(Unfounded) fear of monthly burden?

Better to think a few more thoughts, as it is rarely harmful... Where I might start: Currently, you apparently live quite cramped with two children (whatever that may mean). But 170 sqm is already a lot, and the question is whether it is really necessary. Maybe you should also think a few years (decades) ahead: once the children have left the house, 170 sqm is extremely large. And they need to be kept in order, which of course requires more effort than, for example, "only" 120 sqm. In my experience, the latter is fully sufficient for living with two (even three) children, so that everyone has a retreat and there is still enough space in the house for all sorts of things. Of course, it always depends on your own standards, but especially because you have so far managed well in a small space, I would adjust a bit at that point.

Better to think a few more thoughts, as it rarely hurts... Where I might start: Currently, you apparently live quite cramped with two children (whatever that may mean). But 170 sqm is already very much, and the question is whether it is really needed. Maybe you should also think a few years (decades) ahead: Once the children have left the house, 170 sqm is extremely large. And they need to be maintained, which of course requires more effort than, for example, "only" 120 sqm. In my experience, the latter is fully sufficient for living with two (or even three) children, so that everyone has a retreat and you still have enough space in the house for all kinds of things. Of course, it always depends on your own demands, but especially because you have so far managed well in a small space, I would tweak things a bit at this point.

I don’t quite see it that way. 170 sqm is decent, but not really very much! When the children have left the house and you no longer want to take care of the space, the house is simply sold and a smaller house (or a condominium) is bought. The property must adapt to life – similar to, for example, car usage (young dynamic couple = roadster / family = van / older couple = Golf+). Furthermore, I think that with three children, you can no longer fit into 120 sqm – without it becoming cramped (we currently live ourselves in about 135 sqm with three small children + home office). At least not if each child should have their own room. Every additional sqm then already makes a noticeable difference.

Hello,

we had a 4.5-room apartment of about 115sqm in my parents' own two-family house. As we three children got older, we also converted the attic with about 70sqm of living space into two children's rooms and a "neutral zone" in between.

Of course, it would have worked without the attic conversion, but comfort would have been different.

With this experience, we have now planned our own single-family house as well. We come to about 160sqm of living space on the ground and upper floors, 25sqm guest room in the basement, and an expansion reserve of about 25sqm in the attic in case the two children's rooms are not enough.

Regards,

Dirk

Hello,
it was written that the property must adapt to life. I don’t quite agree with that. Leaving accessibility aside for a moment, the "free spaces" created by the children moving out can be used differently at any time. Now, finally, there would be the long-awaited dressing room for the lady of the house and the nice guest room for visits from the children/guests.
170 sqm without a basement for 4 people is completely fine. We live in just over 130 sqm with 2 children – but with a basement (house connection room, hobby and storage cellar, party room). Less would be possible – and with, for example, a third child, the study would be gone and would have to move into the party cellar. So the study
A short note on the monthly living costs. We also do not spend much less than €1500 per month on food, living expenses, clothing, almost every week xx € for school, school trips, ski camp, pets, etc.
Fixed costs such as insurance, energy, additional costs, fees, telecommunications, car, etc. of course go separately.
Are there so few here in the forum without children? For four people, not much less than €1300/month is possible. Now and then going to the cinema with the kids and a trip have to be included – and going out to eat nicely with the wife as well. Not weekly, but now and then.
Best regards