership offers more flexibility, potential increase in value and the ability to personalize the property with additional options. Renting can provide additional income when you are not using the lodge.

  • No, the logde is zoned recreational. This means that this property is intended for recreation only and permanent occupation is not allowed

Financial

  • Yield guarantee of 5% over the purchase price excluding VAT for the first ten-year period. With a guaranteed return, the landlord bears all costs, including management costs, for the first ten years. You pay only the taxes and any fees for consultants you use. At the end of the first ten-year period, the performance guarantee expires and you will receive a return proportional to the gross rental turnover minus: the management costs, contribution to common parts and you pay 25% to the letting agent. The forecasted return for the various property types is between 5% and 8% over the purchase price excluding VAT. For more detailed information you can request a return forecast for each property type from the broker.

  • a. Type A

    b. Type B

    c. Type C

    Several purchase options are available for the eco-lodges. These include a wellness package with a wellness tub and outdoor shower, an indoor fireplace, an outdoor kitchen and more. For more information on available options contact the broker. Experience has shown that a wellness package in particular benefits the projected return. The following applies to the different types of returns:

    Return guarantee of 5%:

    The purchase price of the options is included in the total purchase price. You will receive an annual return guarantee of 5% on the total purchase price excluding VAT for the first ten-year period.

    Return in proportion to rental turnover:

    The rental price for the eco-lodges with options is set monthly based on supply and demand. You will receive returns in proportion to rental turnover.

  • Rental income is settled in a pool system. The pool system is broken down into the various home types. In addition, there is a point system for homes with wellness packages, homes with indoor fireplaces, homes with unobstructed views, homes with extra comfortable beds and homes where pets are allowed. The point system helps ensure a fair distribution of rental income within a category in the pool system.

  • The following applies to the various forms of returns:

    Guarantee of return of 5% : Every month

    Return in proportion to rental turnover : quarterly payments are made to owners.

  • The following applies to the different types of returns:

    Yield guarantee of 5% : owner can book the property for up to 14 days in low season. Own use does not affect the gross return.

    Return proportional to rental turnover : owner can book the property for a maximum of 89 days of which 14 days in high season. As owner, you pay rent as usual, however, you pay 10% instead of 25% rental fee to the tour operator. The rental income is added to your gross annual turnover, so you actually pay rent to yourself.

  • You can take out a mortgage. The local bank Sparkasse Osterode am Harz can provide a mortgage for 50% of the purchase price of the property. The other 50% you will have to supplement with your own funds. The documents you must provide in any case are listed below. For individual cases, the required documents may differ.

    - Income tax return for 2 years

    - Proof of income (e.g. pay slips)

    - Proof of assets (e.g. bank statements)

    - Valid identity cards

    - Tax identification numbers

    If you are interested in financing, we will guide you to the right contact person within the bank. You can, of course, also look for other mortgage lenders.

  • You pay transfer tax on the purchase of your eco lodge. The transaction is subject to 5% transfer tax.

  • Also in Germany you pay sales tax on the purchase price. In Germany this rate is 19%. If you use the eco-lodge 100% for rental, you can reclaim this amount. VAT is not included in the purchase price. Unlike in the Netherlands, it is the buyer who must pay and then reclaim the VAT. This therefore results in an amount of 0,- euro

  • The following costs are included in the purchase price:

    - Land purchase price

    - Construction costs

    - Costs for drawing up the purchase/construction agreement

    - Notary costs Germany

    - Land registry and registration

    - Management and supervision during construction

    - If desired, turnkey delivery of the property to the operator

    - Insurance during construction

    - Connection costs for water, electricity and sewerage

    - Community fees up to and including delivery

    The following costs are not included in the purchase price:

    - Transfer tax (5%)

    - 19% VAT (you can reclaim this under the heading fiscal / legal)

    - Closing costs for any mortgage

    - Lawyer/notary fees for any powers of attorney if you cannot be physically present at the signing of the purchase / acceptance agreement

    - Lawyer/notary fees for passing and drawing up the mortgage deed

    - Any additional work.

