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Buying a Secluded Property: Your Dream of Undisturbed Living – Here’s How It Works!

10

Minutes

Federico De Ponte

Real Estate Expert at Auctoa

22/02/2025

10

Minutes

Federico De Ponte

Real Estate Expert at Auctoa

The desire for a life away from the hustle and bustle is significant. But what should be considered when purchasing a property in an isolated location? From financing to building permits – we showcase how you can realise your dream of undisturbed living. Do you need support with financing? Contact us for a non-binding consultation.

The topic succinctly and comprehensively

Purchasing a secluded plot offers peace and privacy, but necessitates careful planning and consideration of regional price differences. In Eastern Germany, plots of land are often considerably cheaper.

A realistic budget plan is crucial, as in addition to the purchase price, additional costs, development costs, and preparation costs may arise. Unexpected development costs can amount to up to 60,000 EUR.

Before purchasing, review the development plan and the land register extract to minimize legal risks. A soil survey can help detect construction site risks, such as legacy contaminants, at an early stage.

Do you dream of a life in complete tranquility? Learn how to find, finance, and legally secure your dream property in seclusion. Discover the most important tips and tricks now!

Unrestricted Living: How to Realise Your Dream of Solitude

Unrestricted Living: How to Realise Your Dream of Solitude

The Allure of Secluded Properties: More Than Just Land

Imagine living amidst nature, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. A secluded property is more than just land; it is a promise of peace, privacy, and freedom. But what does "secluded" truly mean? It refers to properties that are isolated, often without immediate neighbours and with significant distance from the nearest town. This location offers a unique quality of life that is becoming increasingly desirable in our ever-hectic world.

What Does "Secluded" Truly Mean?

  • Definition and differentiation from other types of settings

  • Psychological value: peace, privacy, connection with nature

Why Secluded Properties Are in Demand Today

The trend towards buying secluded properties reflects a growing desire for individuality and retreats. Changing work models, particularly home working, further enhance this trend. Many individuals are seeking a place where they can work undisturbed while enjoying nature simultaneously. However, the rising demand also presents challenges, especially concerning financing and finding suitable plots.

Trends in the Real Estate Market

  • Rising need for individuality and retreats

  • Changing work models (home working) and their impacts

Overview of the Challenges and Opportunities in Purchasing a Secluded Property

Purchasing a secluded property is a complex endeavor requiring careful planning and research. It is important to consider regional price differences, secure financing, and address legal aspects. Yet, the opportunities a secluded property offers are immense: a life in harmony with nature, undisturbed privacy, and the chance to fulfill personal housing dreams. Let us explore the key aspects together so you can also realize your dream of uninterrupted living.

A Brief Overview of the Key Aspects

Affordable Living: Discover Cost-Effective Secluded Properties in Rural Areas

The German Real Estate Market Overview: A Patchwork of Prices

The German real estate market is characterised by significant regional differences. Prices vary widely, depending on the location, infrastructure, and economic situation of the respective region. For instance, you pay over €2,000/sqm in Munich, while in East Germany (e.g., Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt), you can expect prices below €100/sqm. These extreme differences make localised due diligence essential.

Regional Disparities: From Munich to Saxony-Anhalt

  • Price ranges from over €2,000/sqm in Munich to under €100/sqm in East Germany

  • Causes of extreme differences: supply, demand, economic strength

Where Are Solitary Locations Still Affordable?

If you wish to buy a solitary location without exceeding your budget, you should consider rural areas. Regions with lower population densities and weaker economic strength often still offer affordable properties. East Germany can be an attractive alternative to the overheated markets in southern Germany. However, it is important to consider the region's long-term development, especially concerning infrastructure and employment.

Analysis of Potential Regions

  • Rural areas with lower population density

  • East Germany as an alternative to overheated markets

The Importance of Microlocation: More Than Just a Postcode

The microlocation plays a crucial role in the evaluation of a solitary location. It's not just about the postcode, but the specific characteristics of the property and its immediate surroundings. Factors such as access to infrastructure (transport, supply), proximity to nature, and soil quality significantly influence the value. The buildability of the property is also an important aspect that should be checked before purchase.

