Subsidies
KfW & BAFA: how to get money for your renovation
Every year, Altbau owners leave millions in subsidies on the table — not because they're rejected, but because they apply too late, pick the wrong program, or get the sequence wrong. This guide walks you through the jungle.
Which program for which measure?
| Measure | Program | Grant |
|---|---|---|
| Windows, insulation, roof | KfW 264 (BEG) | up to 25% grant |
| Heat pump, boiler swap | BEG-EMWG (via BAFA) | up to 70% |
| Consulting / renovation roadmap | BEG-ZEB | 50–80% of fees |
| Single listed-building window | KfW 264 / state programs | variable, sometimes 40%+ |
The golden rule: application first, contract second
Only work started after the grant approval counts. Signing a tradesman's contract before applying is the most common — and most expensive — own-goal in the entire subsidy jungle.
The process in five steps
- Hire an energy-efficiency expert. Every BEG application runs through a listed expert (BAFA/dena expert list). Cost: €1,300–2,500 — itself grant-eligible.
- Have a renovation roadmap drawn up. It doesn't mandate specific measures, but unlocks bonuses of up to 25% and is valid for 2 years.
- Submit via the KfW grant portal / BAFA portal. Important: start work only after grant approval.
- Execute and collect the specialist-contractor confirmation. Your tradespeople must confirm the applied-for items.
- Request disbursement — within 36 months of approval, with invoices and confirmations.
The five most common reasons for rejection
- Construction started before approval (about 40% of rejections)
- Measure doesn't meet the applied-for U-value / efficiency standard
- Missing contractor confirmation at disbursement
- Application under the wrong applicant category (landlord vs. owner-occupier bonuses)
- Budget exhausted — some pots run dry by spring. Apply early in the year!
How much subsidy would your renovation deserve?
Estimate total costs first — then apply the subsidy rate on top.
Open the calculatorNote: indicative values, not legal advice. Subsidy terms change regularly — the current KfW/BAFA fact sheets are authoritative. Feedback for the editors: hello@altbau.com