FAQs to the BAUKINDERGELD programme

type: Frequently asked

What are BAUKINDERGELD grants intended to achieve?

The Federal Government introduced the BAUKINDERGELD programme to increase home ownership in Germany.

The programme specifically helps families with children and single parents to buy their first home.

The programme is intended to help families acquire housing they can afford while providing for their retirement.

Who can apply for BAUKINDERGELD?

  • Families or single parents with at least one child under age 18 living in the same household as the applicant may apply.
  • Taxable household income cannot be more than €75,000 per year, plus €15,000 for each child.

How is the BAUKINDERGELD grant paid?

  • BAUKINDERGELD is paid in the form of a grant amounting to €1,200 per child each year, over a total of 10 years, to build a new home or purchase an existing home.
  • This means that a family with one child will receive a total of €12,000 over 10 years, and a family with two children will receive a total of €24,000 over 10 years. The total grant increases by €12,000 for each child.
  • Persons who already own a home in Germany that they live in or rent out permanently are not eligible.

How can the BAUKINDERGELD grant be used?

  • The grant may be used to build or buy a home in Germany to be occupied by the owner.
  • Owner-occupied homes in Germany are eligible based on notarized sales contracts signed and building permits issued after 1 January 2018.
  • Housing construction projects are eligible that require notification of intention to build, if the responsible local authority has been notified in accordance with state law and the project was permitted to start after 1 January 2018.
  • Persons who already own a home in Germany that they live in or rent out permanently are not eligible.

When can I apply for a BAUKINDERGELD grant?

  • Since 18 September 2018, it has been possible to apply to the KfW for a grant at www.kfw.de/info-zuschussportal. All applications must be submitted online.
  • Baukindergeld grants are issued retroactively to 1 January 2018.
  • It is possible to apply as soon as you have moved into your new home. Since the fact sheet was revised on 17 May 2019, you may apply within six months of moving in (previously three months).
    The necessary documents (income tax statements, residence registration, reservation of conveyance or if possible an abstract of title) must be presented within three months of submitting the application.

Can the BAUKINDERGELD grant be combined with other grant programmes?

  • The grant may be combined with KfW assistance programmes for energy-efficient construction and renovation, home ownership, age-appropriate conversions and protection against break-ins, and with state assistance programmes.
  • Total grants may not exceed the cost of the new construction or purchase.