How exactly are plots allocated in new development areas?

Hi,

Since we are looking for property, I often check out new development areas. Many have transparent allocation and application rules. Some are very complex (questionnaires, point systems, application letters, waiting times...), some very simple (first come, first served, lottery, etc.).

That’s not what I’m concerned about, but rather those who casually write/say: We work through the interest list. I have searched a lot but found hardly anything about it. And the people responsible in the areas don’t seem very open about it; I only get vague answers to my emails. I hope this isn’t a super stupid question. I understand that there are surely differences, but maybe you can share your experiences.

Does anyone know how such a procedure strictly according to the list normally works? Does the first then get to choose one from all the options, the second from the remainder, and so on...? How long does one have to reserve? Does it happen in groups?

Thanks in advance.

I only receive vague answers to my emails.

Lack of transparency does not have to be a coincidence

The first person may then choose one from all, the second from the rest, and so on...?

Partly, of course, there are lists by classes (single or semi-detached house plots), or you apply for a plot in a specific row / dead-end street. But individual plot applications also occur, like "I want No. 37" - then you don't get a chance - now your next opportunity is only in the next construction phase. I recommend you enter "11ant Barthel" in the forum search here. Otherwise, you will be old and gray before you get closer to your goal: the better the allocation rules are published, the stricter they usually are (existing local ties, child points, etc.).

Every procedure is different. You can't get a universally valid statement there. Sorry.

Every procedure is different. You can’t get a universally valid statement there. Sorry.

I can only agree with that from my own experience. It seems no municipality is bound to any procedure and makes its own rules. Sometimes it’s points, sometimes first come, and sometimes application letters. I think in your case you can’t do more than getting your name on the list and keeping your fingers crossed. I had repeatedly read that most municipalities are switching to a transparent points system to avoid the distribution of plots under the table to the mayor’s children or the wife’s best friend. I believe in many cases that certainly works, but I had also repeatedly seen the opposite. New development areas are announced and only 17 out of 20 plots are sold (and the other 3 were not the farmers’ compensation plots).

Understood. Yes, of course, that's also possible there. We already had 2 sites on hand, but have now decided to first look elsewhere.

Thanks for the link, I already knew it.

You always have to consider who is selling the plot of land in the development area. Is it the municipality directly or a private investor? In the second case, a bidding procedure is quite common.

So the municipality only informs people on the waiting list that a private investor is building something. You can register there and then there is a minimum price and it is sold according to the highest bid.

OT: Here in Wolfsburg, the municipality does not have any plots of land of its own to market. The last development area went in 2018/2019 for, for example, €350/m² minimum bid including notary and general contractor binding. Two plots were left after a few months at a fixed price of €450/m². Now the development area has a standard land value of €360/m² and that also includes the non-marketed multi-family house plots.