Plan the house first and only then buy the land?

I rather see problems if interest rates do rise. I know some financings that are really shaky when the fixed interest period ends after 10 years and the interest rates are just a bit higher. They are already barely managing now and have partly planned with salary increases that could come at some point.

In our area (rural), houses are generally getting smaller. 180+ used to be the standard. I see the reason for smaller houses in smaller plots and increased costs.

You have to earn very well to come up with 200,000 to 250,000 euros in such a short time if you only save.

The thought also occurred to me, and I seriously wonder how that is supposed to work under normal circumstances. Not to be misunderstood, I sincerely wish it for everyone, but having saved 250,000 euros at 29??? Let’s assume the saving period was 12 years, so you started at 17. Then I come to 250,000€ / (12 * 12) = 1,736,...€ that you put aside month by month while still partying, financing living expenses, and maintaining a car. Respect! I lack the imagination of how that should work and at the same time I feel really bad because I seem to be the biggest spender [emoji23]

To the actual question: I thought similarly 4 years ago in a similar situation. Already planned two to three houses in detail to have the right house ready for different plot situations and only find the plot. But it turned out differently: one, exactly one plot found after four (!) years of searching with 420 sqm (always looking for 500 sqm to 600 sqm) and it was over with the own house designs. Went to the architect, communicated the ideas and wishes, and got a floor plan for me and my wife for this plot with its peculiarities and restrictions of the development plan. Very satisfied, would never have come up with the floor plan ourselves and would have built way too big (much too large traffic areas e.g.). Meaning, first find a plot with a development plan that allows your architectural style, then reconsider whether wishes have not changed over time, clarify what you need, and off to the architect. It feels like something on your wish list will have changed in 5 years, then you are in your mid-30s and probably also in a different phase of life...

In between: keep saving equity capital, but please don’t forget life. Equity-wise, you already have very solid conditions now; no need to overdo it [emoji6]

Always worked overtime. Sunday bonuses 70 percent more tax-free. Night shift allowance 25 percent also tax-free. Often worked on holidays as well, 150 percent more. Also worked on the side during vacation. But in the next 4 years, I will leave shift work. I just thought it’s better to earn the money now while I still have time and no children yet. Personally, I don’t mind working a lot. In industry, you usually don’t wear yourself out physically. As a skilled worker with a few overtime hours, what you make when you have a high wage group, some academics would be surprised what they studied for. Regarding savings, I also had good starting conditions in life. I’ve never paid rent, only utilities; the car was paid for by grandma and grandpa. They had saved something for each grandchild back then. My parents also saved 20k for me. The rest is from me. And furniture etc. I bought together with my girlfriend.

As I said, completely serious: Respect! To exercise so much discipline and sometimes also self-denial in order to realize the dream of owning a house in the (from a youthful perspective at the beginning of 20 or earlier) distant future, I find truly admirable! So much more luck therefore, when it finally starts in a few years [emoji4]

I see problems more likely if interest rates ever rise. I know some financings that are really shaky when the fixed interest period ends after 10 years and the interest rates are just a bit higher. They can hardly manage it now and have partially already planned with salary increases that might come at some point.

Anyone financing just under €375k or more for 10 years or with 1% repayment nowadays must be stupid and deserves no different in 10 years. Even though I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

Nice starting point. Living for free is also a crazy factor when saving. And then so hardworking, it really makes you happy for you. In your place, I would really go out and see if you can find land. That is usually the most difficult hurdle. Given the market situation, it really won't be easy. For example, we got in the car every weekend and simply drove through all the cities and villages that were an option for us. There, we looked for building gaps, abandoned farms, or ruins and specifically asked about them. You couldn't be shy there. Always send the inquiry in writing so the potential seller doesn't shut down immediately but can think it over calmly. That's how, after 1 year, we found our dream land.