The road to your own home: starting from zero

The starting point

You are twenty, you live in your parent’s flat and you want your own house. That is not a problem — that is a beginning. Most people who own a house today once stood at the same spot.

You do not need savings, experience or a clear plan. All you need is a decision — to start thinking about it seriously rather than “one day.” This article is about the first steps.

Time horizon

A house is not a purchase you make in a week. A realistic plan spans 5–10 years. That is not slow — that is smart.

- In the first 1–2 years you learn to save and build financial stability.

- In 3–5 years you gather part of the down payment and get to know the land market.

- In 5–10 years you buy a plot or start building.

Do not worry that it takes long. The key is to keep moving steadily.

Money: from a habit to a down payment

The typical down payment for housing in Lithuania starts at about 15% of the plot and construction cost. But putting aside even a little each month matters more than the amount.

- Set a fixed monthly transfer. Even 50–100 € is a habit, not just a sum.

- Look into housing savings programmes (būsto taupymo sąjunga) — small contributions, and after a few years you qualify for a preferential housing loan.

- Check your municipality’s benefits for young families — some offer additional programmes.

- Build an emergency fund first (3–6 months of expenses) so that your house savings stay sustainable.

Learning: what house and what plot

While saving money, invest time in knowledge. Buildings, plots, permits, materials — you do not need to know all of this now, but the more you understand, the better decisions you will make later.

- Try the Statyk generator — it is free and lets you experiment: change dimensions, roof, frame type and instantly see what it may cost. The regulatory environment on the site is configured for the construction sector in Lithuanian territory.

- Compare options: timber frame or steel? Mono or gable roof? How much does an extra metre cost?

- Read about permits and regulations — the system shows when a permit may be needed and what distances to plot boundaries apply.

- Think about where you would like to live: municipality, direction from the city, road, utilities.

Plot and permits

The plot is the biggest investment after the house itself. Before buying:

- Check the plot’s designated use (residential, agricultural, other) and spatial planning documents.

- Find out whether utilities (electricity, water, sewage) are available and how much connection costs.

- See what building restrictions apply (building line, height, distances to boundaries).

- Check for easements, access roads or drainage networks.

Permits and regulations are covered in more detail in a separate article.

First real steps

When you have savings, a location in mind and know what you want, it is time for concrete steps.

- Consult a certified architect or structural engineer — they will prepare a design the municipality accepts.

- The Statyk PDF can serve as a starting brief for the designer — it shows dimensions, materials and warnings.

- Confirm material prices and quantities with your supplier — the generator’s prices are indicative.

- Do not pressure yourself to do everything at once. You can buy the plot first and start building later.

The most important thing you can do today is to start. Everything else follows.