My goodness... you really are dramatizing. With 5.1 net, you can build whatever you want. Just see if you can put aside a little more for a few months - like 1000€+ - and see how that feels.
Clearly, the net amount is very good. Nevertheless, it should be allowed to question why nothing was ever saved and whether they are willing to "cut back" in the future.
With similar equity ratios, we were able to set aside €2,000 - €2,500 each month and certainly did not live badly. Spending €5,000 or more a month is something you have to be able to do first.
I clearly agree with the majority here. Income is good, but saving behavior so far is practically non-existent. There is basically only one good piece of advice: pay off the cars first and then save aggressively for a few years. 2000 EUR per month should be doable. This accomplishes two things: a) significant equity and b) learning/optimizing money management. I would definitely not build/buy this year or next. 2018 is also very likely still too early. It also makes sense to wait for the parental leave.
I would advise you against it at any time. If the wife also goes on parental leave and the income stops, things look grim. Anyone who doesn’t save anything with 5,100 net and finances 2 cars with the meager rent burden should seriously consider purchasing an existing property. We save about 1,000 with a similar income. However, we have 2 children, finance, and live very, very well.
The whole topic can be seen this way and that...
With your income, you have saved far too little, I think there is no two opinions about that.
On the other hand, you can easily handle it with your income (also during parental leave).
You just need to be aware that the really big vacations won’t be possible anymore.
If you really want the property, then go for it.
I would try to pay off all loans (consumer) first & then it should also be possible without any stomach aches.
Through the installment, you’ll automatically be disciplined to save, without the financial ground slipping away from under your feet.
The whole topic can be seen in different ways... With your income, you have saved far too little, I think there is no two opinions about that. On the other hand, you can easily manage with your income (also during parental leave). You just have to be aware that the really big vacations won’t be possible anymore.
If you really want the property, then go for it. I would try to pay off all loans (consumer loans) first & then it should also work without any stomach aches.
The installment will automatically discipline you to save without financially shaking the ground under your feet.
Best regards
Sorry, I’m struggling, but learning to save at 35 and 34 because of a property... There aren’t even any reserves to cover unforeseen expenses. New tires, accidents, but also something is wrong with the house (existing property = old = quirks)