What can/should we afford?

This is not an income/expense calculation at all, but a standardized calculation used by various banks to determine the maximum monthly repayment. The cost of living is generalized in the same way as the additional costs, but the flat rates are set differently. However, 1,000 EUR for 2 people is more common. Whether this will fit later, I can only judge for my own household. But I also don't think anyone would seriously consider this as financial advice. To put it bluntly, both will get more from every bank than they want, so the only criterion afterward will be: What do we want to afford (monthly)?

If we maybe want to contribute something to the actual topic again, I would take a closer look at the 250k for the house. Although there is no house size mentioned in the text, a teacher usually needs a home office, and 2 teachers possibly need 2 home offices (this would not be unusual). Whether the relation of house size, no own contribution, and budget still fits should be checked.

Many thanks first of all for the answers!

I think the 250k for the house is realistic. We want to build something around 150m². At least KfW70. We have an offer from the "big V" from Bad Fallingbostel and one from a local developer (from Osterholz-Scharmbeck). The offers are already calculated, with "V" for a move-in ready house (everything except a kitchen is included and finished) just under 248k, with the local one it's a bit cheaper (226k), but compared to that it still lacks the photovoltaic system, the shutters are not electric, and the wall and floor coverings, so roughly the same price. The guess regarding the home offices is correct, we would like two, so that with the planned 2 children we actually need a 6-room house. The price for a possible plot of land is to be seen as 100k complete (for example, on the internet 80k, with additional costs then about 100k), but it can also be cheaper.

At the moment we are looking at an existing property, which should cost 239k. But then there are also broker, notary... so without negotiating, 270k. The house has a 100 energy value and is already 15 years old. Is a difference of 100k enough there? Really difficult topic...

Since the comfort zone has already been discussed and I think @Voki explained it very well, I would personally now reconsider the house size. 150 sqm with 2 offices, 2 children's rooms, and certainly a second bathroom results in small rooms. Since there was no mention of a basement, I assume it is not planned. The targeted construction costs also do not suggest this.

The technology as well as the washing machine and dryer also take up space.

This could lead to the height of the costs assumed so far increasing.

Hello Janny,

we are in a very similar personal situation as you, except the decision to build has already been made. Old building/new building is also a matter of taste, each has its advantages and disadvantages. Of course, building new is a bit more expensive, but it's new and exactly how you want it. If you have, of course, found your dream property in a dream location, I would also buy an older house and renovate it at any time. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for us.

Regarding house size: With 150m2 including 2 offices plus 2 children's rooms, it gets tight, very tight. We are building 155m2 and have 1 bedroom, 1 office, and two children's rooms (18, 15, 13, 12 sqm). Without a basement, you quickly have a problem with the room distribution.

As for your finances – we also have about 5300 net, both about 2600/2700 each, although at least I have a fixed-term contract until the end of my training. I think you are very well positioned and have great security. Our house costs 235,000 + land 50,000 + ancillary costs 115,000 (simplified calculation...) and we are borrowing just under 300,000 of that. The largest chunk of money is through a home loan contract where the interest rate is fixed for up to 20 years. The fixed rate can also be managed comfortably with one salary if needed. Especially if both of you work 100% for the first few years before having children, you can pay off a lot with special repayments. I wish you much success with your further decision-making!

In the city, old properties are currently being traded at astronomical prices, so I wouldn't consider buying anything used there.

Buildable plots in *comparable* locations are also sold at high prices, if they are available at all. :-(

Is a difference of 100k enough?

You can just for fun convert it to energy costs. You can heat for a long time with that. But maybe there are other differences, necessary/expected renovations ...