Affordable building up to 400k, still possible?

Hello everyone,

we applied for a building plot 2 years ago and suddenly received an approval. However, we are not sure if we can still afford it or if it has become too expensive. The plot is cheap with 57 k + 3.5 k land transfer tax and then notary costs. The construction project must cost max. 400k in total, that is clear to me. We would like to build about 145 sqm. It doesn’t matter whether solid or timber frame construction. We have appointments with respective companies in the coming weeks to get prices. However, I am slowly starting to believe that all of this is unrealistic. The plot is in the *schwalm*eder*kreis. A local developer offers a turnkey house on his website for 275k. We don’t need luxury. And actually, a technically finished house would be enough for us; we have craftsmen in the family. Unfortunately, additional construction costs are the Pandora’s box for me; how is one supposed to calculate that reliably? What do you say on the topic?

I think it will be difficult.
Assuming you take a small house without much fuss, then I would be at about 70k for the plot minus the costs, leaving about 330k for the project. If you find a general contractor who builds the 145m² for about 2200 per m² (which could already be difficult), you’re at 320k.
But then you might still need earthworks (depending on the plot), and you have no buffer for outdoor facilities, paving, carport, kitchen, furniture, lamps... it will definitely be tight.

With enough personal effort, that is definitely possible. What is your profession?

If prefabricated houses are an option, take a look at Danwood or EBH Haus. Both are "affordable" compared to the other big names. EBH Haus is rather a small provider near Berlin; people we know are very satisfied and the house feels high-quality. They even have an installation level, which most prefabricated houses don’t have. (Only a limited delivery area for EBH should be considered). Personally, I would rather go with EBH than Danwood.

With enough personal effort, it is definitely possible. What do you do for a living?

I work in sales in industry, so it has nothing to do with construction, and my husband is a lighting planner. My father used to work in construction and is a trained tiler, my father-in-law feels like he does everything himself in his house. Our parents also built themselves back then. They said you go to the architect and just have the shell construction done. My cousin is a master electrician, a friend is a plasterer, and a mate is a gas and water installer (he has his own company). But I myself am a layperson and don’t know how to plan or approach the topic.

But then you might be missing earthworks (depending on the property), and you have no buffer for outdoor facilities, paving, carport, kitchen, furniture, lamps... it will definitely be tight.

I recently wrote something about a list of additional construction costs here...