Have you inherited a house and now face a mountain of questions about its condition, costs, and legal obligations? Many heirs are overwhelmed by the complexity of the situation. However, with the right tools, you can turn this challenge into a clear opportunity.
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The topic briefly and concisely
An individual renovation roadmap (iSFP) is often essential for heirs to meet the legal requirements of the Building Energy Act (GEG) within the two-year period.
The costs for an iSFP are subsidized by the government up to 50%, and the plan itself unlocks additional incentive bonuses of 5% for renovation measures.
The iSFP serves as an objective basis for decision-making, increases transparency in sales, and helps to specifically enhance the property value through planned, efficient measures.
Inheriting a property often comes with uncertainty. Particularly, the Building Energy Act (GEG) pressures new owners to meet energy standards within two years. An individual renovation roadmap (iSFP) is your most important strategic guide in this context. It analyzes the current condition, outlines sensible modernization steps, and ensures you receive government funding. Instead of acting without a plan, you gain a data-driven basis to strategically increase the value of your property—whether you wish to sell, rent, or move in yourself.
Why an Inherited House Requires Immediate Strategic Planning
Have you inherited a house that was built before 1 February 2002? Then, as the new owner, you are often required under the Building Energy Act (GEG) to carry out certain energy renovations. For the implementation of these measures, such as insulating the top floor ceiling or replacing outdated boilers, you have a deadline of only two years. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to €50,000. A professionally prepared renovation plan for your inherited house is therefore not an optional step, but a necessity. It protects you from legal consequences and poor investments. With a clear plan, you can not only meet the legal requirements but also make informed decisions on how to proceed. Get informed early on what to consider when inheriting a property. This strategic foresight is the first step towards fully realising the potential of the property.
The individual renovation roadmap (iSFP) as a data-driven compass
What exactly is an individual refurbishment roadmap (iSFP)? It is a detailed document created by a certified energy consultant following an on-site analysis of your property. The iSFP provides you with a clear overview of the current energy status and identifies which refurbishment measures are technically and economically viable. Instead of relying on gut feeling, you receive a clear, prioritised list of recommendations for action. The plan not only highlights potential savings but also serves as recognised proof for funding programmes. It is the basis for a targeted refurbishment potential report and ensures that every investment contributes to increasing value. This makes the iSFP your most important tool in logically and efficiently structuring the refurbishment.
Costs and Funding: How the Renovation Roadmap Quickly Pays Off
The creation of an iSFP for a detached house generally costs between 1,300 and 1,700 euros. However, this investment is significantly cushioned: the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) subsidises the creation with up to 50 percent, up to a maximum of 650 euros for single and two-family houses. The real financial advantage lies in the future. With an iSFP in hand, the subsidy rate for many renovation measures on the building envelope increases by an additional 5 percent. Furthermore, the amount of the maximum eligible costs doubles from 30,000 euros to 60,000 euros per residential unit. Thus, the iSFP bonus alone can make a funding difference of several thousand euros. A professional funding check is therefore an integral part of the process. Consequently, the iSFP is not just a plan, but a direct key to significant financial benefits.
In 5 Steps to a Subsidised Renovation Plan for Your Inheritance
The path to your individual renovation plan is clearly structured and ensures you receive maximum funding. Follow these five steps to make the process efficient:
Find a certified energy consultant: Look for an energy efficiency expert listed by BAFA. Only they are allowed to issue an eligible iSFP.
Apply for consultancy funding: The energy consultant submits the application for the energy consultancy subsidy directly to BAFA for you.
Conduct an on-site inspection: The expert analyses the building structure, heating system, and insulation of your inherited property directly on-site.
Receive renovation plan: You receive two key documents: "My Renovation Plan" with a visual overview and the "Implementation Guide" with technical details for craftsmen.
Make a decision and implement measures: Use the data-based foundation to decide whether to renovate, sell, or rent out. You have up to 15 years to implement the measures and benefit from the funding advantages.
A first step can be a digital check to assess renovation needs online and be well-prepared for discussions with the expert.
