Well, that is something very personal, the comment was not meant seriously. The bank definitely takes sustainable rental income into account. If the parents pay rent, it looks a bit different. But aside from that, I think your wife will have to limit her wishes somewhat. For many extravagant desires, the income simply isn't enough; building in Swabia is anything but cheap. The estimated 260€/m² floor area unfortunately also seems cheap to me or simply no longer current, but of course it varies greatly by region. Basically, you have a good income and have already saved up quite a bit of equity. You will be able to fulfill your dream of building; I think just a little more brainpower needs to be put into the financing concept. Is the father-in-law’s apartment debt-free and can it be used as collateral?