Procedure for constructing a new single-family house on an existing plot

The question is how much you need to borrow or what your financial situation is. With so many room requests, the budget gets quite high, so some interest rate fluctuations hardly make a difference. So have it planned now, because a lot may still need to be adjusted to make the budget fit the room program.

This is a vabanque game. Construction prices will definitely not fall, how should that be fundamentally justified? Wages are currently rising (IG Metall +8.5% for 24 months +3,000 EUR), energy will remain at a higher level than in 2019, building material prices are stagnating at best.

One should not have illusions about this, a good part of the craftsmen now becoming available will be consumed again by the massive upcoming investments in renewable energies and infrastructure.

The interest rates remain. They will only decrease again when inflation falls below the "target" of 2%. That will take a while, because with 2% interest rates are now where the ECB, to be honest, should actually have been again for 5 years.
One can hope for low interest rates over 7-10 years... certainly not over a period of 2-3 years.

I can only recommend to start planning now and then begin building. We bought our plot in September 2021 and only now in November does construction start. That means we will probably move in December 2023. It is over 2 years including planning and construction. Our child will then already be 5 years old and a garden is already used extensively at that age.

Thanks for your thoughts! Ultimately, I already thought that we should definitely start planning and not let too much time pass. Still, it gives you a sense of security to hear a few voices again that confirm you. In the circle of acquaintances, it's quickly said: wait 1-2 years, then everything will be easier and cheaper... it's not that simple. And it takes time... that's true too!

The question is how much you need to borrow or what your financial situation is. With so many room requests, the budget goes quite high, so some interest rate fluctuations hardly matter. So have it planned now, because a lot may have to be corrected so that the budget fits the room program.

Of course, we now also have to take a closer look at our financial situation in order to really know during the planning what we can afford.

Best regards!

(...) In the circle of acquaintances it is quickly said: wait 1-2 years, then everything will become easier and cheaper... it's not that simple. And it takes time... that is true too! (...)

That's easy to say, but fundamentally there are no clues for that in construction prices. As mentioned, wages, building material prices, requirements for insulation as well as heating technology. Where should it become significantly cheaper?

Where I could well imagine a, moderate, price decline is with land plots. But you have already bought those ;)

The real price driver in recent years, apart from 2021/22, was always the land plots anyway. A nationwide developer will build the house for you in Munich at a similar price as in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. But the land in Munich already costs a million, in Meck-Pomm maybe only 50,000 EUR.

In retrospect and applied to your situation, I would probably try to ensure that construction can start in spring. Everything is definitely more relaxed during the summer.

In terms of costs and planning, I would (if possible) include everything right away. So not building the garage five years later or something like that. If you have a good architect, you could ask her where it makes sense to save. For example, are there parapets that can be built with masonry instead of expensive stainless steel? Can the garden already be modeled by the shell builder? Prefabricated garage vs. masonry garage? Etc.

A cellar became more expensive from 75k to 150k for acquaintances despite a lot of personal work... You can also build a lot of nice space (or garage) above ground. We have the cellar replacement as a large open room (hobby, guests, home office, cellar replacement) in the attic. Properly heated and with many Pax cabinets.

Are there things you wouldn’t mind not having, etc.

And indeed, a house with a garden is great with kids.

Good luck