Did you know that the government can increase the value of your property with grants of up to 70%? Many homeowners miss out on thousands of euros in funding because they can't navigate the complex array of programs. This article shows you how to find the right sources for your project and significantly reduce your investment costs.
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The topic briefly and concisely
The Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG) is the central point of contact for grants and loans, implemented by KfW and BAFA.
Grants for individual measures such as replacing heating systems or insulation are typically 15-30%, which can increase up to 70% with bonuses.
In addition to federal programmes, many cities and municipalities offer their own grants, such as for green roofs, which are often combinable.
Choosing sustainable land use is not only beneficial for the environment but also for your wallet. In light of rising energy costs and the 2050 climate targets, the government has significantly increased financial support. The Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG) brings together numerous programmes, making it easier for you to obtain grants and loans. Whether it's renovation, new construction, or individual measures like a green roof – there is suitable funding for almost every project. We guide you through the most important options and show you how to strategically plan your project to secure the maximum amount of government support.
In summary: Your funding checklist
State support for sustainable building and renovation is complex but highly lucrative. The Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG) is the main point of contact, implemented through the KfW Bank and the BAFA. Here are the key points you need to know:
High grants possible: For individual measures such as heating replacement or insulation, grants of 15% to 30% of the investment costs are the norm, and bonuses can increase the rate to up to 70%.
Two contacts: The KfW is responsible for loans and grants for complete renovations (Effizienzhaus) and new buildings, while the BAFA handles grants for individual measures.
Sustainability is rewarded: Beyond pure energy efficiency, there is a new sustainability class (NH-Class) that promotes additional services such as life cycle assessments.
Planning is crucial: Hiring an energy efficiency expert is often subsidised by up to 50% of consulting costs and is a requirement for many grants.
These programmes are your strongest leverage to reduce the costs for a sustainable increase in the value of your property.
KfW Programme: Affordable loans for new construction and renovation
The Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) is your go-to institution for financing larger projects. The 'Climate-Friendly New Building' programme (297/298) is particularly attractive, offering loans of up to 150,000 euros. The prerequisite is achieving the Efficiency House Level 40 and proving low CO2 emissions throughout the entire lifecycle. For families with at least one child and a household income of no more than 90,000 euros, the 'Home Ownership for Families' programme (300) even provides loans of up to 270,000 euros. KfW also supports you in renovating existing properties. The 'Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings – Residential Buildings' programme (261) offers a loan of up to 150,000 euros per housing unit for renovation into an efficiency house, including a repayment grant of up to 45%. This repayment grant can reduce your repayable loan amount by up to 67,500 euros. An energy-efficient renovation thus becomes significantly more affordable. The right planning and combination of measures is the key to success.
BAFA Grants: Direct Financial Support for Individual Measures
If you're not planning a complete renovation but rather aiming for targeted improvements, the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) is the right partner. BAFA provides direct grants that you don't have to repay. The focus is on measures to enhance energy efficiency and the use of renewable energies. These include:
Heating replacement: The replacement of an old oil or gas heating system with a heat pump or biomass system is supported with a basic grant of 30%.
Building envelope: You can receive a 15% grant for insulating exterior walls, roof surfaces, or replacing windows.
System technology: The installation or optimisation of ventilation systems is also subsidised with 15%.
Heating optimisation: Even smaller measures like hydraulic balancing can be funded with 15%.
A special incentive is the iSFP bonus: If a measure is part of an individual renovation roadmap (iSFP), the funding rate increases by an additional 5 percentage points. The eligible costs for individual measures are capped at 30,000 euros per year for a single-family house, and with the iSFP bonus, even at 60,000 euros. This way, the investment in efficient home technology becomes predictable and profitable.
Promoting green oases: Grants for roof and facade greening
Building greening is a key measure for sustainable land use and is increasingly being promoted. It not only improves the microclimate and air quality but can also extend the lifespan of your roof. Many municipalities have recognised the value and offer direct financial incentives. For example, the city of Gießen subsidises roof and facade greening with 70% of the costs, up to a maximum of 10,000 euros per property. Nationwide, you can claim such measures as part of roof renovation under the BEG subsidy and receive a 15% grant. In addition to the direct subsidy, you often benefit indirectly: Over 100 German cities reduce the stormwater charges for green roof areas, as they retain rainwater. Before you start, it is worthwhile to inquire with your city or municipal administration – there are often local programmes that can be combined with federal funds. Professional planning of roof projects helps to exploit all potential.
Conclusion: Strategically plan and leverage potentials
The landscape of support for sustainable land use is more diverse and attractive than ever. The government assists your desire for change with substantial amounts that significantly reduce your initial investment. The key lies in early and strategic planning. Assess the condition of your property and define clear goals. Utilise the expertise of certified energy consultants, whose fees are also subsidised. Whether a KfW loan for a large project or a BAFA grant for a targeted measure – the right combination ensures you maximum return. A data-driven evaluation of your property, such as Auctoa offers with ImmoGPT, can help you set the right priorities for renovation measures and accurately quantify their potential for value enhancement. Act now to fully benefit from the current programmes.
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Additional useful links
The Bundesverwaltung offers a comprehensive overview of government services through its service portal.
The Federal Funding Database provides information on a specific funding programme of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV) for biodiversity.
The KfW provides detailed information on its funding products for the climate-friendly construction of residential buildings.
Klimaschutz.de offers extensive information on various funding programmes in the field of climate protection.
The German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) informs about its work and funding activities in environmental protection.
The Federal Environment Agency provides data and analyses on the structure of land use in Germany.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) publishes a current press release on relevant statistical data here.
Wikipedia offers a comprehensive overview of financial grants and their various forms.
The German Energy Agency (dena) provides information about the office of the Federal Support for Efficient Buildings (BEG).
FAQ
How do I correctly apply for funding?
The key principle is: Apply first, then commission! Obtain quotes, submit your funding application online to KfW or BAFA, and wait for approval. Only after that can you conclude supply and service contracts. For many applications, the involvement of an Energy Efficiency Expert (EEE) is mandatory.
What are eligible costs?
Eligible costs include not only the pure material and labour costs for the measure itself but also so-called surrounding measures. This includes, for example, planning and consulting services (architect, energy consultant), necessary preliminary work or the costs for commissioning.
Are there also grants available for deconstruction, for example, of gravel gardens?
Yes, more and more cities and municipalities are promoting the reclamation of areas. The removal of gravel gardens and their conversion into green spaces are often subsidized within the framework of local climate adaptation programs. It's advisable to inquire at the environmental or parks department of your community.
How long does it take to process a grant application?
Processing times can vary greatly and depend on the workload of the respective authority (KfW or BAFA). It may take several weeks to months. Be sure to include this buffer in your project planning and do not start before official approval.
What happens if I do not meet the technical requirements?
Compliance with the technical minimum requirements is a mandatory prerequisite for funding. Upon completion of the measure, you must prove correct implementation through declarations by specialist contractors and, if necessary, by the energy efficiency expert. If the requirements are not met, the funding may be refused or reclaimed.
Where can I find a qualified energy consultant?
You can find an official list of qualified consultants eligible for funding programmes in the Energy Efficiency Expert List for Federal Funding Programmes, maintained by the German Energy Agency (dena).
