Before purchasing the property: Is sensible house placement possible?

Not at all. Friends even have a north-facing garden and even there, they really only have shade by the house. Maybe 5-6 meters are in the shade, the rest is full sun from morning till evening. In winter there is a bit more shade, but who is in the garden in winter anyway ;-)

Not at all. Acquaintances even have a north-facing garden and even there, they really only have shade at the house. Maybe 5-6 meters are in the shade, the rest is full sun from morning till evening. In winter there is a bit more shade, but who is in the garden in winter anyway ;-)