    - Interior design

  • No, you do not have to set up a company if you buy a vacation home for rental. As a private owner of a vacation home, you can apply for a VAT number and you then become an 'entrepreneur without registration with the Chamber of Commerce'. This way you can offset the VAT in the VAT returns. Of course, you must comply with the (limited) administrative obligations.

Management and rental

  • The lodges at Harz Eco Lodges will be rented out by Borntal GMBH. They arrange all matters concerning the guests and relieve you completely in the maintenance of the water villas. You will conclude a management and rental agreement for a minimum of 10 years. Which options are

  • Borntal GMBH manages the lodge on behalf of the owner. This includes tasks such as, cleaning, maintenance, and customer service for guests. Borntal GMBH ensures that the property and the park are in good condition and meet the expectations of the tenants.

  • Own use is allowed under the conditions stated in the management and rental agreement. If you wish to use the vacation home exclusively for your own use, this is not allowed.

  • No, all rentals are through Borntal GMBH and designated tour operators

  • Borntal GMBH or the tour operator will often arrange repairs and recover the costs from the insurance company or the renter if they are responsible.

  • Through the online portal where you can track the status and performance of your lodge

  • The rental agreement contains provisions on termination, including notice periods and possible costs. The owner must notify Borntal GMBH in writing according to the terms in the agreement. Both parties will then discuss further steps to properly conclude the agreement.

Park

  • At the park you can retire in peace in your logde, which of course is fully equipped. The park is spacious and sustainably built while maintaining a great sense of comfort and natural character.

  • The park will have a central reception with necessary amenities, such as a bistro with a terrace and a sandwich service.

  • For both owner and tenant there are regulations in place.

  • Each plot will be provided with two private parking spaces. In addition, there may be general parking spaces at the central reception area.

  • Yes, Eco lodges Borntal offers various activities, including nature walks, bike rentals

  • We follow strict waste management principles. Waste is collected separately for recycling, and we encourage our guests to minimize their waste. Organic waste is composted.

Lodge

  • Biobased materials are made from renewable biological resources such as wood. These materials are environmentally friendly because they store CO2 and are biodegradable or recyclable. Using biobased materials significantly reduces the ecological footprint of construction.

  • Circular construction focuses on minimizing waste and maximizing the reuse of materials. This is achieved through modular design, use of recycled materials, and demountable connections. The goal is to create buildings that can be easily disassembled and reused at the end of their useful life, reducing the need for new raw materials.

  • Yes, it is optional to have solar panels installed on the lodge. Solar panels can help make the lodge energy independent by using renewable solar energy. This can lower energy costs and further reduce the carbon footprint and increase the ultimate return on investment

  • Borntal GMBH has chosen to keep the furnishing of the lodges somewhat uniform to ensure that the interior offers comfort, is durable and of high quality. Also when something breaks down, quick action can be taken by quickly replacing the broken product. It is obligatory to purchase an interior package from Borntal GmbH which you can expand as you wish.

  • We offer assistance in selling your lodge, we can provide support in transferring current bookings and contracts to the new owner.

  • For more information about the construction of the lodge and the materials used, please contact us. We are ready to answer all your questions and give you more insight into our sustainable construction process.

  • Yes, pets are welcome in our park. As the owner, you make the choice whether dogs are allowed to stay in your lodge.

  • The sale of 29 eco lodges will begin in September 2024.

Fiscal and legal

  • Yes, the involvement of a notary is mandatory to legalize the transfer of ownership, and the purchase must be registered in the Grundbuch (land register).

  • Yes, as owner you are responsible for property taxes (Grundsteuer) and any local fees

  • You may be able to deduct maintenance and management costs from your taxable income. Consult with your tax advisor about possible deductions.

  • The reasons vary. There are buyers who purchase a second home for their own use and purely for enjoyment for themselves and their families. Others combine the enjoyment of the lodge with the partial rental of the property. Finally, there are investors who buy a recreational home solely for the return.