I think this topic is basically quite easy to understand, even without measuring exact numbers. Namely; Either I can and want to afford a house, or I just can't! Wanting to but not being able to is already unfortunate. But that's how it is. Not being able to but doing it anyway is just super stupid. What makes this topic so "complicated" are exactly those users who deep down know very well that they actually can't afford it, but don't want/can't accept that and still buy. As I said... super stupid. (Human! Nevertheless, super stupid). But they must and will pay the price for this super stupidity, which is human. One way or another.

you Made my day 'überdoof' is hanging at my desk for today

Option A: Savings plan with a very high savings rate properly concluded at the local savings bank or credit union, but max. 0.5% interest (=> "diligent saver"), unfortunately well below the inflation rate.
Option B: Property purchase four years ago, since then an increase in value of about 40% (estimated by 2 independent realtors, possibly somewhat more in case of auction instead of sale). Estimated realization time in our metropolitan area about 4-6 weeks.
Financing interest significantly below the inflation rate, which for all economists means: waking up every morning with a broad grin.
In both options A and B the financial limit is exhausted, but option A is exemplary for the German Michel, B is considered highly risky and reprehensible by many. Find the error...

Just got lucky, the market could have gone the other way. Therefore, nothing can be learned from this.

Those who really cannot afford it hopefully won’t get a loan. Borderline cases are those who have to give up something in order to manage the installment, which is difficult for them, whether it’s elaborate vacations, an expensive hobby, eating out in style three times a week... just as stupid examples. Luxury, you know, nice to have... You just have to be clear about what expenses you have in this area yourself, whether you can still spend that much with a house. And if not, whether you want to make compromises without being unhappy about it afterwards.

I have kept a household budget for years, I know what the ski vacation with the two kids costs me, or my horse, or simply daily life – which has to be managed no matter what. Both (ski vacation, horse) were never up for discussion for me; if that were no longer possible, I wouldn’t have bought a house, period.

What I find difficult from a mental perspective is that whenever you have something left over, you’re kind of stuck – you could also pay off the loan... but you could also treat yourself... because using up the special repayment option and still enjoying all the dearly loved luxuries... maybe not many people can manage that anymore.

My colleague says I am naturally polemical. As a Serb, I first had to google what that means. So yes, I am polemical

But you do know that this is anything but a compliment?

What I find so annoying about these / your threads is mainly their negativity and their pointlessness. What are you trying to achieve with them?
It is blind lashing out at the "non-experts" you apparently hate so much for some reason - who probably don't (any longer) frequent this forum at all. Do you feel good when you copy questionable newspaper articles and come across with the wagging finger like "I told you so!"? Or do you seriously believe that anyone will decide against funding because of you?

Well. Be that as it may. You will never reflect on it anyway.

Just got lucky, the market could have gone differently. Therefore, nothing can be learned from it.

Quote from the Süddeutsche today: "The real estate boom has been going on in this country for almost ten years now...". Quote Tagesschau: "The ECB is likely to maintain its zero interest rate policy well into 2020 under its new chief Christine Lagarde." => one may learn from it, but one does not have to. Everyone may interpret this for themselves and draw conclusions for their actions. "Luck" for me is an unplanned, non-reproducible event. I do not count the real estate price development of the last 10 years as such.

Let's check again in 10 years. I just need to fire up Google, in no year was anyone sure. The crystal ball still doesn't work properly. But I'll bow out here. These are those endless discussions