ᐅ Semi-detached house / more affordable than a detached single-family home / how does this work?

Good evening,

Recently, we discussed whether it is possible to build a single-family house for €210,000. The conclusion was that it is not feasible. Now the question is, can you build a semi-detached house for this amount? Is it really cheaper? The building plot here costs only half as much (half the size), OK, but what about the house itself? How does it work if I buy such a plot? According to the development plan, only semi-detached houses are permitted on certain plots. Do I need to find a building partner, or can I simply build my half and ignore the rest? Unfortunately, the town hall did not provide any further information. Has anyone here ever built a semi-detached house?

Good evening,

Mutz schrieb:

So now to the question, can you build a semi-detached house for this amount? Is it really cheaper?

As an example, I will use your data from the following thread:

https://www.hausbau-forum.de/threads/reicht-mein-budget-210-teur-fuer-efh.9005/

No – you do not save significantly, so it does not become substantially cheaper, because you only save the costs of the party wall (the wall adjoining the semi-detached partner) compared to an exterior wall of a detached single-family house.

Mutz schrieb:

The plot of land here costs only half (half the area), OK, but the house? How does it work if I buy such a plot? According to the zoning plan, only semi-detached houses are permitted on certain plots.

So you can afford a semi-detached house because the land portion is smaller and therefore less expensive to purchase?

Mutz schrieb:

Do I now have to find a building partner, or do I simply build my half and not worry about the rest? Unfortunately, no further information was available from the local authority.

Well, I would assume that the zoning plan or the textual specifications provide some requirements. Otherwise, you can find a partner of your choice and plan the building project together. If one half of the semi-detached house already exists or its building permit/planning permission has been submitted, your preferred builder will need to coordinate with the neighbor or their contractor/architect. If you are the first, you generally have the upper hand.

Best regards, Bauexperte

If you find a reliable neighbor who is building at the same time, you can save a little… sharing a portable toilet, construction electricity, etc., but these are mostly small amounts.

You can also purchase and build on the plot without a neighboring house or building partner. However, when developing such a plot, you must follow the specifications of the zoning plan. Ideally, the future neighbor is already confirmed so that roof pitch, eave height, and ridge height can be coordinated together from the start.

Regarding your first question: Whether you can build a semi-detached house for an amount of €210,000 depends on the size of the house, the level of finish, and the condition of the plot. It might be possible with a living area of less than 110 sqm (1,184 sq ft), as a shell house, and without a basement.

As mentioned before, usually only the plot is truly cheaper for a semi-detached house, since it can be smaller. Otherwise, in the case of adjoining construction at the boundary, costs for exterior plaster, roof overhang, and windows are avoided. However, these savings are often offset by additional measures related to fire protection, sound insulation, roof windows, or dormers.