ᐅ Newcomer Seeks Advice – When Should Planning Start?

criberg schrieb:

I’m also wondering what a house of around 140-150 sqm (1500-1600 sq ft) on a plot of maybe 400 sqm (4300 sq ft), all-in, would cost here.

It depends on your preferred location in Mülheim. In the better areas, the land costs around 200,000 euros (approximately $220,000). On top of that, you have purchase-related fees. For the house itself, expect at least 2,000 euros per sqm (190 dollars per sq ft) of living space. To be safe, and assuming better finishes, calculate about 2,250 euros per sqm (210 dollars per sq ft), which is roughly 330,000 euros ($360,000) for the house. Add about 20,000 euros ($22,000) for the garage, 50,000 euros ($55,000) for construction-related incidental costs, and 20,000 euros ($22,000) for the initial landscaping (driveway, front yard, terrace, lawn).

If you also want a new kitchen and some new furniture (140-150 sqm (1500-1600 sq ft) need to be furnished somehow, as the “old” furniture from a 70 sqm (750 sq ft) apartment often isn’t enough), that will add to the costs.

So, the starting point is around 600,000 euros ($660,000) plus garage and furniture. A simpler location with a simpler house of course can be quite a bit less...

The best advice is always to plan a sensible floor plan. 140-150 sqm (1500-1600 sq ft) is a lot of space if you’re honest with yourself. A typical three-room apartment is more like 70-80 sqm (750-860 sq ft) and can be perfectly comfortable. Maybe a clever 110 sqm (1200 sq ft) house could work just as well?

nordanney schrieb:

It depends on your preferred location in Mülheim. In the better areas, the plot costs around €200,000 (approx. $220,000). On top of that come the purchase-related additional costs. For the house, you should estimate at least €2,000 (approx. $2,200) per square meter of living space. To be safe, with better finishes, just calculate €2,250 (approx. $2,470) per square meter = €330,000 (approx. $362,000) for the house. Add around €20,000 (approx. $22,000) for the garage, €50,000 (approx. $55,000) for additional construction costs, and €20,000 (approx. $22,000) for initial landscaping (driveway, front garden, terrace, lawn). If, like almost always, you want a new kitchen and some new furniture (140–150 sqm (1500–1600 sq ft) need to be furnished somehow, and the “old” furniture from a 70 sqm (750 sq ft) apartment often isn’t enough), that will add extra costs.

So you’re starting at about €600,000 (approx. $660,000) (+ garage/furniture). A simpler location with a simpler house would of course be significantly less…

The best advice is always to plan a sensible layout. 140–150 sqm (1500–1600 sq ft) of living space is quite a lot, if you’re honest with yourself. A typical 3-room apartment is usually around 70–80 sqm (750–860 sq ft) and you can live comfortably in that size. Maybe something clever could even be done in a 110 sqm (1200 sq ft) house?

We’ve already agreed that the location doesn’t need to be top-tier. We’d be completely happy with a spot a bit outside the center where it’s a bit quieter — as long as it doesn’t take forever to get to the city or the highway.

The planned size might be a bit on the high side, but next year we want to get a dog, and children are also planned in the future. A study or hobby room is included for our respective workspaces. The plot itself doesn’t have to be huge either; a terrace with a small garden would be enough. A front garden isn’t really necessary either — we’d rather have a larger garden behind the house and save space in front.

Honestly, we haven’t really thought about parking yet. Depending on the location and available parking options on site, a garage might not be absolutely necessary.

Our main priorities are that the space is adequate, the home feels comfortable, it has a good and stylish kitchen, and that the house stays as cool as possible during the summer months.

A garage is not a must, but you will need parking spaces on your plot.

You will have a front yard one way or another, either paved, planted, or covered with gravel, since you are not allowed to build directly on public land.

Ysop*** schrieb:

A garage is not mandatory, but you will need parking spaces on your property.

You will have a front yard either way, either paved, planted, or covered with gravel, since you cannot build directly on public land.

Ah, okay, that’s something I didn’t know either 🙂
But I agree with you, 1-2 parking spaces would be more practical. Ideally, a charging station (wallbox) will be installed there in the future 🙂

You probably want to protect the wallbox from neighbors who might want to charge their vehicles for free. So, either install it in a lockable garage or make it switchable from inside. If you don’t have an electric car yet, it’s important to plan for a suitable empty conduit so you can pull the cables through later if needed.

WilderSueden schrieb:

You probably want to protect the wallbox from neighbors who might want to charge cheaply. So either place it in a lockable garage or make it switchable from the inside. If you don't have an electric car yet, it's important to plan a suitable conduit so you can pull the cables through later if needed.

Yes, I have already considered that some sort of "barrier" will be necessary.

What do you think about asking a local real estate agent friend about this topic as well? Right now, I’m primarily looking for plots of land that would be suitable in the various districts here. But when you take a quick look at the market situation, honestly, it makes me want to cry in the shower. 😱