The most expensive house building mistake: How to avoid €45,000 in extra ancillary costs

Forgot about land transfer tax, notary fees, and development costs? This can lead to 20% extra costs when building a house. With my checklist and buffer tip, you can plan safely and without unpleasant surprises.

Der 45.000€ Fehler, den fast jeder Bauherr macht

What are ancillary construction costs?

Additional construction costs are all costs that are incurred IN ADDITION to the actual house price – and these are precisely what 90% of home builders underestimate.

While you're calculating the price of your house, you'll need to add another 15-20%: property transfer tax (3.5-6.5%), notary and land registry fees (approx. 1.5%), development and connection costs, building permit, appraiser, insurance, and an important buffer for unforeseen expenses.

In short: ancillary construction costs are all you need to ensure that your plot of land and your house plans actually become a move-in ready home. Anyone who doesn't include them in their budget from the start will quickly experience an unpleasant surprise of €30,000 to €50,000.