Specialisation · climate-friendly new build

Financing a QNG new build

KfW 297/298 with up to €150,000 per residential unit plus a 25% repayment subsidy — one of the most attractive funding packages for climate-friendly new builds. But: the application must be made BEFORE the purchase contract.

QNG key facts 2026

Climate-friendly new build at a glance

€150k KfW 297/298 max per unit
25% repayment subsidy
EH 40 efficiency-house standard
QNG-Plus sustainability certificate

What QNG is — and why it pays off

QNG (Quality Seal for Sustainable Buildings) is a federal certificate for climate-friendly new builds. It defines not only energy efficiency, but also choice of materials, life-cycle costs, climate footprint and healthy living. With QNG you gain access to the KfW programmes 297 (residential buildings) and 298 (apartment buildings).

KfW 297/298 offers up to €150,000 in development loan per residential unit, plus a repayment subsidy up to 25% (with QNG-Plus). That is one of the most attractive funding packages for new builds in Germany.

Requirements for KfW 297/298

  • Efficiency House 40 standard or better — primary energy demand max. 40% of a reference building
  • QNG certification (Plus or Premium) — from an accredited certification body
  • An energy-efficiency expert — engaged from the start, not after the fact
  • Application BEFORE the purchase contract/start of construction — otherwise no entitlement
  • Trustee payout via the house bank — going to KfW directly is not possible
Financing structure

What a QNG new-build financing looks like

01

Developer + QNG concept

An energy adviser from the start, QNG certification fixed in the build contract.

02

KfW application BEFORE the purchase contract

The most common and most expensive source of error. I ensure the application order.

03

Bank loan + KfW

KfW 297/298 runs in parallel with the bank loan — both at the house bank.

04

Confirmation + repayment subsidy

After completion: QNG confirmation → KfW pays out the repayment subsidy.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between KfW 297 and 298?
KfW 297: climate-friendly new build, residential — for private individuals, owner-occupied or let. KfW 298: climate-friendly new build, residential — for companies/cooperatives. The terms are very similar.
Do I get KfW 297/298 for buy-to-let?
Yes — KfW 297 is also open to let flats. The flat must be let long-term for living (not a holiday flat).
What happens if QNG isn’t achieved afterwards?
If the QNG certificate is not granted after completion, the repayment subsidy is lost. The development loan itself remains — you repay it on KfW terms. Therefore: choose a developer with QNG experience, that considerably reduces the risk.

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