Specify own contributions, optimally present the object value for banks

The trickery with own contribution usually only makes sense when you are at the typical loan-to-value limits of, for example, 80% or 90%.

1. See above and 2. You should really provide the own contribution, because if, for example, you state flooring, painting, paving, etc. as own contribution but after 90% of the construction phase you are too exhausted to actually provide it, you have basically just fooled yourself and the money will simply be missing later on. Let's be honest, the costs for painting, flooring, and paving mostly consist of labor. This means, if you don't do it yourself, you will simply miss out on a higher five-figure amount.

So be careful what you wish for or do not finance.