ᐅ Planning a new build in the Marburg area: Best approach and steps to take

Good morning everyone,

I could use some ideas from you.

I would like to build a house. Preferably in Marburg (although that might not be realistic). At least somewhere relatively close, like the surrounding area of Ebsdorfergrund, for example.
My girlfriend is a bit hesitant and doesn't want to think about it right now. However, we currently still live in my parents' house (400€ including utilities), so very affordable.

But that situation is not meant to last. We both work in Marburg, and personally, renting is not really an option for me since we are planning to start a family.

Regarding our financial situation... My girlfriend earns 2,000€ net per month working 80% plus a 2,000€ bonus.
For me, the financial situation is a bit more complicated because I have difficulty planning. I earn 2,500€ net per month plus a 3,000€ bonus.
Additionally, I have a secondary income that this year exceeds my main job’s income. However, that may not necessarily be the case in the future.

So, our stable income is 4,500€ net plus 5,000€ bonus. On top of that, there is 20,000€ to 50,000€ net from secondary income.
We have 100,000€ in equity, but that is more important as cash flow for the side business.

I have not been to the bank yet; I first wanted to gather some input so I could approach this more concretely.

What I have in mind: A house suitable for a family of four. It will also need some space for the business. Some costs might be deductible there. Exactly what is possible, I need to discuss with my tax advisor.

This means planning for a basement with 30-40sqm (approximately 320-430 sq ft) as storage space.
Additionally, everything should be equipped with KNX automation: lighting, blinds, heating, (possibly ventilation), and so on.

Based on the financial situation, what could be realistically feasible? How much living space does a family of four typically need? It should not be bigger than necessary.
Ultimately, my girlfriend has the final say. She wants to move sooner than I do but is not ready to deal with the topic at the moment. That will come sooner or later.

What costs should I expect if I want to build not as cheaply as possible but with good quality? What would be a suitable plot size?

Thanks a lot for your input.

rulor1992 schrieb:

If we base it on the financial situation, what could realistically be achieved?

Currently: a loan of half a million. With children? It depends on your planning.

rulor1992 schrieb:

How many square meters does a family of four need?

120 sqm (1,290 sq ft) of living space plus X. You need to define X—whether and what additional space you want.
This could include a basement or an extension for your side business.

rulor1992 schrieb:

In the end, the girlfriend has the final say.

Then gently prepare her for your plans 😉 .

rulor1992 schrieb:

What costs can I expect if I want to build with quality rather than as cheaply as possible?

Then expect around €2,500 (about $2,700) per sqm (about 11,600 per sq ft) plus costs for basement/garage/ancillary expenses/landscaping/furnishing.

rulor1992 schrieb:

What would be an appropriate plot size?

For 120 sqm (1,290 sq ft) of living space plus a basement, in my opinion, you should start with at least 350 sqm (3,770 sq ft) of land.

About the budget:
A rough guideline is to multiply your net income by 100, which would be 450,000 €.

About the size:
Check how many square meters your friends or relatives have, and visit show homes to assess your own needs.
120 m² (1300 sq ft) might work for four people, from 140 m² (1500 sq ft) is more practical, and 160 m² (1700 sq ft) is comfortable (very approximate, everyone has different preferences).

Basement:
Depending on your land prices, including a basement might exceed the 450,000 € budget; 60,000 to 100,000 € is often used as a rough estimate.

KNX:
Can you program some of it yourself? Many people install and program parts of it themselves as a self-build option.

Space for commercial use:
You’re keeping your profession a secret, so we can’t give any recommendations there.

Good morning to Marburg from the neighboring district,

the numbers you mentioned sound quite promising, but what use is all the planning if your partner isn’t mentally ready yet? City or countryside, how many square meters (square feet), etc. — these are all fundamental questions you need to agree on before starting detailed planning. However, this can’t be done under pressure; it only works when both partners are mentally prepared. It was the same for us—I would have preferred to build as early as 2013, while she wanted to wait a bit longer. It’s not ideal, but it can’t be helped.

If your wife or girlfriend, as you write, is worried, then it’s already completely settled. You can’t handle it alone, so she has to be on board. If not, goodbye.

nordanney schrieb:

Now: a half-million loan. With children? It depends on your planning.

I can’t imagine that half a million today is enough to build a house. At least not if you value quality. The land also needs to be considered.

Osnabruecker schrieb:

Can you program any of it yourself? Many people do parts as DIY work.
Space for business:
You keep your profession a secret, so we can’t really give you any recommendations.

I am an online retailer, which means I need space to store goods.
I am also an electronics technician and plan to take KNX courses next year, so I should be able to do a lot myself.

It might also be possible that with 20% commercial use, 20% of the construction costs could be covered through the business, which would be a nice advantage.

Jean-Marc schrieb:

But what good is all the planning if your girlfriend isn’t mentally ready yet?

This topic will come up in the next few years. I’m not forcing anything, but I know that she is focused more on renting because she fears depending on me and thinks we couldn’t afford a house anyway.
I believe, though, that it can be arranged so that in the case of a separation, she would benefit more than if we had been renting.