Last call for KfW 297/298: EH55 funding ends 31 December 2026 — what foreign buyers must do now

What is ending, and when

Germany’s development bank KfW added a temporary “Effizienzhaus 55 – Wohngebäude” (EH55) stage inside the Klimafreundlicher Neubau (KFN) product family in December 2025. On 19 June 2026, KfW confirmed this EH55 funding will continue only until 31 December 2026 at the latest, and only while federal interest‑subsidy funds last. Crucially, the application must have reached KfW by 31.12.2026 (“Antragseingang bei der KfW”). EH55 is embedded inside KfW loans 297/298 for residential new‑builds. The EH55 stage requires 100% renewable‑energy heating and a valid building permit at the time of application. These points come directly from KfW’s notice and press release dated 19 June 2026.

Loan sizes and tracks (297 vs 298)

Under KfW 297/298 “Klimafreundlicher Neubau – Wohngebäude” the maximum loan per dwelling unit is: - €100,000 per unit for “Klimafreundliches Wohngebäude” and for the temporary EH55 stage. - €150,000 per unit if the building achieves “Klimafreundliches Wohngebäude – mit QNG” (i.e., holds a QNG sustainability certificate).

Program number 297 is the self‑use track; 298 is for all other investors (e.g., rented units, companies). KfW confirms you can file separate applications in mixed‑use cases (self‑occupied unit in 297, rented units in 298).

Key conditions and timing rules you cannot miss

- Application route: You do not apply directly to KfW. You apply via a financing partner (bank, Sparkasse, building society, insurer) under the Hausbankprinzip. - Expert sign‑off: Before the bank files your application, an energy‑efficiency expert from the federal experts list must issue a “Bestätigung zum Antrag” (BzA). This is mandatory for KFN. - Start of works: As a rule, the project must not begin before KfW has received the application. There are EH55‑specific exceptions in the federal guideline, but treat any early contracting as risky unless your bank confirms a documented pre‑application consultation compliant with the rule. - EH55 deadline: The EH55 stage ends at the latest on 31 December 2026 (application must have reached KfW). Funding can stop earlier if federal funds are exhausted. - Disbursement and fees: After approval, the drawdown window is 12 months, automatically extendable by up to 24 months for undrawn amounts; a 0.15% per month commitment fee applies from month 13 on undrawn amounts. - No double‑dipping: You cannot combine a 297/298 loan for the same unit with KfW’s “Wohneigentum für Familien” (300) or with KNN (296).

QNG: when the €150,000 cap applies

The higher €150,000 cap applies only if the project earns a QNG certificate (QNG‑PLUS or QNG‑PREMIUM) from an accredited certification body using a registered assessment system. QNG adds lifecycle greenhouse‑gas and other sustainability criteria on top of energy efficiency. Factor the cost and time of QNG consulting and certification into your schedule.

What foreign buyers should prepare now with banks in Berlin, Munich and Hamburg

- Choose your financing partner early. In Berlin, the Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB) itself offers KFN loans (contract with IBB). In Munich, Stadtsparkasse München processes KfW loans; in Hamburg, Haspa does likewise. Any bank can only file once your BzA and permit are in place. - Assemble a bank‑ready file: building permit; full specification/contract or purchase agreement (for first acquisition); the BzA; cost breakdown; and typical mortgage documents (proof of income, tax returns where requested, proof of equity, property documents). Expect banks to ask for translations of foreign income documents. - Identification and compliance: German banks must verify identity under the Geldwäschegesetz (GwG). Expect in‑person, PostIdent or video‑ident procedures with a passport and residence documents where applicable. Corporate buyers must disclose beneficial owners. - Time buffers: Year‑end bank cut‑offs and holidays are real. Because KfW must receive the application by 31.12.2026, agree an internal deadline with your bank several weeks earlier, especially if documents originate abroad. - EH55 specifics: for EH55 you must show a valid building permit at application and 100% renewable‑energy heating in the design. If you already signed construction contracts, ask your bank whether the documented‑consultation exception applies in your case under the federal rule. - Rate setting: KfW rates follow capital‑market levels with federal interest subsidies. KfW’s 19 June 2026 press note cited a 1.0% effective example for a 10‑year loan with two grace years; current pricing is published on KfW’s conditions page and can change.

Practical timeline for a 2026 closing

1) Week 0–2: Engage an energy‑efficiency expert from the federal list and your architect to confirm EH55 or QNG path and prepare the BzA inputs. 2) Week 2–6: Secure building permit; your expert issues the BzA in the KfW system. 3) Week 3–8: Submit the bank package; your bank files the application to KfW. Do not assume the bank can file between Christmas and New Year. 4) After approval: Manage drawdowns; note the 12‑month draw window, automatic extension for undrawn amounts by up to 24 months, and 0.15% per month commitment fee from month 13 on undrawn amounts.

Risks to flag: federal funds may be exhausted before 31.12.2026; early contracting before application can void eligibility unless an exception applies; and combining 297/298 with KNN (296) or WEF (300) for the same unit is not allowed. For legal structuring, tax, or certification strategy, instruct a German financing adviser, an energy‑efficiency expert from the dena list, and where needed a tax adviser.