Build a multi-family house according to the Energy Saving Ordinance or KFW55?

Hello there,

from the beginning I wanted to build according to the Energy Saving Ordinance. I have already completed the financing (Nov 19, 2 weeks right of withdrawal). I have not used the money so far, but I also don’t think I am allowed to withdraw from the contract without paying any damages.

From 24.1.20 the conditions for the KFW will change.

For me, there will be 5 residential units, i.e. I could submit 5x120,000 KFW applications and only repay 85% of that. Of course, more must be invested for the changeover from the Energy Saving Ordinance to KFW 55 in order to meet the KFW 55 requirements.

How high will the cost difference be for 5 residential units if I were to build not according to the Energy Saving Ordinance but according to KFW 55? So far, I only wanted to meet the minimum new building requirements, but due to the new subsidy regulations I have gotten a bit confused.

according to the shell builder Energy Saving Ordinance and according to energy consultant KFW55. And according to the architect, as little frills as possible, only build the absolute essentials, above all have as little technology as possible (maintenance costs, repairs, spare parts for defects,...) Planned according to the Energy Saving Ordinance were triple-glazed windows, 36.5 external walls, gas heating + solar thermal energy... Living space approx. 400 sqm...

So now I need tips, info, experiences, etc. from you.

Thank you very much in advance

For a computer scientist, you proceed surprisingly unstructured. You could submit five applications - i.e. you are not the developer here, but the apartment building is supposed to consist entirely of rental units? - it should be clear to follow the advice of the architect and build simple rugged reliable, as always nicely says. Do you want to move in yourself?

The ground floor and upper floor consist of 2x2 apartments and on top is then my penthouse apartment...

So, not to take advantage of the subsidies..?

Exactly. Nonsense. Whoever builds rental apartments is building commercially. The tenants pay the rental ancillary costs. For them, it’s all the same whether it’s the Energy Saving Ordinance or KfW 55. That might make the apartment about 25 euros cheaper per year for them. Whoever builds commercially installs as little building technology as possible. What is not there is not maintained and does not break. So no controlled residential ventilation, but RegelAir window frame ventilators. No air-water heat pumps, but gas. Simple light switches and simple sockets. Satellite system for everyone. Their costs are included in the rental ancillary costs.

hi nordlys,

So you agree with me. That was my intention from the beginning!! Do you also find the new KfW grant regulation irrelevant in this case? What do you think, approximately how much higher the additional costs would have been for this construction project if it had been built according to KfW 55 instead of the Energy Saving Ordinance?

How much will the cost difference be for 5 residential units if I build according to KFW 55 instead of the Energy Saving Ordinance?

Once the technology is fixed, I exceptionally share the same opinion as the previous posters. With gas and solar thermal you won’t get far, even if the insulation is sufficient or cheap to upgrade. It might pay off due to subsidies, but you won’t figure that out through a forum. Additional costs cannot be determined in a lump sum. You need different or additional technology and whether the insulation is sufficient must be calculated. There are clever and less clever energy consultants. With an additional ventilation system it is possible or with a heat pump without other technology. Or possibly with photovoltaics and electric water heating..