Outdoor facilities

Outdoor facilities refer to all unbuilt, open-air areas on a property that are utilized for design, functional, or ecological purposes. These include gardens, terraces, paths, parking spaces, green spaces, fences, playgrounds, and drainage systems. In the construction industry, outdoor facilities are treated as a separate planning service-they are listed as a distinct service phase in the HOAI (Fee Schedule for Architects and Engineers) and have a significant impact on the value and quality of use of a property.

Outdoor facilities in construction cost planning

In construction cost estimates according to DIN 276, outdoor facilities are classified under cost group 500 (KG 500). They include:

• KG 510: Earthwork (excavations, backfilling, terrain modeling)
• KG 520: Paved areas (paths, terraces, driveways, parking spaces)
• KG 530: Structures in outdoor facilities (walls, fences, pergolas, carports)
• KG 540: Technical systems in outdoor facilities (irrigation, outdoor lighting)
• KG 550: Plants (lawns, hedges, trees, perennials)
• KG 560: Water features (ponds, pools, fountains)

These cost categories are important in the planning and evaluation of new construction or renovation projects, as they typically account for five to fifteen percent of total construction costs.

Outdoor Facilities and Property Value

High-quality outdoor facilities significantly increase a property’s market value. Well-designed gardens, well-maintained outdoor areas, and thoughtfully planned parking arrangements are often decisive factors in a purchase. In property valuation, outdoor facilities are factored into the assessment via the asset value approach: costs minus depreciation due to age. Neglected or damaged outdoor facilities (e.g., collapsed retaining walls, water ingress in underground garages), on the other hand, can cause significant reductions in value.

Outdoor Facilities and Sustainability

In light of climate change, outdoor facilities are taking on a new ecological dimension. Sealed surfaces exacerbate the urban heat island effect and hinder rainwater infiltration. Many municipalities-including Nuremberg-therefore enforce minimum green space requirements and de-sealing obligations in their zoning plans. Those who de-seal and green their outdoor areas benefit from:

• Subsidy programs from the Free State of Bavaria and local municipalities
• Reduction in stormwater fees (calculated in some municipalities based on the degree of sealing)
• Increased property value through attractive outdoor design
• Improvement of the microclimate around the house

Sponge gardens, extensive greening, rainwater harvesting, and nature-oriented design are topics that are receiving increasing attention in new construction and renovation projects.

Outdoor Structures and Building Permits in Bavaria

Not all outdoor structures are exempt from permits. In Bavaria, the BayBO regulates which outdoor structures may be erected without a permit:

• Fences up to 2 meters in height in interior areas: permit-free
• Terraces at ground level without a roof: generally permit-free
• Retaining walls: exempt from permits up to 3 meters in height in certain areas
• Swimming pools with a capacity of up to 100 m³: exempt from permits if certain conditions are met
• Carports and small garages with a gross volume of up to 75 m³: exempt from permits under certain conditions

Larger structures, underground garages, and structures in sensitive locations (historic districts, floodplains) generally require a building permit or at least a preliminary inquiry.

Practical Tip for Property Owners in Nuremberg and Franconia

In Nuremberg, private green spaces are particularly valuable due to urban development pressure. Before selling, it’s worth investing in the visual enhancement of outdoor spaces: freshly mowed lawns, repaired walkways, and tidy patios significantly improve the first impression. We regularly recommend that our sellers have their outdoor areas professionally staged-often, relatively low costs are enough to achieve a significantly higher sales price. In neighborhoods such as Gostenhof or southern Wöhrd, where backyards are often paved over, we also recommend applying for paving removal grants before the sale-this makes the property more attractive and increases the achievable price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are outdoor areas included in the calculation of living space?

According to the German Living Space Calculation Regulation (WoFlV), terraces and balconies count toward living space at a rate of 25 to 50 percent. All other outdoor areas (gardens, paths, parking spaces) are not included in the living space calculation but can be highlighted in the property listing as additional value-adding features.

Who is responsible for the outdoor areas in a condominium complex?

Outdoor areas in residential complexes (communal gardens, paths, parking spaces) are generally considered common property and are managed by the homeowners’ association (WEG). Costs for upkeep and maintenance are covered by the monthly maintenance fees.

Do I need a building permit for outdoor areas?

That depends on the type and size of the area. In Bavaria, smaller outdoor facilities such as fences up to certain heights, ground-level terraces, or garden tool sheds with a floor area of up to ten square meters are generally exempt from permitting requirements (Art. 57 BayBO). Larger retaining walls, pools, and underground garages, however, require a building permit.

Can outdoor facilities be claimed as tax deductions?

For rental properties, the costs of installing and maintaining outdoor facilities can be claimed as tax-deductible business expenses, provided they are attributable to the rental property. Private individuals can also claim 20% of the labor costs for gardening services as a tax deduction (tax reduction for household-related services, § 35a EStG).

Outdoor Facilities and Accessibility

In the wake of demographic change, barrier-free outdoor facilities are gaining importance. Step-free access, tactile guide strips, sufficiently wide paths, and well-lit outdoor areas are features that make properties attractive to older residents and those with limited mobility, thereby increasing their market value. In Bavaria, measures to reduce barriers can be subsidized through state programs; KfW also offers grants and loans for such outdoor renovations as part of its “Age-Appropriate Renovation” program. Especially in Nuremberg, where the proportion of the elderly population is growing at an above-average rate, barrier-free outdoor design is an increasingly decisive factor in purchasing decisions.

Which outdoor facility measures increase the sales value the most?

Based on our market observations in the Nuremberg metropolitan region, the following measures have the greatest impact on value: first, the condition of the main entrance (well-maintained entryway, clean front door area, intact mailbox system); second, a functional and visually appealing patio or garden area; third, sufficient parking spaces in good condition. Swimming pools and elaborate garden features increase subjective value but are evaluated with caution during appraisals, as their upkeep and maintenance costs offset the benefits for many buyers. Simple, low-maintenance outdoor spaces with high-quality materials often achieve better sales results than spectacular but high-maintenance features.

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