Core renovation of a semi-detached house from 1979 - realistic estimate?

Very generous...

Depends on the heating installer. For the new build of 220 sqm, I received quotes ranging from 55k to 100k.

We have a roughly similar project planned. Complete renovation, 145 sqm, completely new roof, heat pump with underfloor heating, windows, electrical system, bathroom, etc. Last year, it was still calculated at €300,000. Due to the circumstances, it is now €400,000+ (offers are available). It is in NRW and not in a large city. Currently, you have to expect about €2800-3200/sqm for a renovation in NRW. Unfortunately, it is the worst time there has been in decades.

We are about to buy a semi-detached house from '79, the house has massive renovation backlog and was also inhabited by a chain smoker...

We have, among others, the following threads about smoker houses here: and

The estimates from the energy consultant were made with a broad brush, with the motto that it has to be expensive so that the subsidy is large. You can calculate how much heating oil you can buy for 95,000.-- and whether you will still be alive when it is used up. In my opinion, the other trades are priced too low. If you really want to remove the plaster and replace all the pipes, then you are back to shell condition and have the costs of a new build plus the demolition costs. To assess the costs, a few details are still missing, additional bathroom in the attic, how many (roof) windows, why roof insulation, and what you can/want to do yourself. A heat pump is more efficient the lower the flow temperature is and the warmer the medium is from which energy is extracted. To heat the house, you need large heating surfaces (floor or wall) and not a location where it also gets cold sometimes. If you do not have that, you need an expensive system that has a poor efficiency and uses a lot of electricity. However, I am not a fan of heat pumps for renovation, not even for new builds.

The estimates from the energy consultant were made with a broad brush, with the motto that it has to be expensive so that the subsidy is large. You can calculate how much heating oil you can buy for 95,000.-- and whether you will still be alive when it is used up.

I read the 95 grand for the entire household heating budget, apart from that, a house built in ’79 will probably already be required to be upgraded when it changes hands.

We are about to buy a semi-detached house from '79, the house has massive renovation backlog and was also occupied by a chain smoker...

Very nice, I myself have renovated a house from the 60s, also with a chain smoker having lived there. Also new dormers. It's always crazy to read how prices have risen in the last 2-3 years, yet some items still seem very low for you, or some are missing, like the painter. Regarding nicotine: I personally chiseled off all the plaster from walls and ceilings in all living rooms. Just as horrible was removing the four layers of wallpaper beforehand. The staircase could stay as it was for me, strangely it did not stink much there.

If you really want to remove the plaster and replace all the wiring, then you are back to shell condition and have the costs of new construction plus demolition costs

Well, minus shell construction. In my situation it was still massively cheaper than a new build because I was able to buy below value. Can't write much more now, but I never regretted all the effort and would do it again. So go for it :)