ᐅ Is the real estate market increasingly forcing families to build their own homes?

Actually, we would prefer to avoid building. Unfortunately, existing properties within a 20 km (12 miles) radius have become quite expensive, and affordable rental houses with small gardens are simply scarce.

Until now, we have been living in an old rental apartment without a garden. We would like to change that, but there is a lack of options. The listings on various platforms are overcrowded with families looking for affordable housing.

Who is familiar with this situation, and how do you deal with it?

Join in or don’t... I’ve noticed that my colleagues from Frankfurt are increasingly moving farther out and accepting the commute. Land is cheaper there, not the house shell. Six years ago, I was laughed at for moving out as well, but I still kept ties to my hometown. Now everyone is doing it. Well, prices were different six years ago, and I will refinance this summer thanks to a fortunate circumstance. Now I’m the one laughing. So, if the pressure to find housing is that high, you can’t force cheap rents or purchase prices.

I am quite annoyed that people assume they are entitled to receive a quote for anything at all.

Either wait and hope it gets cheaper someday, bite the bullet, or move to the suburbs. Commuting doesn’t have to be a big issue. Some of my husband’s coworkers commute 50 km (30 miles) to work. My neighbor works in Frankfurt—that’s at least 60 km (37 miles) plus extra.

For us, my husband’s commute is 25 km (15.5 miles), and I work from home, so my commute is 2 meters (6.5 feet). I find 25 km (15.5 miles) perfectly fine, especially since we avoid peak traffic. It actually takes less time to cover these 25 km than to get from point A to B within a city. Sometimes, just 3 to 5 km can take 45 minutes—public transport included!

You do have more kilometers, but that’s what commuter tax allowances or deductions are for. And with a 50 km (30 miles) daily commute, travel expenses aren’t prohibitive. In our case, “fuel” costs (meaning electricity plus battery rental) are about the same as a public transport ticket inside the city.

Besides, I would never voluntarily move into the city anymore (I just dislike the living environment there). Living further out also means much more affordable housing.

Fortunately, we started looking for a house early enough. The key for me was not to hesitate or overthink. As soon as the bank went from shaking their head to a slight nod, we went ahead and bought. This way, we avoided the price explosion (while still benefiting from today’s very low interest rates).

The best strategy today is to find a bargain (they still exist!), perhaps a few meters outside the city, and avoid the rental madness. That housing crisis will likely continue because reversing current price trends would require several unlikely developments.

Thierse schrieb:
Who is familiar with this situation and how do you deal with it?

We know this from the Cologne/Düsseldorf area. Essentially, you don’t really want to build. The alternative to listings is active and committed participation in community life in the region. Of course, you need to be inclined to do that. Those who get involved and contribute can also benefit with a higher likelihood. It is a matter of give and take.
It is quite possible that our terraced house in the Düsseldorf commuter belt will be sold this summer without ever being listed in an advertisement or with an agent. If you want to be part of opportunities like this, you need to have connections.

I agree with hampshire. There are also various plots of land and houses for sale here that do not appear online, in newspapers, or elsewhere. Usually, there is just a sign with a phone number or email address, or they are sold directly among friends, acquaintances, or acquaintances of friends.