Building with or without a basement in Southern Germany - experiences?

The worst, in my opinion, are guest rooms in the basement

That the mother-in-law doesn't think it's too nice is no bug, it's a feature

If there are sleepover guests three times a year, having a separate guest room is pointless anyway. You can also put a sofa bed or another sleeping option in another room, like an office. Still nicer than sleeping in the basement.

The argument with the mother-in-law, however, holds water...

Why is that? If I have guests 3 times a year, it is exactly the right usage in terms of P/L.

I am not paying 33k€ for 3 overnight stays above ground.

Why 33k, a separate guest room?!

If necessary, the kids can squeeze together or mattresses can be laid out in the living area.

Mother-in-law would be an argument for a really great guest room with garden access and a private bathroom

, I know your city where you are searching and the surroundings very well. Those who build without a basement are looked at askance, that’s just how it is.

However, it is often not perfectly level there. Therefore, a basement can make sense, especially since it does not necessarily mean significantly higher costs.

I myself could never imagine having a house without a basement. For lack of alternatives or building options, I now have a house without a basement. And, what can I say: perfect. Storage space on the ground floor, washing machine next to the bathroom on the first floor, utility room in the attic, storage space in the attic ... everything fits. In my view, you can do without the basement, but not without storage space.

At my former partner's place, there is a basement... the rooms are cluttered, partly inaccessible - you might still need it sometime? (6m² of laminate flooring removed from somewhere, hardened cement bags, tile remnants, ancient wine carboys and preserves from 1985, enamel bowls from yesteryear, discarded child seats... the list could go on endlessly). The only room that is really used sensibly is the laundry room. Here are the heating system and the washing machines, and you can hang laundry (when the weather outside is no good). Since the house is built into a hillside, this room is at ground level, with windows. No basement, no junk, I can only agree with that.