Financing energy class H — what still works in 2026
Energy classes G and H have been much harder to finance since 2025 — but feasible with a renovation roadmap and a KfW 261 accompanying loan. Which banks still take part.
Why the energy class has become important for financing
With the EU climate targets and the German Building Energy Act (GEG), energy efficiency became a central factor in property valuation from 2024/2025. Banks have to include climate risks in their loan portfolios — and value properties with a poor energy status correspondingly more conservatively.
In concrete terms: a property in energy class H today gets considerably fewer banks, a lower loan-to-value and higher interest surcharges than it did in 2022.
Energy classes and the bank reaction
- A+ / A / B: premium — many banks offer an energy-efficiency bonus (0.05–0.15% rate discount). Standard loan-to-value up to 90%.
- C / D: standard — no rate deviation, all banks active. Standard terms.
- E / F: middling — the circle of banks is complete, but at some banks a surcharge or a reduced loan-to-value applies to follow-up financing.
- G: critical — a smaller circle of banks, often with the condition “submit a renovation concept”. KfW 261 as accompanying financing is sensible.
- H: very difficult — outright rejections; some banks only with a renovation plan within 5 years or with a considerable equity surcharge.
How to get H/G financed anyway
- Renovation roadmap (iSFP): an individual renovation roadmap from an energy adviser — improves the valuation considerably and enables the KfW bonus
- KfW 261 as accompanying financing: plan it directly into the application — the bank sees: after renovation it is an E or D property
- Combined builds: purchase + immediate renovation — the bank calculates with the end state, not the starting class
- Choice of bank: some banks have special “renovation-stock” programmes. I know them.
- Equity: for H, typically 25–35% equity instead of 15–20%
Which KfW programmes fit
- KfW 261 energy refurbishment — up to €150,000, repayment subsidy up to 45%
- KfW 297 for a new-build alternative strategy (demolition + new build, where the existing stock cannot sensibly be renovated)
- KfW 270 renewable energy — PV, heat pump
- BAFA funding for individual measures (heating, insulation) as a grant
The application order is decisive: the KfW application before the purchase contract/start of construction. I coordinate the order.
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