ᐅ Construction Projects with "Unusual" Conditions

Created on: 6 Jan 2015 09:07
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ductom81
Hello everyone,

I need some help and advice and hope to get a few suggestions on how to proceed.

In 2010, we bought an end-terrace house in northern Berlin in a very desirable location (120 sqm (1,292 sq ft) living space, 250 sqm (2,691 sq ft) garden, 3 floors, parking space, excellent infrastructure) at a very favorable price (bankruptcy sale).

This house is now to be sold for a new construction project, as private circumstances have changed and the house no longer meets many of our new requirements.

What is the best way to proceed here?

How can one coordinate the sale of the current house with the new project?

What options are there to handle this financially in the smartest way possible?

What risks should be considered?

What does a term like “property swap” mean in this context?

There is still an outstanding loan on our current house of about €98,000.

According to our research, the market value is around €200,000. Is it correct to assume that €200,000 sale proceeds minus €98,000 remaining loan and prepayment penalty equals my net profit?

The property has been continuously owner-occupied by us (so no capital gains tax to consider?).

Regarding the new construction project

We have clear ideas about the new house and have set a maximum budget of €350,000 for all related costs.

We have a net monthly income of €4,700, which I believe is above average. Are these assumptions realistic?

It would be great to receive some guidance or suggestions here.
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nordanney
20 Jan 2015 08:45
If the expenses are reasonable, then why not.
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Wastl
20 Jan 2015 09:31
You don’t have to finance 350-400, only 250-300, if you sell the other house.
With 4,600, this should be feasible!
It will be more difficult if you want to finance the entire amount, especially since the other house is not yet paid off.
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nordanney
20 Jan 2015 09:48
Wastl schrieb:

If you want to finance the entire sum, it will be more difficult, especially since the other house hasn’t been paid off yet.
However, rental income would be added to that (at least €850 net rent, and significantly more if the location is that good).
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Wastl
20 Jan 2015 09:50
nordanney schrieb:
But then you would also have rental income (at least 850€ cold rent, if the location is that good, significantly more).

And then again, there are reserves for the house + potential risks from problem tenants, etc. It can work, but it doesn’t have to 🙂
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ductom81
20 Jan 2015 14:59
Today we received the advice (from someone in the Homeowners' Protection Association...) that it is a good idea to first buy a plot of land and finance it separately, and only then start building—preferably not necessarily with a construction company but with an independent architect.

What do you think about this?
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nordanney
20 Jan 2015 15:26
This is also a standard procedure, but a construction company can still act as the general contractor. Otherwise, you (or the architect) would have to award the trades individually. That’s how we did it as well.