Factors Influencing the Value of a Solitary Location

  • Infrastructure (access, supply)

  • Environment (nature, neighbourhood)

  • Soil quality and buildability

Avoiding Cost Traps: How to Plan Your Budget for the Solitude Location

Realistic Budget Planning: What Is the True Cost of an Exclusive Location?

Realistic budget planning is essential when purchasing an exclusive location. Many buyers underestimate the total cost, which extends beyond the mere purchase price. In addition to ancillary costs such as land transfer tax, notary, and land registry fees, there are also development costs for water, sewage, electricity, gas, and internet (fibre optic!). The preparation costs for soil investigations and site adaptation should not be overlooked either.

Purchase Price vs. Total Costs: The Invisible Cost Factors

  • Ancillary Costs: Land Transfer Tax, Notary, Agent (if applicable), Land Registry Entry

  • Development Costs: Water, Sewage, Electricity, Gas, Internet (Fibre Optic!)

  • Preparation Costs: Soil Investigations, Site Adaptation

Financing Strategies for Land Purchase

Early consultation with financial experts is advisable to examine individual financing models and consider the current interest landscape. The rising land prices make meticulous financial planning essential. It is important to consider all cost factors and establish a realistic financing plan.

Early Consultation with Financial Experts

  • Individual Financing Models

  • Consideration of the Current Interest Landscape

Avoiding Pitfalls: Unexpected Costs and Risks

In practice, unexpected costs and risks often arise when buying land. Examples include unforeseen development costs of up to 60,000 EUR, restrictions due to water protection areas, or construction risks such as contamination and groundwater. A soil investigation can help identify and minimise these risks early on. The Sparkasse emphasises the importance of having clarity about the budget before selecting the land.

Practical Examples

  • Unexpected Development Costs (up to 60,000 EUR!)

  • Restrictions Due to Water Protection Areas

  • Construction Risks (Contamination, Groundwater)

Finding Your Dream Plot: How to Successfully Search for the Perfect Secluded Location

Where Can I Find Unspoilt Plots? – Strategies and Channels

Searching for the perfect unspoilt plot can be challenging, but with the right strategies and channels, it's entirely achievable. In addition to the usual online property portals, you should also contact the local council and local developers. There are often insider tips and off-market opportunities that are not advertised publicly. Networking with private contacts and word-of-mouth can also lead to success.

Online Portals vs. Offline Research

  • Online Property Portals: Advantages and Disadvantages

  • Local Council and Developers: Insider Tips

  • Networking: Private Contacts and Word-of-Mouth

The Criteria Catalogue: What Really Matters?

Before beginning your detailed search, you should compile a criteria catalogue. What truly matters to you? What are your priorities? Is it mainly about peace and seclusion, or do you place importance on good connectivity to infrastructure? The size and layout of the plot, as well as its buildability (development plan, building land status), also play a crucial role. Be prepared to make compromises to find your dream plot.

Setting Priorities and Making Compromises

  • Location (distance to workplace, school, shopping options)

  • Size and Layout of the Plot

  • Buildability (development plan, building land status)

Due Diligence: Thorough Examination Before Purchase

Before purchasing, you should thoroughly examine the plot. A soil survey can help identify and mitigate risks such as contamination or poor soil quality. Also, reviewing the land register is essential to identify encumbrances and building restrictions. The Savings Bank recommends checking the land registry entry for encumbrances and building restrictions.

Soil Survey: Identifying and Mitigating Risks

Land Register Extract: Encumbrances and Building Restrictions

Permission to build? How to legally safeguard yourself when purchasing a standalone property

Building Land vs. Prospective Building Land: What Can I Build?

When purchasing a secluded property, it's crucial to know whether it qualifies as building land or prospective building land. Building land can be developed immediately, whereas prospective building land requires prior servicing. The legal foundations are established in §30/§34 BauGB. A development plan specifies the regulations and design guidelines applicable to the site. With prospective building land, a preliminary planning request is advisable to gain certainty.

