How to apply for the heating subsidy

Anyone who wanted to apply for subsidies to renovate their heating system was put to a tough test of patience. But now things are moving forward, at least for single-family homeowners. There are a few new features and requirements to consider.

The new heating subsidy from the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau KfW is attractive. The basic subsidy amounts to 30 per cent of the necessary expenditure if the funding conditions are met, and further subsidies can be added. The new heating law has been in force since 1 January 2024. However, KfW has not yet been able to accept applications for grants or promotional loans for technical reasons. In addition, a transitional regulation still applies until 31 August 2024.

Here is a roadmap on how to apply for funding:

• Obtain quotes from the tradesmen involved - from heating engineers and, if necessary, from tradesmen for any necessary conversion work. Conclude a supply and service contract with the tradesman for a new heating system eligible for subsidisation, if necessary subject to the approval of the subsidy.
• You can also have the heating system replaced immediately by 31 August 2024, but at your own risk! There is no legal entitlement to the subsidy.
• Have the heating engineer or an energy consultant issue a confirmation of the application (BzA) and apply for the grant retrospectively in the KfW grant portal customer portal by 30 November 2024 at the latest as part of the transitional regulation.
• Or wait for the funding approval and only build afterwards. Owners of owner-occupied single-family homes can submit an application to KfW from 27 February 2024. Owners of two-family and multi-family houses as well as condominium owners' associations can submit applications from 3 May 2024, landlords of single-family houses and condominiums from 6 August 2024.
• When applying, you must provide proof of identity and an extract from the land register. Once the work has been completed, you will need a confirmation of completion (BnD) from the heating engineer or energy consultant. You must submit all receipts. Once the receipts have been checked, you will receive the grant.
• In addition to the grant, a low-interest supplementary loan is available for replacing the heating system. This can only be utilised in conjunction with a KfW funding approval for the heating subsidy.

(Photo: © Gerd Altmann, Pixabay)