Custom/handbuilt at the <500 EUR price point or just stick with factory?

I'm thinking of rewarding myself with a nicer instrument soon. While there's a ton of information about the <$150 range, and a lot about the $1000+ range, I can't find much about the <500 pricepoint. Especially when it comes to getting a uke from a small luthier vs buying one of the mass-produced brands like pono.

It seems like there are some smaller luthiers offering hand-built instruments in this price point, but I'm just not sure how they compare. What are some good marks to look into? Europe-centric ideal.