General questions about house construction / house purchase

On the edge of the [Berufspendlergebiet]? You really have to want that.

We live about 14 km west of the center of Cologne, with a train station. Further out is the countryside; and only a little cheaper. Currently, the price per sqm in the city is 400€. Further out the rate is 280€. But that also means 15 km more; or 10-15 minutes more train ride in each direction.

I can tell you, here in Gießen the old houses are going like hotcakes. 60s houses, some work done, but not much, still with a 1000 sqm plot, go for €360,000. Plots in new development areas around Gießen (5 minutes by car or bus) are then sold developed by the municipalities for €215 to €270 per sqm. You just must not own any property and small children must also be present, otherwise with so many interested parties you really have no chance.

But it was about comparing new builds & existing buildings at the same location!!! Not new builds in a worse location against existing buildings in a good location!!! How many times again?

New builds in a good location are ALWAYS! significantly more expensive than existing buildings in a good location.

I can only agree with Steffen. We just sold a house (1994 renovated good condition) and are now building new. Although not in the same town, if I consider the difference in land prices, the new build in the same town would be about €100,000 more expensive.

New construction in a good location is ALWAYS! significantly more expensive than existing properties in a good location.

If the existing building is structurally sound, yes.