Desirable property affordable? Experiences?

Although I also have my doubts that you save much with older construction years. You are more likely to encounter wannabe DIYers without much practical experience who are dazzled by the low purchase price and massively underestimate the renovation. And that drives the prices up even for houses with major renovation needs. At least that was my impression about two years ago.

Every house outside of new construction is a downgrade. But at least in our experience, the price difference between houses from 1950 and 1980 is relatively small (+-50k). And of course, I would rather take the younger house. I know some people who live in a house from the 80s with their young family and were thus able to fulfill the dream of owning a house at the lowest price. As you describe, nothing was done after moving in, and then over the first 5 years the living spaces inside were gradually renovated and new windows were installed on the outside. That is a good option if you want to live in a house with a small budget. You do it step by step, as you can afford it financially. Especially in the commuter belt of metropolitan areas, new constructions have become unaffordable.

And that is why, in my opinion, the existing prices remain high. Because expensive new construction leads to more and more buyers on the secondary market who then bid each other up. The best example in our town: a building plot was sold here at the beginning of the year (before the war and the high interest rates) for three times the standard land value. I find that incredible. Because a few years ago we were still able to buy from the municipality at the standard land value.

I always find it funny when people in this forum act as if every house that is not a new build has the living quality of a tin shack in a refugee camp.

I always find it funny when people in this forum act as if every house that is not newly built has the living value of a tin shack in a refugee camp.

I agree with you, but it is not surprising in a house building forum. Every time I look at the new development areas, I smile at the towel gardens and the "neighborly closeness" that is not missing at all here in the old building stock.

Exactly. Here, it's mostly enthusiasts of new house construction who gather, and less so those who consider existing house renovation just as good.