Desire for joint property - currently separated

Hello,

I would like to receive neutral and honest opinions on what would be sensible in our case.

Initial situation:

She: 34, about 3100 net, employee, about 150,000 euros in liquid assets, savings rate: 2000-2500 euros per month
Both: 1 two-year-old child
Me: 32, about 2900 net, civil servant, about 150,000 euros in debt, house from 2015 valued at at least 500,000 euros, probably more, savings rate about 1250-1500 euros per month, loan payment 700 euros for the house

I am very satisfied with the house. Only minor things I would do differently the second time. Two things bother me a little: no basement, bad relationship with the front neighbor ([Hammergrundstück])

From the beginning, I did a lot myself, together with my parents. Looking back, the timing of the build was optimal, low land prices and good interest rates. Selling the house would be a painful step for me.

We want to marry soon and have been together since 2014. We currently split all fixed costs equally. I am the only one paying the house installment. At the time we met, I had already purchased a plot of land and was in negotiations with potential house builders. My girlfriend has the strong desire to own a property herself someday. I can very well understand her wish; after all, I felt the same way.

Currently, we are considering which option would be suitable for us. It would be very helpful to get an honest and neutral opinion from you regarding the following options:

1. Option

My girlfriend acquires half of my house. She would give me 200,000 euros. With this option, I would be debt-free immediately. In case of a possible separation, however, I would have to pay extra because the property is worth more.

2. Option

I sell my house and we buy a new property together (plot with new build). Unfortunately, land prices have risen sharply. For our current place of residence, the increase is 300-400%. I can imagine that house prices have also increased. If we decide on this option, I would also prefer a noticeable improvement in the property.

3. Option

We choose option 2, but I do not sell my house; instead, I rent it out. With this option, it would of course be better if I am completely debt-free. For this, however, I would still need at least 5-10 years.

If I were her, I would participate in your house with a kind of rent. At the same time, buy an apartment and rent it out. If you ever separate, she has her own apartment to go to and has built up assets just like you. I understand the desire for something of your own that you can have a say in, but that is overrated .. Advantage: no stress in case of separation If the current house otherwise fits, it would be a shame to give it up, unless you want to build and want something completely different together than what you have now (for example, now a single-story bungalow)

I would either leave the ownership as it is, but each pays half of the additional costs, only you amortize, or you buy something new together. But even then the question of ownership shares remains open, since you can contribute €350,000, she "only" €150,000.

Therefore... in this case, leave everything as it is and that's that.

I would either leave the ownership as it is, but each pays half of the additional costs, only you amortize the loan, or you buy something new together. But even then the question of ownership shares remains open, since you can contribute €350,000, she "only" €150,000.

Therefore... in this case, leave everything as it is and that's fine.

In this case, she would only take out a loan. In the event of a separation, however, probably neither could maintain the property alone because it is too expensive.

She had actually considered buying an apartment and renting it out to third parties. However, she would keep the rent completely, which I would find unfair. Or am I seeing that wrong?

Would rent out the house if it is rentable. But I don’t understand why the situation shouldn’t remain as is. During the marriage, it is still your house and so far you have been at an advantage since she has helped cover your costs.

I would, if I were her, contribute to your house with some kind of rent. At the same time, buy an apartment and rent it out. If you ever separate, she has her own apartment to move into and has built up assets just like you. I understand the desire for something of your own that you can have a say in, but that is overrated.. Advantage: no stress in case of separation If the current house otherwise fits, it would be a shame to give it up, unless you feel like building and want to do something completely different together than what you have now (for example, a single-storey bungalow)

She had actually considered buying an apartment and renting it out to others. However, she would keep the rent entirely, which I would find unfair. Or am I seeing that wrong? She does not pay me rent. We share all fixed costs. I alone pay the mortgage. But with this deal, I can’t really make big strides. This year a terrace roof is coming, for which I had to save for a long time. She only wants to invest in my house if it also belongs to her. Building again would only be an option for me if it would noticeably improve my situation.