§30/§34 BauGB: The Legal Foundations

  • Development Plan: Regulations and Design Guidelines

  • Preliminary Planning Request: Certainty in Prospective Building Land

State of Servicing: What's Already Available?

The state of servicing of the site plays a significant role in the overall costs. A fully serviced site already has all necessary connections (water, sewage, electricity, gas, telephone), while a partially serviced or unserviced site incurs additional costs and efforts for connectivity. It's important to establish contracts with utility providers to ensure supply.

Fully Serviced vs. Partially Serviced vs. Unserviced

  • Costs and Efforts for Connectivity

  • Contracts with Utility Providers

Conservation and Environmental Regulations: What Needs to Be Considered?

When building in a secluded location, conservation and environmental regulations must be observed. Interferences with nature should be avoided or compensated for. There are regulations for the protection of flora and fauna that must be adhered to. Familiarise yourself with the applicable provisions early on to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Avoiding or Compensating for Interferences with Nature

Regulations for the Protection of Flora and Fauna

Realistic Pricing: How to Determine the Value of Your Dream Standalone Property

Comparison Method vs. Standard Land Value: How Is the Price Determined?

In the valuation of a secluded location, various methods are employed. The comparison method is based on the prices of comparable plots in the vicinity. The standard land value serves as an initial guideline, though it should be approached with caution. It is determined by the advisory committee and based on average prices in specific zones. The land prices can vary significantly across regions.

Comparison Method: Comparable Plots as Reference

Standard Land Value: An Initial Guideline to Approach with Caution

  • Deviations of up to 20% are possible

  • Expert appraisal recommended

Factors Influencing the Value of a Secluded Location

The value of a secluded location is influenced by various factors. These include the location, size, layout, buildability, soil quality, and development status. The micro-location also plays a crucial role. Good access to infrastructure and proximity to nature can enhance the value of the plot.

The Role of the Estate Agent: Assistance in Valuation and Negotiation

An experienced estate agent can assist you with valuation and negotiation. They know the local market and can help you determine a realistic price for your ideal secluded location. Homeday estate agents offer reliable support in the valuation and purchase of plots. The Homeday agents can provide reliable evaluations.

Homeday Agents as Reliable Partners

Sustainable Building: How to Design Your Dream Home in a Secluded Location

Selecting the Right Architect: Creativity and Expertise

In construction planning, choosing the right architect is crucial. They should be both creative and knowledgeable, taking into account your individual needs and visions. You can choose between a bespoke design and a standard house. For a solitary location, it is particularly important to consider the setting and surroundings in the design.

Custom Design vs. Standard House

Consideration of Location and Surroundings in Design

Sustainable Building in Solitary Locations: Ecological Aspects

Sustainable building is of particular significance in solitary locations. Pay attention to energy efficiency and resource conservation. Integrate your house into the natural surroundings and use renewable energies. A photovoltaic system and a heat pump can make you less dependent on fossil fuels and reduce your energy costs.

Energy Efficiency and Resource Conservation

Integration into the Natural Environment

Approval Process: Navigating Bureaucracy

The approval process can be challenging. Ensure that you have all the necessary documents for the building application and work closely with the authorities. An experienced architect can support you in this process and help you navigate the bureaucracy.

Building Application and Necessary Documents

Collaboration with Authorities

Alone or Independent? How to Master the Challenges of Remote Locations

The Flip Side: Isolation and Dependence

A secluded location offers many advantages, but there are also challenges. Isolation and dependence can be the flip side of the coin. It is crucial to ensure infrastructure and supply security. Social contacts and community should also not be neglected. Consider how you would like to design these aspects in your life in a secluded location.

Infrastructure and Supply Security

Social Contacts and Community

Seizing Opportunities: Self-Sufficiency and Quality of Life

Take advantage of the opportunities that a secluded location provides. Gardening and animal husbandry can offer you a degree of self-sufficiency and enhance your quality of life. Enjoy the independence and freedom a secluded location offers. Shape your life according to your own ideas and create a place of peace and relaxation.

