House construction planned for the future, how best to proceed in the Marburg area

Good morning everyone,

I need a few impulses from you.

I would like to build a house. Preferably in Marburg (but that is probably not feasible). At least relatively close surroundings, Ebsdorfergrund for example.
My girlfriend is a bit worried and currently does not want to know anything about it. However, we are still living in my parents' house at the moment (€400 warm), so very cheap.

But that should not remain like this in the long term. We both work in Marburg and for me personally, renting an apartment is not really an option, since we are planning to have a family.

Regarding the financial situation... my girlfriend earns €2000 net with an 80% position + €2000 special payment.
For me, the financial situation is a bit more difficult, as I cannot plan well. €2500 net + €3000 special payment.
In addition, there is a secondary job that this year at least exceeds the main job. However, that does not have to remain so.

That means guaranteed income is €4500 net + €5000 special payment. In addition, there is €20,000 - €50,000 net from the secondary job.
€100k would be available as equity, but would rather be important as cash flow for the secondary job.

I have not been to the bank yet; I wanted to first collect a few impulses so I can deal with the topic more concretely.

What I have imagined: A house that suffices for a family of four. Some space will also be needed for the business. Costs should also be deductible here. Exactly what is possible I have to clarify with my tax advisor.

That means a basement with 30-40 sqm would be planned as storage space.
In addition, everything should be equipped with KNX. Lighting, blinds, heating, (possibly ventilation), etc.

If you now base it on the financial situation, what could be realized? How many sqm does a family of four need? It should not be larger than absolutely necessary.
In the end, the girlfriend has the final say. She wants this move more urgently than I do but currently does not want to deal with the topic yet. But that will come sooner or later.

What costs can I expect if I want to build not as cheaply as possible, but high-quality? What would be the suitable plot size?

Thank you very much for your impulses.

If you now base it on the financial situation, what could be realized?

Now: 1/2 million loan. With children? That depends on your planning.

How many sqm does a family of four need?

120sqm living space + X. You have to define that X – whether and if so, what you want. In addition, a basement or extension for your side business.

In the end, the girlfriend has the final say.

Then gently prepare her for your plans ;) .

What costs can I expect if I want to build not as cheaply as possible but with high quality?

Then calculate €2,500/sqm plus basement/garage/incidental costs/outdoor facilities/furnishing

What would be the suitable plot size?

For 120sqm living space and basement, in my opinion, the plot should be at least 350sqm.

About the budget:
Rule of thumb: one hundred times the net income, so 450,000 €.
About the size:
Look at friends'/relatives' houses to see how many m2, visit show homes to estimate your needs.
120 possible for 4 people, from 140 reasonable, 160 m2 cozy (rough estimate, everyone feels differently).
Basement:
Depending on your land prices, the basement might not fit into the 450,000 €, a guideline here is often 60-100 k.
KNX:
Can you program some of it yourself? Many do that as their own work.
Space for business:
You keep a secret about what you do. Therefore, we cannot recommend anything to you.

Good morning to Marburg from the neighboring district,

the mentioned numbers sound quite promising, but what good is all the planning if your girlfriend is not mentally ready yet? City or countryside, how many square meters, etc. – these are all fundamental questions you need to agree on before you start concrete planning. However, this can’t be done under pressure, but only when both partners are mentally ready on their own. It was no different for us, I would have preferred to build back in 2013, but she wanted to wait a bit longer. Not nice, but it can’t be changed.

If your wife friend, as you write, is worried, then it is already completely resolved. You can't handle it alone, so she has to cooperate. If not, ciao.

Now: 1/2 million loan. With children? It depends on your planning.

I can’t imagine that half a million is enough today to build a house. At least not if you value quality. The land plot must also be taken into account.

Can you program some of it yourself? Many people do a lot of it on their own?
Space for commercial use:
You keep it a secret what you do. Therefore, we can’t recommend anything to you there.

I am an online retailer. That means space is needed for storing goods.
I am also an electronics technician. I will try to attend KNX courses next year, so I should be able to do a lot myself then.

It might also be possible that with 20% commercial use, 20% of the building costs can be covered through the business, which would be a nice thing.

but what use is all the planning if your girlfriend is not mentally ready yet?

The topic will come up in the next few years. I am not forcing anything, but I know that for her, renting is more in the foreground, because she thinks she would then be dependent on me and could not afford a house anyway.
But I think it can be arranged so that in the event of a separation she would benefit more than if we had lived in a rental.