Sell, Rent or Use Personally: Make the Right Decision with the iSFP
An inherited house leaves you with a choice: sell, rent out, or move in yourself? The renovation roadmap provides the necessary data foundation for each of these options. If you're planning a sale, the iSFP is an invaluable selling point. It creates transparency for potential buyers, documents the condition objectively, and can significantly shorten the sales time. Buyers not only see the need for renovation but also the already secured funding benefits. This can improve the negotiation range in your favour by 5-10%. If you decide to renovate and subsequently rent out or use the property yourself, the iSFP serves as an exact blueprint. It helps you realistically calculate renovation costs and avoid poor investments. This turns a complex decision into a secure, value-enhancing strategy.
Avoiding common mistakes in renovation to maximise property value
Without a strategic plan, heirs risk making costly mistakes that decrease the property's value rather than increase it. One of the most common pitfalls is renovating in the wrong order, which can lead to construction damage or double costs. Many also overlook the opportunity to utilise funding and thus miss out on up to 12,000 euros in government grants. Another error is inadequate documentation, which can lead to distrust among buyers during a later sale. An iSFP protects you from these risks by providing a clear, optimised path. It is the best insurance against unforeseen expenses. Before you start, you should closely examine the renovation costs for your inherited house. This ensures that your approach not only meets legal requirements but also sustainably maximises the value of your property.
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The decision to create a renovation roadmap for an inherited house is one of the most crucial steps you can take as an heir. It is far more than just a technical document; it is your strategic roadmap to financial security and increased value. The iSFP transforms the statutory obligations of the GEG into an opportunity, securing you thousands of euros in subsidies and providing a solid basis for decisions on selling, renting, or personal use. Instead of operating in uncertainty, invest in clarity and control. With a data-driven plan in hand, a complex inheritance becomes a manageable and profitable future investment.
Additional useful links
Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz (über energiewechsel.de): On the energiewechsel.de platform of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, you will find frequently asked questions about the Building Energy Act (GEG).
Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz: The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action provides insights into the draft of the Building Energy Act (GEG).
Bundesregierung: The Federal Government provides comprehensive information on the new Building Energy Act.
KfW: KfW provides detailed information and funding products for individuals aiming for energy-efficient renovation of existing properties.
Statistisches Bundesamt: The Federal Statistical Office offers up-to-date data and press releases on construction prices and the property price index.
Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft (IW Köln): A report by IW Consult from the German Economic Institute (IW Köln) analyses the renovation potential of residential properties.
FAQ
Do I need to implement the measures suggested in the renovation schedule?
No, the iSFP is a recommendation for action and does not obligate you to implement it. It merely presents the most technically and economically sensible approach. You decide which measures you want to take and when, but you can benefit from the funding advantages within 15 years.
Who is allowed to prepare an eligible renovation plan?
Only experts in energy efficiency certified by the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) are authorised to create an Individual Sanierungskonzept für Fördermittel (iSFP), which is recognised as a foundation for state subsidies.
What happens if I ignore the renovation obligation as an heir?
If you do not implement the renovation measures prescribed in the Building Energy Act (GEG) within two years following an inheritance, authorities may impose a fine of up to 50,000 euros.
Does the renovation obligation also apply if I have lived in the inherited house myself?
There is one important exception: If you, as an owner, have been living in a single-family or two-family house since before 1 February 2002, you are exempt from the renovation obligation upon a change of ownership. However, this exception does not apply to heirs who have not lived in the property before.
How does Auctoa help me with the refurbishment roadmap?
Auctoa provides you with AI-powered analyses for an initial, quick assessment of the refurbishment needs and the value potential of your inherited property. With our ImmoGPT, you can clarify initial questions and optimally prepare for a discussion with an energy consultant to make the right decisions based on data.
Do the eligible costs really double with an iSFP?
Yes, for measures related to the building envelope (e.g. insulation, windows), the maximum allowable investment costs per residential unit and calendar year increase from 30,000 euros to 60,000 euros if the measure is part of a valid iSFP. This significantly maximises your possible grant.
