Assessment of financing scope with 4620 euros net

The plot can still be bought. Even if there is a building obligation. You can then go to an architect and have the building permit drawn up. Then you file a notice of construction start. A groundbreaking and the construction has begun.

It depends on how the building obligation is formulated. For me, a shell must be standing within 2 years, in another thread the house had to be ready to move into after 3 years.

Both statements are nonsense. It's easier in the city than in the countryside, but it works very well without a car. It's just no longer rooted in our culture that travel times can take time. I personally know three families living in the countryside in northern Germany where the shortest way to a shop/school is 10 km. It also works well with children. You just have to organize yourself differently. It is different, but not impossible and brings other advantages with it.

Time is also quality of life. What can be done by bike depends greatly on the infrastructure. From our village to the kindergarten we will have a small road through the forest, which we will certainly use with bike and trailer in appropriate weather. To the primary school in the main town it looks more difficult, there is the dangerous option via the country road or the significantly longer variant through the forest. We are still looking for a reasonable route. Ultimately, the car question also depends on the workplace. Public transport is almost non-existent in the countryside, and if both work somewhat further away, then a car is the best option.

Ultimately, the car question also depends on the workplace. Public transport is almost non-existent in rural areas, and if both work a bit further away, then a car is the best option.

That's probably true. Public transport is rubbish, a car is very practical. But the standard answer - living in the countryside = having to own a car - is simply not correct.

How much equity do you have? 20k€ [..] The period for the equity was 2 years [..] Current cold rent: 570€

So that makes 833€ savings per month + 570€ cold rent - 100€ higher ancillary costs. The upper limit of the loan would thus be 1300€ per month. Trend is downward, as another child is coming and depending on what the older child does (e.g., studies) you will also be liable to pay maintenance for several more years. Unfortunately, this absolutely makes any house impossible. No smaller plot helps either. You have to save more and only after parental leave, when it is clear again who works how much, can you start. Hopefully then with much more equity.

Would it even be remotely realistic for you to reduce your current expenses by 1000€ per month (!)? Are daycare places free apart from the meal fees?

It has been said a few times here already, but I'll repeat it once more:

Make a very clear cost breakdown and plan reasonable buffers (Life is what happens while you’re busy making plans ;) ).

You wouldn’t believe it, but with a net household income of €5,000, you really don’t get very far nowadays. Our entire circle of friends/acquaintances is in that range or even higher, all with similar problems: prices are absurdly high and hardly manageable, especially with (small) children. Even during life, despite equity, none of this is payable.

Even if you restrain yourself completely and give up as much as possible: Is it worth it? Maybe you can pay the +€2,000 from the €4,900 HHNE, but what is left? You haven’t even been on vacation yet, going out to eat occasionally or sending the kids on a school trip are also only moderately affordable.

Everything is very sobering :) Nevertheless, I will add a few missing details: Cost of living:

[*]Groceries: €350 [*]Restaurant costs: €45 [*]Personal care/Drugstore: €30 [*]Pets: €30 [*]Clothing: €20 [*]Spotify: €2.50 [*]Miscellaneous: €20

Are you sure you’re not sugarcoating this? You’re not supposed to convince us here, but realistically consider whether you can manage it. €20 for clothing per month? That is generally just an average value, but I calculate it in three digits, and we are certainly not boutique shoppers. Even after building the house, you still need: winter jackets, shoes, winter boots, underwear ... a pair of jeans often costs €50–100. Can you realistically get by with €20 for 2 people? That would be €240 per year. I find that very conservatively estimated. I also find €30 for pets unrealistic. That might be enough for food, but unexpected costs can arise there too. Vet visits, vaccinations, worm treatments, etc...

So 20€ for clothes is more than enough for me. My T-shirts (black, nothing else) have ripped though and now cost 30€ for the 10-pack instead of 22€ last time (outrageous inflation!) but they also last a few years until they turn gray. Jens is available for 20€ (own brands from clothing chains and for me the only reason to still "go into town"), etc. So clothes are certainly not the item that was most nicely calculated in the list ;)