How is the construction boom? Still there?

Well, it used to be much easier to get your own home. Because in our town, many people back then built their houses over the years with acquaintances and friends, but afterwards they also had something of their own. Today, that would no longer be possible because of the costs as well as the many regulations. That’s why the skilled craftsman had a better starting position 40 years ago, as he could build his own house after a longer period of time. Back then, you also didn’t have to do everything yourself (roof frame, screed, etc.), but insulating or masonry was naturally done by yourself. That’s why in the old town center numerous older people live in really large houses (< 200 m2) with lower-paid occupations (secretary, craftsman, mid-level civil servant), who today couldn’t even afford a small bungalow in the new development area a few kilometers away. So it is indeed true that in the new housing developments of recent years a very homogeneous group of economically strong families lives, who either finance a large part of their home through a very well-paid job or a high inheritance. That doesn’t have to be wrong per se, since not everyone is entitled to a house by birth, but there should be the possibility for the middle class to fulfill the dream of owning a home, just as it was some decades ago.

no chance. If this continues, they won't even be able to rent something adequate anymore. I mean sorry, in this small town you won't get an apartment and if you do, then for >10 euros cold rent. Germany has to be solidaric, and a) not engage in social housing construction and b) endless immigration. I'm curious what will be left of our prosperity in 10 years

welcome to my world. Trying to get a carport at reasonable prices! Madness – once the orders are completed, there must be a massive recession. Because no one will pay for it anymore!!!

This is, with all due respect, an arrogant view. The craftsmen have not benefited anywhere near as much from the construction boom as they could have. The general contractors and property developers have profited... if now a "massive recession" comes, the craftsman goes bankrupt and slips into old-age poverty, while the owner of the general contractor rubs his hands because he secured his cut until retirement....

It’s like in the food retail business. 60% go to discount stores, 35% buy at the supermarket, and at best 5% go to the delicatessen.

Well, it used to be much easier to get a home. (...)

No, it wasn’t. In the past, simply a lot more was done by oneself.
We researched this based on old records. My grandfather paid ten times his gross annual income for his house... 1950...
That would be, all in all, 1.2 million EUR for us...

Why did that work back then?

Because he knew countless craftsmen or had them in the family and was, of course, a craftsman himself.
Nowadays? No chance. People hire the landscaper just to have him create a 20m² flower bed...

Well, I can totally agree with that! The craftsmen charge astronomical prices. Why? Because they can! And at parties, etc., you have to hear from multiple sources how 'stupid' the builders are who pay for everything. But the most brazen thing is how much is offered upfront without a receipt. Everything nicely off the books, but then complaining like a 'poor pensioner' that the pension is so small, even though they worked for so many years. For me, every craftsman needs to be put in their place again, and that only happens through a recession. They've indulged themselves with enough fat to finally come back down to earth. Have I ever mentioned how fed up I am with the craftsmen?

(...) They have piled on more than enough fat to finally come back down to earth. Have I ever mentioned how fed up I am with the craftsmen?

At best, the bosses have the fat, not the journeymen who stand at your door. Therefore, please keep your cool... the craftsman standing in front of you is almost always a journeyman and is absolutely not responsible for his boss’s pricing policy and unfortunately does not benefit from it in any way.