Semi-detached house construction: Building neighbors have withdrawn. How can I still build?

We want to build a semi-detached house. However, the real estate agent and the construction company will only sell the two plots if there are also builders for the other semi-detached house. We have been waiting for a potential building neighbor for about three-quarters of a year. Now it actually seemed that we had found one. Shortly before the notary appointment, they backed out. My question is: if we were to have our semi-detached house built without a building neighbor (although we don’t know if that is possible), would we have to pay house connection costs only for our property or for both? I thought someone once mentioned that you would then have to pay for both. Who knows? The question arises because the real estate agent has now said that there is nothing to prevent the plot from being divided. This could mean that they may now actually release our semi-detached house for construction.

The question arises because the realtor just informed us that nothing stands in the way of the land division. This could mean that they will now indeed release our semi-detached house for construction.

Hello,

if the land is actually divided, you should only have to pay your own connection costs. It is only important, as Wastl already wrote above, that you make sure that once a neighbor has been found, your front yard is not dug up again.

I would also not disregard Wastl’s argument about the insulated partition wall.

Regards,

Dirk

Here is the story: On a neighboring property stood *a* semi-detached house, whose party wall had been sealed for years only with foil/battens. At some point, the owner decided to install MW insulation and Eternit corrugated sheets. Half a year later, construction work for the second semi-detached house began. :-| So I would try to stay as up-to-date as possible here, because you can really save yourself such investments.

Best regards

K1300S

Here is the following story: On a neighboring property there was *one* semi-detached house, whose party wall was sealed for years only with foil/battens. At some point, the owner decided to install MW insulation and Eternit corrugated sheets. Half a year later, construction work for the second semi-detached house began. :-| So I would try to stay as up-to-date as possible here, because such investments can really be avoided.

Best regards

K1300S

It is possible. Unfortunately, you are not always allowed to. When the LRA comes and insists that you insulate your exterior wall according to the Energy Saving Ordinance (there is no neighbor yet), then you insulate – even if it costs money,...

Hello Amelie,

if the property is divided, both parcels and the houses on them are considered individual properties that are (except for the shared wall) independent from each other in every respect, IF both individual parcels are free of encumbrances (also called "free of burdens"). This way, you also only pay the connection costs that apply to your house/parcel, but you can find out more from the responsible building authority.

If you buy such a burden-free property (this must be stated in the purchase contract), no one can lay a cable or similar over your property without your consent; so make sure that no building encumbrances exist or are registered and that no easements exist or are registered either.

If something like this is to be registered, only agree if you benefit from it – either reciprocally (you get the same right on the other parcel and need it) or reasonable financial compensation.

Best regards
Dirk Grafe

Oh dear. Thank you for your answers. With the shared wall, costs will come up for us.... I think we will reject such proposals (if the real estate agent makes them) and prefer to wait for the construction partner. Such a project is just too risky for me; not to mention the connection costs.