Construction costs are currently skyrocketing

Are these what you are presenting here [Bodenrichtwerte] or actual achieved prices – there are also massive differences here with us.

The real extreme in history was the period from 2010-2020 with continuously falling interest rates. Today the market is more "normal," but people have not yet mentally processed it.

And I also agree with you on own contributions. But that's just one building block. Not the decisive one. There are also building regulations, homeowners' wishes (which make the houses extremely expensive - those who are satisfied as a family with 120 sqm can save 150,000-200,000€ today compared to the mainstream with 140-160 sqm without making compromises on quality of life), etc.

Absolutely. Those who built during that time definitely had the sweet spot. The realization that this was an extreme case in a positive direction and not a given is now hitting extremely hard. And yes, after a little shock there might be a bit less luxury. Back then we were looked at strangely because we wanted open fittings in the bathroom, meaning the mixer tap is mounted on the wall surface instead of inside the wall. Now people are coming to that realization who previously said "it doesn't matter, I have zero interest."

Are these values you are presenting here standard land values or real achieved prices - there are also massive differences here with us.

Real achieved prices vary here depending on the area between 2,000 and 2,500, in the best streets 3,000. Here in the simpler area the plots are at least 600m², in the good streets mostly a good 1,000m². My neighbor just sold his plot with 800m² with a massively in-need-of-renovation 1960s house for 1.7M, which I then declined gratefully.

How is life in the new house?

Great. We really feel comfortable. We made a few small mistakes, but nothing that affects us. Well, they weren’t really mistakes, more compromises due to finances and the spouse. ;-) Now we are planning and implementing the outdoor area. We didn’t receive any offers from landscapers or only refusal offers... so we are doing it ourselves.

Still, I would like to build again someday. Maybe directly by a lake or flowing water. I miss the brook from our previous property a bit... but in return, I have the Gewandhaus 20 minutes away by car and a very beautiful lake 5 minutes away by bike. :)

Maybe directly on a ... flowing body of water.

Oh yes, I would dam it up right away and generate a few kWh of electricity :cool:

Oh yes, I would definitely start storing up and generate a few kWh of electricity :cool:

Great idea. For us, the project will be a well first, then a natural swimming pond, and afterwards photovoltaics. My solar thermal system really makes me happy: In fact, the first thing I do in the morning is go to it with a cup of tea and see how hard it is already working. I also "check" it several times during the day. (Explanation: I am no longer employed.)