Sell house directly again - Prepayment penalty

Maybe a little story from my profession.. I had changed companies and got my own office, which was located in an old building. My first day (and a few more) were a disaster.. The office was located on a well-used corridor (wooden floor with carpet over it). I heard and felt every step. I pitied myself and couldn’t imagine how I would endure this for a longer time... I had almost regretted my decision... But it was incredible and I didn’t even notice the moment... It simply didn’t bother me anymore.. and that after a relatively short time. I then worked many more years in this office without any problems. I hope my story helps you overcome the initial shock.. it can actually get better with time. Good luck!

.. the question about the possibilities of financing the acquisition costs of a next property (separate payments, paying off the loan depending on the proceeds from the previous property, etc.) is not the primary question at all right now.

I actually agree with that. I wouldn’t make the decision to stay or go dependent on how easy it is to manage financing & co. right now. We had to move into a temporary apartment, which I really wanted to avoid, but in the end, that’s how it happened. Still, the decision to move was the right one. Therefore, I wouldn’t let organizational matters influence the decision. The only important thing is where and how you feel comfortable.
Do you know where you’d prefer to go instead? Similar area, just quieter?

Oh yes, something I remembered yesterday: If your child isn’t even a year old yet – really give yourself some more time before making such a decision. I believe the first year after a birth (at least) you are still quite influenced by the shifted hormone balance. Of course, everyone experiences it differently, but I would postpone life-changing decisions if possible.

I understand the despair, but I also believe that it often takes time for things to settle and smooth out....

But there is one thing about the thread I don’t understand: why are you so concerned about the costs, first the VVE, now the (still unknown) incidental purchase costs of something new, then the desire to sell at a profit.... ...when on the other hand 14k seems like "peanuts" to you? Instead of being glad that you can solve your problem with manageable costs? GD

I don’t actually think that 14k euros are peanuts. That came across wrong. The comparison with the vacation was only meant to indicate that we have probably already spent as much money on "less important" things.

We have invested 125k euros of equity into this property, paid 30k euros incidental purchase costs and 30k euros for renovation. Currently, we simply don’t have an additional 50-60k euros to pay again for more incidental purchase costs / renovation.

We would have to save up again first. That’s why I wonder what would happen if, purely theoretically, my dream property suddenly appeared out of nowhere tomorrow.

what if, purely theoretically, my dream property suddenly appeared out of nowhere tomorrow

You would have to pay that out of your own pocket. You probably won't get another loan, and switching properties only works once the house has been sold.

You would have to pay that out of your own pocket. You probably won’t get another loan, and changing properties only works once the house is sold.

But I assume that we would still get a loan. This loan is calculated only based on my husband’s income, and in 3 months I will be earning just as much as he does again. But well, I don’t actually want two houses, or rather, we wouldn’t want to rent out.
I need to read up on this property exchange again and want to understand it.

BUT of course I agree with the voices above: currently I cannot and must not make a decision. We will first try living here on a trial basis.
Two things stand out to me:

1. Why haven’t I heard anything during all the appointments? It must be possible that the noise also recedes into the background for me.

2. Today I walked around the area and everywhere it is extremely loud for me, even in the new development areas with the huge seven-figure single-family houses. It can’t be that it’s that bad when so many decide to buy/build here.

I like the house inside too. I just don’t like going out on the terrace/balcony or going for walks. Outside I’m currently just going crazy.

About the alternatives. I think I’ll get psychological help to figure these out and make a decision. And yes, I’m letting the child grow bigger still. The hormones from the birth might still be lingering.

Currently, my dream would be to move back to the area of the old rental apartment. But we have now waited three years for something to free up, and it hasn’t. A long-established residential area. We lived surrounded by retirees. I loved it, it was so quiet.

It can't be that bad if so many people decide to buy/build here

Yes, it can be quite bad. People might only pay attention to the obvious sources of noise. No one can imagine how it sounds when everything is developed. Especially a new development area sounds bare and not nice. Nothing has grown yet, and the new residents mostly bring stone, sealing, and cars but few trees and plants. That only comes with the years. Perhaps the city hasn't even laid out all the green strips yet. It will surely sound a bit less loud over the years. Probably no one thinks it's great. Others may be able to get over it better than you can at the moment. That's not bad. Give yourselves time and you will realize what really bothers you there and what keeps you bound.