Why don't construction prices go down?

That's right. I especially see it in the new development area among friends. In my generation (late 80s/early 90s), people model themselves on some kind of million-dollar Instagram builds. Apart from the fact that anything under 150 sqm is considered small, there are also high demands otherwise. Laminate, regular blinds, just paint instead of paint fleece, rod lattice fence. All cheap stuff! In contrast, a fireplace, carport, and huge lift-and-slide doors are already considered standard equipment.

Funny. We are both born in 1986. Bought an existing property, renovated (paint, moved/added a few sockets, new bathroom, new roof windows). About 110 sqm/2 people. No underfloor heating, no controlled residential ventilation. 86 sqm garden without continuous privacy screen to the neighbors in the terraced house. Double income, no children. But higher, faster, further you not only have to pay for, but also maintain. Eating out, vacation, household help, additional savings: all still possible. Many around us do it like this. And those who do it the way you described are currently really struggling. A couple is going under right now. Predictably. And the kids. But that is because people want a lot but inform themselves little at the same time—as if not knowing exactly was better, just to not disturb the dreams.

Don't stop, but it doesn't have to cost much. Carport? Luxury! Cars are rainproof, hard to believe. Natural stone terrace? Luxury! At the beginning, it’s enough to level the ground and sow grass. Perennials can be divided and obtained from neighbors or friends. A finished garden with fence, carport, greenery, expensive paths is not necessary when every euro counts. A garden grows over years. Used building materials are often given away for free on classifieds. But no, everything has to be finished immediately. These people also pay 4000€/sqm.

It doesn’t have to be that way, it wasn’t like that for me either. My driveway was paved after 6 years.
But it doesn’t change anything, it has to be done regardless of when, it costs money. You can sugarcoat that as you like.

And the discussion about garage and carport is pointless. For me, it’s not a luxury, I just want to have it, for my bike, my car, tools, etc.
If you don’t need it, that’s fine too. I don’t see it as a luxury.

And the discussion about garage and carport is pointless. ...I don't see it as a luxury.

It is luxury when it barely suffices for the house. And that's what it's about when those who are not wealthy fulfill their dream of owning a house.

Then I’ll build them later, but it won’t change the mindset. Still, I want to have it. Often it’s good to become clear about what and how you want something anyway. btw: a carport is also going to join my garage, why...because it simply looks great on the house...and brings a few more advantages, but not today or tomorrow, because it’s made of steel and super expensive due to the size. I did a lot with my dad; not everything was finished either, and for a few years now I’ve been doing the whole thing alone. Believe me, I know what it means to work hard and push yourself...not everything worked from the start, but just because it will be finished later, I’m glad I did it that way.

For me, that's not luxury, I just want to have it

1. Luxury: "costly, wasteful, greatly exceeding the usual standard of living, expenditure serving only enjoyment and pleasure" ==> For someone who can hardly afford a house, the garage is therefore luxury. Your "I want" also fits the definition of expenditure serving pleasure 2. Luxury: Latin "superfluous expenditure" It starts with the size of the house, goes through equipment details, and ends with garages.

Luckily, everyone can handle that however they like, I see it pretty relaxed. If you like to put your valuables in front of the house, go ahead.

If I had thought like many of you here, I would never have built a house.