Is building a house affordable for us? What is realistic?

Financing of about 700 - 750k with a rate up to 3k. That would make a house with 170 sqm and (almost) all the bells and whistles feasible

So for that money and size, I can hardly think of any bells and whistles that would be impossible. I think even with 550k there is already a very nice house far away from social housing.

So for the money and the size, I can hardly think of any hassles that wouldn't work. I think even with 550K there is already a very nice house far away from social housing.

I didn’t mean that one has to spend that, just that I would trust myself to do it in that situation. Although, unfortunately, I think 550K will be needed. But for somewhat better equipment (which I would treat myself to at that point), a double garage, garden landscaping, incidental construction costs, kitchen, and a bit of furnishings, 170 sqm without subsidies will be tight, or rather too tight. There is also currently no concrete house plan or even a contract, as far as I understand. Therefore, real construction will still take some time, and in my opinion, while it is possible that construction costs won’t rise as rapidly as recently, I do not expect them to actually become cheaper. Besides, there is still enough equity left beyond the land, so the financing won’t be that high anyway.

There is nothing nicer than spending other people's money :rolleyes: I have not read a desire for equipment and luxury so far, but rather the desire for security and (financial) independence.

I have a similar background to you and can understand your perspective well. I started earning money very early and then immediately acquired owner-occupied property. I have stayed away from luxury and anything that causes ongoing costs, but have paid off debts very aggressively. In my early forties, I was debt-free, and after two "upgrades" I still am. The new house will surely outlive me; thanks to a positive energy balance even without monthly costs. Given your background, you have a more than realistic prospect of living without costs in 10-15 years – which I find very reassuring at least.

Financing is absolutely no problem for you. If you finance 250-300K, you will get a nice house with everything needed to be satisfied and happy – the amount is quite manageable. But you should be sure that the "debt" does not keep you awake at night. Look at it this way: you managed to buy a plot of land in a few years and at the same time save 280K€ in equity. You just have to do that again – from a now stronger position.

Stay modest, avoid ongoing costs and pay off quickly – that would be my recommendation.

I find it extremely difficult to spend money. Especially when it is not absolutely necessary.

But you are in a great situation: a high salary enables you independence. Having your own house can be so nice if you like to find relaxation in the garden after work or on weekends. Or a nice evening by the fireplace. You can grow plants, harvest your own vegetables, but you don't have to. You can turn up the music or have complete silence while reading. No neighbors or landlords disturb you. Ownership has many advantages if you can afford it. And you can afford it. Don't make the mistake like Scrooge McDuck and let fear rule you. You are allowed to treat yourself if you earn it. Quite simply. Otherwise, you have studied too much not to be able to enjoy the rewards now.

Strange story.
The OP is afraid of the high debt burden due to negative financial experiences in childhood/adolescence.

Now laid down a respectable value path:

The equity was self-generated/saved and the property was also bought by us ourselves. At least as far as my salary is concerned, there is still a leap upwards over the years.

And as good as it sounds. Only fully active as a judge for one year.
Judges on probation (R1) earn far less. (Under 3k net). Never mind. It was only 2 years. And one year as a lawyer. Let’s just assume here a top degree and above-average entry-level salary.
Still: only 4 years of professional experience.

And in this time, together with the husband, saved 280k equity plus 150k for the property?
That’s just under 110,000 euros/year.
Or about 9,000 per month.

It could of course also be that the husband already saved a lot during the OP’s studies.

Still. It doesn’t add up for me at all.

Just casually put aside such a high sum in the bank by themselves. Then simply bought a property.
And then suddenly got financial fears during the house construction?
Gretchen Müller next door, I would buy that.

But a judge?! I know 2 judges myself. One at the local court, one at the social court / labor court.
I don’t recognize that image the OP gives at all.

Especially this extremely positive portrayal of one’s own financial situation: Everything self-paid/saved, salary already good – but will get much better. Only to add right at the end that one is afraid of poverty.

Something’s not right to me...

thanks you wrote what I was thinking :-) But we have cases like this every few months here, that's why I rather think it's a troll to bring life to the forum.