How long did it take you to reach the construction decision?

Construction time guarantee

So you’re not here long enough after all

I am the biggest critic of this guarantee, don’t worry, I don’t fancy myself because of it. Just wanted to add that since it’s always said here that anyone signing a contract now won’t start before 2020 anyway.

6 months. The comparison with rent is misleading because you also pay interest.

6 months. The comparison with rent is flawed because you also pay interest

Exactly. That's why I wrote "annuity" and not "repayment". Five years ago, of course, we had less income and equity than today. But the prices were also lower back then. When I look at my age at the end of the repayment plan, it is worth starting as early as possible – especially to be able to take it easier at work from 60 onwards (early retirement etc.).

6 months seems quick to me, but from today's perspective exactly right.

Well, hindsight is always 20/20... I’m curious whether the market winds will turn again sometime!?

We had made the decision some time ago.. At first, the whole thing was too expensive for us.. (at that time we were not yet aware of the price development..). Finally, three years ago we bought an existing property.

For about two years now, we have been simultaneously looking again for a building plot or a detached house. Depending on what can be found. Nothing will happen at any cost. We would have a buyer for our house immediately, but until there is something new, of course, we will not do anything further.

I am the biggest critic of this warranty, don’t worry, I don’t think highly of it. I just wanted to mention it, since it is always said here that anyone who signs a contract now won’t start before 2020 anyway.

I don’t know if it’s different elsewhere, but here it is exactly the same. If you ask a shell builder now, at best it will start in 12 months. That’s why I totally agree with this opinion.

And honestly, almost everyone who is currently annoyed about delays of more than 3 months in our construction area believed in the stated start of construction. Whether general contractor or prefab house.

The most important thing for the prefab house provider or general contractor is your signature. And once you have signed, you won’t get out without a penalty. Don’t worry, they will find a way to talk away the delay.

Beginning of 2017 started looking at houses.
Looked at 3 properties (60s/70s), calculated, saw that after all the renovations the total sum would be insanely high - decided to build.
Looked at 1 plot of land, the 2nd one was the immediate hit, February 2017.
Reserved in March 2017
Loan approval in June 2017, contract signed
Building application approved in September 2017
November foundation
then came the cold winter
End of March 2018 topping-out ceremony
And then everything was delayed, nothing progressed for ages
June 2018 windows
The rest faster again
Move-in October 2018
So < 2 years from "we want something of our own" to moving into the new build, still possible I think. Even though I had hoped for faster.