Developer changes plot size

We have concluded a construction contract with a developer (unfortunately without review), which specifies a plot size of 600 m2. We are purchasing the plot from the developer. Now the plot is suddenly 596 m2 and a multi-family house is being built next to us. We were not informed about this; only a single-family house is marked next to us on our site plan. At the time of purchase, only single-family houses were mentioned. Can he do all this without informing us?

What is permitted to be built is what is allowed in the development plan. If multi-family houses are allowed there, you don’t stand a chance. What does the [Notarvertrag] and the [Grundbuch] say? The correct size should be indicated there. Alternatively, it is also visible in the site plan.

In property development projects, the surveying and subdivision of parcels is very often done only after construction. This is easier. Therefore, the information about the size of the property is often only approximate. Corresponding clauses should be found in your contract, including the regulation on how the increase or decrease in value is compensated and up to what deviation it is acceptable.

Is there anything about this in the contract?

@ Interested in building

Certainly, about _approx._ 600 sqm was mentioned; the exact size of a plot of land only becomes clear once the preliminary site plan is submitted. So all good; you’re also paying for 4 sqm less ;-)

A multi-family house can mean many things, a two-story plus attic can also be built as a multi-family house. Check the development plan, then you’ll know the maximum size for the new build.

Rhenish greetings from the road
Construction expert

That is always a bit difficult with the terminology. We also had a hard time at the beginning or were unsure. Ultimately, it is determined by the number of residential units. Most development plans limit this to a maximum of 2 residential units (approximately a single-family house with a granny flat). However, a residential building with 2 residential units would already be a multi-family house.

We are planning a single-family house with 2 granny flats, thus it is a three-family house or multi-family house.

So, don’t be discouraged at first, the important things are regulated anyway by the development plan or building envelope and property.

Thank you very much for the answers. We have not yet purchased the property. Multi-family houses are allowed. However, we specifically asked and received the information that only single-family houses would be built there. We are building a bungalow, and now a 4-family house is standing next to us without much distance. On the site plan we received, there was a single-family house 15 meters away. On the internet, we then read that a multi-family house is to be built; we have not yet received a new plan.