Development costs are becoming increasingly expensive; can one resist?

Dear forum community,

Two years ago, we bought a plot of land in a newly developing residential area. Since the development was still pending, we were reassured that the development costs would amount to about €30-32. However, with every inquiry at the municipality, the estimated costs kept rising (35€, then 38€, and so on). Meanwhile, the residential area has been developed for a year, but the allocation of costs and invoices is "unfortunately" still ongoing. The first houses are already built and occupied. Almost all the plots have been assigned/reserved. Now it has leaked that the costs are currently over 42€. I have the feeling that they want to sell as many plots as possible first, only to then present the hefty costs and especially the increase in the original costs by more than 30%. The price per square meter is then no longer typical for the area (125 instead of 75-80€). The question that concerns me: Is there any way to oppose this? Are there any possibilities or does anyone have experience with subsequently "exploding" development costs and the municipality's secrecy?

Best regards, Häuslebauer

Hello, I unfortunately cannot imagine that one can defend oneself :-( Because the costs were certainly not fixed anywhere. And ultimately, all prices in construction only go in one direction: up. I suspect that the municipality itself was caught off guard by this. And if I have read through here recently, the costs are still quite cheap... Where does the local customary price come from? Is that the standard land value? Normally, it is outdated and no longer really appropriate.

You can defend yourself against fees. Fees are sovereign acts and must be paid, therefore the citizen has the right to see a comprehensible calculation of the same. Prices are not fees, prices are set by the seller according to market conditions, his calculation is none of your business. You do not have to accept the price. Then you do not buy, it's that simple. Different, for example, is a garbage fee if there is a usage obligation and no choice. As far as the law is concerned. That the municipality does not behave fairly is unfortunately another matter. Karsten

The question that occupies me: Is there any way to defend oneself against it?

Unfortunately not. Swallow your anger and enjoy the new house.

... assured us that the development costs would amount to approximately 30-32€.
... Now it has leaked out that the costs are now over 42€.

... The price per square meter is then no longer local customary (125 instead of 75-80€).

But a surcharge of 12€ (42-30) does not suddenly turn 80€ into 125€, does it?

Okay, it’s not war decisive, but on 500 sq m, 12,- more per sq m is indeed 6000,-
Shouldn’t upset a prospective builder though.