Realistic monthly rate

Is the house already planned? Have you already selected the finishes?

435k loan with barely 4000 EUR net.. that wouldn't be for me.

We have a 500k loan.. and 100k reserve. Net income significantly higher..

An architect's house is always a "blind flight". If you don't have a proper buffer there.. I don't mean just 10k.. 20k. If the house ends up costing you 100k more in the end.. it shouldn't break your neck. It's better to calculate with fixed numbers and then you are better off with a general contractor.

I have to admit I am really curious. Are you also going to present your house here?

I also find that the salary and price do (not yet) match. However, there is certainly still potential for savings with the house. If you forgo one thing or another (maybe also talk to local GUs, less living space, etc.), then something should be possible. The land price is reasonably cheap.

Sorry, I was also a bit shocked in the opening post when I read about a house around 400000 with this income. You can also build differently than Villa Mächtig, there are properties more suited to the income. The two of us also have this salary, more than 250000 would not have been an option for me. Ok, I am also a bit cautious... but 400000 probably wouldn’t let anyone sleep peacefully anymore. Keep in mind that you also have additional costs, possibly a risk insurance that should cover the family – around here you are spending a bit more money monthly on a house than on a comfort apartment. Regards

Doesn't work for me either. You can twist and turn it however you want, people who can afford such objects usually have a different overall financial situation. This is not meant to sound arrogant, with around 4500 net, a 3-person household can live quite well – but the house would significantly restrict you for decades. Up to a €100,000 follow-up financing shortly before or at retirement.

Best regards
Dirk Grafe