What are the criteria for buying a house?

Hello dear forum members,

I would be interested in your opinions on the following situation: currently, I live with my 2 teenage kids in a rented apartment with 1 children's room. Before that, we lived in a house with a garden/pool etc. Now there is the possibility to purchase a semi-detached house (plot 250 m², living space 130 m² on 3 levels plus 50 m² basement) where construction has already begun. Since the children definitely want to stay in the town where we currently live, I am considering buying this house. If I did not take the children into account, I might also consider other towns where, for example, the garden area is larger and the living space is not spread over 3 levels.

It is important to me that the children feel comfortable, and I would therefore accept these compromises and keep in mind that I can always move again when the kids have moved out and then implement my own wishes. And who knows when such an opportunity will arise again.

How do you see it? Of course, you put a lot of work and time into this project, and you don’t buy a house every day, but as I said, if I decided for myself alone, I would also consider other options.

Thank you for your opinions!

"Teenagers," meaning from 13 years old? I would probably not base my planning on the children, as they will likely start studying "sonstwo" in 4-5 years and then go wherever they find interesting jobs.

Then buy the house now, but not like a house "forever," rather with the calculation of selling it again when the kids have "outgrown" it and you can plan anew according to your taste. Consider the ownership of the house in this sense only as an alternative to renting and let any detailed suggestions about influencing the construction bounce off you. Your description sounds like ten years or less in this house. Then it doesn't matter whether the pantry door slides in front of or behind the wall.

It is important to me that the children feel comfortable

This does not depend on a special design of the property. A garden is enough, the kids could have a whole floor just for themselves ==> cool

therefore accept these compromises

Compromises? The kids won’t see it that way. It’s very subjective.

keep in mind that I can still move when the kids have moved out and then implement my wishes.

That’s right!

What do you think? Of course, you put a lot of work and time into this project and you don’t buy a house every day,

But every few years is not a problem. Always the right property for the life situation. If the house fits now, buy it. If it doesn’t fit later, sell it. When buying, make sure you get mainstream so you can sell it later without stress.

If this house really is a "opportunity," meaning that quality and affordability could also be right for you, I could definitely imagine something like that. I would know for sure that if I thought it was right, I would change the situation again, as has happened several times. If you can really commit to it, it is certainly a good idea to think about it seriously, because you know that you can change it again. I would never make it dependent on the children's opinion. They are children; they cannot adequately assess the background of a house purchase. It is your job to make this decision, but also in your interest, because if you feel bad, no one benefits from it. You could probably save yourself a lot of stress because the house is what it is and is even standing right outside your current door. I think you already know what you want to do. Maybe you could post some details and wait to see what other assessments come in. As you read, people make all kinds of (un)sensible considerations when building a new house, including children’s bathrooms and whatnot. I think that children like to live very simply or also in a quirky way and without frills, with or without [Rtagen] or parking spaces; the high-end equipment is usually needed by us adults, and kids often serve as a justification for that...mea culpa...

It went exactly like you: two children, though somewhat younger, lived in a single-family house, of course with a garden. Then an apartment with one child's room, in a panel building... for me, that just "didn't work" anymore, I never felt comfortable. So I also started looking for a house. I found one, bought it, finished building it, we moved in - and felt at home after a week. The children love their own rooms and the garden. And I love the privacy and that people greet each other again on the street. Almost everything is nicer than before, bathroom, kitchen, more space... I don't see any "compromises" in that sense, the plot is only 300m², two floors (so not quite so "stacked"). If it is financially possible – then do it!