Gardening and Animal Husbandry

Independence and Freedom

The Future of Secluded Living: Trends and Perspectives

The future of secluded living is characterised by sustainability and self-sufficiency. Smart home technologies can provide you with a comfortable lifestyle. Use the opportunities offered by digitalisation to make your life in a secluded location even more pleasant and efficient.

Sustainability and Self-Sufficiency

Smart Home Technologies for a Comfortable Life

Your Dream, Your Responsibility: How Solitude Becomes Success

Summary of Key Insights

Purchasing a secluded property is a dream that comes with responsibility. It is important to consider regional differences, secure financing, and observe legal frameworks. Thorough planning and sustainable actions are crucial for success.

Regional Differences, Financing Aspects, Legal Frameworks

The Secluded Property as an Investment in Quality of Life

A secluded property is more than just land. It is a place of peace, relaxation, and self-fulfilment. It is an investment in your quality of life and well-being. Enjoy the nature, privacy, and freedom that a secluded property offers.

More Than Just Land: A Place of Peace, Relaxation, and Self-Fulfilment

Appeal to Future Buyers: Thorough Planning and Sustainable Practices

If you wish to purchase a secluded property, you should inform yourself and plan thoroughly. Consider all aspects, from financing to construction planning. Act sustainably and create a place where you feel comfortable and can realise your dreams. Are you ready to take the next step? Contact us today to start your personalised consultation and realise your dream of a secluded property. Register for free and receive an initial assessment of the renovation needs of your property immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is meant by a secluded location and what advantages does it offer?

A secluded location refers to a piece of land that is isolated, often without direct neighbours and with considerable distance to the nearest town. The advantages include peace, privacy, and a high quality of life.

Where can I still find affordable secluded locations in Germany?

Affordable secluded locations are mainly found in rural areas with lower population density, particularly in eastern Germany (e.g. Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt). Here, property prices are often significantly lower than in metropolitan areas.

What costs must I consider in addition to the purchase price when buying a secluded location?

Beyond the purchase price, there are ancillary costs such as land transfer tax, notary and land registry fees. You must also consider infrastructure costs for water, sewage, electricity, gas, and internet, as well as preparation costs (soil surveys, land adaptation).

What is the difference between building land and development land, and what does it mean for me?

Building land is ready for development, while development land needs to be connected first. This significantly affects the timeframe and costs for construction. A pre-planning enquiry is advisable for development land.

How do I determine the realistic value of a secluded location?

The value of a secluded location is determined through the comparison method (prices of comparable plots) and the standard land value (average prices in the area). An expert appraisal is recommended, as the actual value can deviate by up to 20%.

What legal aspects must I consider when purchasing a secluded location?

The development plan (§30/§34 BauGB), which regulates the style of construction and usage, is important, as well as the land register excerpt, which shows easements and building restrictions (e.g. nature reserves).

What role does the micro-location play in the assessment of a secluded location?

The micro-location, or the immediate surroundings of the property, is crucial. Factors such as infrastructure connectivity, proximity to nature, and soil quality significantly influence the value.

How can I overcome the challenges of isolation in a secluded location?

By ensuring infrastructure and supply security, maintaining social contacts, and utilising self-sufficiency opportunities (gardening, animal husbandry), the quality of life in a secluded location can be enhanced.

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auctoa – Your partner for precise assessments and certified appraisals. Property valuation and land analysis. With digital expertise, expert knowledge, artificial intelligence, personalised consultancy, and comprehensive market insights.

auctoa – Your partner for precise assessments and certified appraisals. Property valuation and land analysis. With digital expertise, expert knowledge, artificial intelligence, personalised consultancy, and comprehensive market insights.

auctoa – Your partner for precise assessments and certified appraisals. Property valuation and land analysis. With digital expertise, expert knowledge, artificial intelligence, personalised consultancy, and comprehensive market insights.

auctoa – Your partner for precise assessments and certified appraisals. Property valuation and land analysis. With digital expertise, expert knowledge, artificial intelligence, personalised consultancy, and comprehensive market insights.