ᐅ Decision-Making Support for My New Home Construction Project

Hello everyone,
I’ve actually found a great forum and really hope to get some unbiased, yet highly experienced advice here.

Please don’t be too harsh on me.
I’m currently facing the decision of fulfilling my dream of owning a home in the Rhine-Main area.
There are several options to choose from, which are:

• A mid-terrace house with about 135sqm (1450 sq ft) of living space, no basement, from a developer, with a pitched roof (approx. 170sqm (1829 sq ft) plot, costing around 350,000 euros plus all additional costs)
• Mid-terrace house with pitched roof to build myself (or have built) (similar plot size, land costs about 120,000 euros only)
• Detached single-family house (approx. 230sqm (2476 sq ft) plot, land costs about 110,000 euros only plus all costs)
• Semi-detached house (approx. 500sqm (5382 sq ft) plot which costs around 230,000 euros plus all other costs, land only; one half to be sold or possibly rented after completion)

It should be noted that option 1) includes underfloor heating, electric roller shutters, external power outlets, and some other features such as tiles in the kitchen, hallway, and bathrooms, as well as a small terrace.

Painting work and other flooring options are the responsibility of the buyer, although these could be ordered for an additional charge.

I’ll spare you the building service description for now, as I first want to gather some opinions.

Regarding the layout of the rooms, I’m quite relaxed. The only preference I have is about the roof style: I personally like a single-sloped or flat roof.
However, this is not a “must-have” and of course depends on the local building regulations / planning permission, which I would still need to clarify for options 3) and 4).

My only downside with option 1) is the extras regarding multimedia cabling and networking as I want it, preferring concealed installation inside the walls.
Unfortunately, I can only start work on that after the property has been accepted. Only then am I allowed to chase channels, install cables, and plaster again.

Otherwise, most of my needs and wishes could be met, unless I come up with more.

How would you decide?
The mid-terrace house (option 1) would be built to an energy standard similar to KfW 75 without a basement and should be completed by the end of this year or early next year.
If I build myself (or have it built), I would probably move in a bit later since the plots are still in the development phase.
Since I’m not under much time pressure, this shouldn’t be a problem. My goal is still to have everything done by next year.

For options 3) and 4) I have been pre-registered and according to the land developer last week, I’m quite high on the list to be able to choose one of the plots.
That should happen in about six to eight weeks.

I admit I haven’t looked into building through a general contractor or construction management company yet, as I’m not sure which option I should prefer.

Of course, it would be nice to save a few euros, which I could then invest in additional projects or upgrades.

If building yourself (or having it built), would you prefer masonry “brick by brick” or prefabricated timber frame construction?
I know I will have many more questions later.
But first things first, and the most important question right now: which option?

Thanks in advance and best regards,
Rolf

I find 230 sqm (2,475 sq ft) very tight for a detached house, or is that even possible with a garden?

Final schrieb:
I think 230 sqm (2,474 sq ft) is quite tight for a detached house, or is that even possible with a garden?

Now that you mention it, you’re probably right 😕
I still need to clarify some details since the plots are not fully developed or divided yet.
However, a garden wouldn’t necessarily be a main priority, as less garden means less garden maintenance 🙂

What’s important is good sun exposure and a usable terrace.

I will find out more about that soon.

Thanks for the valuable tip.

We are currently having a mid-terrace house built through a developer in Gelsenkirchen (you can find the description here in the forum by searching for "Vista Reihenhaus"). Our concept is similar to your option 1), so I can share some insights; maybe just read my post there.

Personally, I like option 1) well, but that is always a matter of personal taste. I'm simply not the type of person who feels the need to walk all around the house. Besides, here in the Ruhr area, it is significantly more affordable than detached houses, which we simply could not have (or wanted to) afford.

What does your financial situation look like? Maybe a detached single-family house is already off the table?

P.S. Option 4 includes a tax-related aspect that must also be taken into account!