How long have you been saving equity for your house?

I was never able to save. Living hand to mouth. When I started earning somewhat decently about 6 years ago, consumption was the first thing on the agenda. Then I somehow felt like I had to strike. Yes, my rental apartment was getting on my nerves, at the same time I noticed that the price increases in Berlin did not stop and finally I found a condominium that, according to online calculators, I could probably afford, without a broker and still available.
Looked at it with a financial advisor and it was barely doable. Asked my father for help with the additional costs and after much persuasion, that obstacle was overcome as well (as a loan with 3%, not that anyone here accuses me of exploiting the older generation). That has been the best financial decision of my life so far.
That I would have a family and a house wish five years later, I did not think possible at the time. With now a pretty good income (for Berlin) and the appreciation of the condominium, this financing also barely went through.
Most people here would probably think I’m crazy, but actually, I sleep like a baby.
The land increased in market value by about 10% last year (at least judging by the few offers). and I am confident that at least in Berlin and the surrounding area there is still no real bubble, but rather a catch-up race compared to other metropolitan regions is happening.
In the fall, it will become clear whether another financial decision (investment) will turn out to be even better, then I should sleep even better afterwards.

Saving for a while and seeing with how much installment one feels comfortable monthly, I find very sensible (Corona is unfortunately not representative in this regard. Our saving rate has almost doubled without any effort in the last year...). Having enough equity to at least cover the incidental costs is certainly sensible. But whether you go into financing with 80k or 120k in the end is, in my opinion, less decisive than whether the installment and term fit.

I have the greatest respect for consistent savers. We always lacked the discipline for that. If it works out with a house, one can sugarcoat it as an art of living. Professionally, on the whole, I have been more lucky than unlucky until today. The recommended way, of course, is to make a plan, stick to it, and react early when life circumstances change. Then the plan is adjusted and the adjusted plan is followed.

At 24, I got tired of renting and bought a "ruin" from the state of Lower Saxony, which was inherited by them. I paid €7,500 for 430 sqm of land and 92 sqm of living space. I then made it habitable for about €40,000 and gradually renovated it. When our second child was on the way, I spontaneously started looking and the next day there was a mass viewing of a house with 1000 sqm of land and ~140 sqm of living space. Plus 3 garages, a conservatory, and a basement. Listed for €179k. It was well maintained, but technically up to the standards of its build year. So, 1963. After the second viewing, I made an offer of €160k including financing confirmation. Agreed at €163k. Renovated within 11 weeks after handover including electricity, water, sewage, etc. No walls were moved, nor was the roof replaced. Paid €230k including renovation.

Conclusion to get to the point: I never saved. By luck, I found my first house young and had to forcedly save a small amount. I never thought about it or limited my lifestyle to have money for a house. I always wanted and still want to be able to eat sushi for €25 per person whenever I want. Also spontaneous visits to the zoo with the kids. Or, like recently, spontaneously buying a caravan for €1100 plus a little for the technology.

BUT: This is just my life path with a bit of luck. Others are different. That’s how it is and that’s how it will stay.

Oh, by the way: House 1 bought in 2010, House 2 in 2017. House 1 sold in 2017. Location 40 km from Hannover in a village of 6000 inhabitants.

I studied after my training and had to support myself during that time. There wasn't much left to save, but I always put money aside within my means. However, without a fixed savings goal, as I always found renting attractive.

My husband was able to save for longer thanks to his family background. We met late and then our child came along, so our apartment became too small. Our landlord is a real a...., so we decided to put our money into a home of our own instead. Actually, we wanted to save more, but a) it’s getting too tight for us and b) it’s not worth it given the prices and opportunities.

So we made a quick decision and financed a new mid-terrace house with about 170k equity. However, we are already well over 30.

We never consciously saved, but always questioned expenses. This automatically left money over, which was transferred to the daily allowance savings account every month. When we started building 7 years ago, we began the initial planning phase with about 70k in equity. Since the construction took a bit longer, about 100k in equity was likely invested. The saving period was about 7 years, during which Bafög was repaid, one used car was purchased and replaced by two others, and the wedding was financed. However, back then we also had different incomes compared to now, considering that we had calculated about 3500€ net for both at that time.