Construction costs are currently skyrocketing

Which water is that? Rainwater directly from the roof or water that accumulates in the ground? When I think about what I pumped out of the cistern after three years of rainwater without a single leaf in it, just dust, the amount of sediment was respectable.

If her cash runs out, she would have to sell the cabin first before she gets something like Hartz 4 from the state. I think that's somehow harsh.

I think that's absolutely right. Help is given to those who actually need it. Anyone who still owns a property worth 200k doesn't need help but counts as the upper half. Why should the state step in there? It doesn't do that in Germany either. Then nothing is inherited and you move into a rental apartment, so what. Still better than being dependent on social benefits.

I think that's exactly right. Help is given to those who actually need it. Anyone who still owns a property worth 200k doesn't need help but belongs to the upper half. Why should the state step in there? It doesn't do that in Germany either. Then nothing is inherited and you move into a rental apartment, so what. Still better than being dependent on social benefits.

Well, the state isn't stepping in here, we pay pension contributions our whole lives. I find it problematic that someone who has worked there all their life ends up empty-handed. I assume they also don't have corresponding pension contributions (otherwise the whole thing would be absurd). You can do it that way, but what I dislike about the system is this way of thinking it forces old people into. You have a remaining lifespan that is unknown to you, and a remaining amount of money that is well known to you. The older you get, the more you live in fear that you'll run out of money and have to move again. Ideologically, I find that somehow undesirable.

You have a remaining lifespan that is unknown to you, and a remaining amount of money that is well-known to you.

A lot of calculations have already been done for this problem. If you search for the keyword "safe withdrawal rate," you will find enough material. At 3.5-4% it will be quite safe for retirement. The first few years are the most dangerous anyway. And yes, the home also counts as an asset.

You let "groundwater" run into the cistern?

The roof and the two Aco gutters on the terrace run through a swirl filter into the cistern... That's the plan

should be quite enough for retirement.

Quite enough is exactly the keyword I mean. I wouldn’t have a peaceful retirement if I knew I would have to move out of my home if I’m lucky enough to live to 98. :/