It's not a common practice in all countries, but some countries do have unique customs or practices related to home sales. Let's explore the reasons behind the German practice of taking kitchen cabinets and parquet floors when selling an apartment and discuss similar practices in other countries:
- Germany - Kitchen Cabinets and Parquet Floors: In Germany, it is not uncommon for homeowners to take their kitchen cabinets and parquet floors when they sell an apartment. There are a few reasons for this practice:
a. Emotional Attachment: Some homeowners may have a strong emotional attachment to their custom-built kitchen cabinets and parquet floors, especially if they have invested time and money in designing and installing them.
b. High-Quality Materials: German-made kitchen cabinets and parquet floors are often known for their quality and craftsmanship. Homeowners may prefer to keep these high-quality items rather than leaving them behind in the apartment.
c. Mobility: In some cases, the kitchen cabinets and parquet floors are designed to be removable and reusable. This allows homeowners to take them to their new residence if the dimensions and layout permit.
d. Cost Savings: By taking their existing cabinets and floors, homeowners can potentially save money on purchasing new ones for their next home.
e. Negotiation Tactic: Including high-quality kitchen cabinets and flooring in the sale may help sellers justify a higher asking price for the apartment.
United States - Fixture vs. Personal Property: In the United States, the practice of taking kitchen cabinets and floors is less common. When a property is sold, certain items are considered "fixtures" and are expected to be part of the sale, while others are considered "personal property" and can be negotiated separately. Typically, kitchen cabinets and built-in flooring are considered fixtures and are expected to remain with the property unless otherwise specified in the contract.
Other Countries - Varied Practices: In many countries, the practice of taking kitchen cabinets and parquet floors when selling an apartment may not be common. Each country and even regions within countries may have their own unique customs and practices regarding home sales and what is included in the sale.
It's essential for both buyers and sellers to be aware of local customs and laws related to property sales to avoid misunderstandings and ensure a smooth transaction.
In summary, the practice of taking kitchen cabinets and parquet floors when selling an apartment is more common in Germany, where homeowners may have specific reasons for doing so, such as emotional attachment, high-quality materials, or potential cost savings. Other countries may have different practices and expectations when it comes to what is included in a property sale.