KFW 300 Funding - Attractiveness

Hi everyone,

I am planning to build but I am still torn because of the KFW 300 subsidy. I have solid equity and an income where I should get very good financing offers from the banks. Especially since the loan-to-value ratio is less than 50%.

Theoretically, I would still be eligible for the FKW300 subsidy this year. But I really doubt if I want to put myself through that.

The subsidy currently has a 10-year repayment period and an interest rate of 0.12%. The interest rates in my case on the open market are currently dropping quite significantly and in my opinion have already reached 2.9% with a downward trend.

So in the end I have an interest saving of approx. €25k – with a downward trend since the KFW subsidy will not fall below 0%. Given the current development, I can already imagine that in 6-9 months when there is a need the interest rate will be even lower. (I know it's somewhat speculative but that is just the current trend).

However, I have to hire an energy consultant for that, pay for it, build a KFW40 house and bear the additional costs. It feels like at most a zero-sum game. Sure, I might have a slightly more efficient house but somehow the subsidy seems quite pointless in my opinion.

Has anyone else had similar considerations/problems who might be a bit further along and can share their experience?

Thanks and regards

So in the end I have an interest saving of approx. 25k €

So you can repay 25k more over the 10 years. Please do not forget that - the interest savings will then continue in the future (even more significantly).

However, I have to hire an energy consultant for this, pay them, build a KFW40 house and bear the additional costs.

I would do that anyway today. KfW 55 is no longer the standard in my opinion and only a last resort if the budget is really exhausted.

There is not really a future then, so the first point is irrelevant. Besides, after the energy consultant and KFW standard, not much is left of the 25k. Basically, a relatively large amount of concrete is necessary for my construction method, which results in a poor KFW rating. Fundamentally, I do see the need to build a well-insulated house. But often the last 5% are the most difficult. If I then end up with "KFW 45" without disproportionate additional costs, I don't see a problem.

There really won't be a future then, so the first point is irrelevant.

No? Then full repayment of the additional bank loan as well. Then I agree with you.

Yes, exactly, full repayment is currently planned by then

In principle, subsidies are not social romanticism, but political calculation, and they "pay off" mainly for those who do not "need" them. Avant-garde – even if it is just to realize an efficiency house stage prematurely – you must not only want it but also be able to afford it. Eco-bio-good-person-feeling is merely co-financed by subsidies, nothing more.

Basically, a relatively large amount of concrete is necessary for my construction method. Which results in a poor KFW value. In general, I do see the need to build a well-insulated house. But often the last 5% are the most difficult. If I then stand with a "KFW 45" without disproportionate additional costs, I don't see a problem there

Especially if, as you described, it is about having to push an EH45 to the next level EH40 just because of a subsidy, Pareto and I agree with you that this would be of questionable wisdom.
Unfortunately, you have not told us anything about your house yet. How is it already certain that it will have to be built "concrete-intensive"?