Germany: 70% is the ceiling, not the starting rate
The KfW grant 458 is built from four components and capped at 70% of at most €30,000 in eligible costs. The highest possible grant for the first home is therefore €21,000. Checked on 26 October 2026.
| Component | Rate | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Base grant | 30% | Eligible new heating system in an existing building. Applies to owners, including landlords. |
| Efficiency bonus | 5% | The heat pump uses ground, water or wastewater heat, or a natural refrigerant. |
| Climate speed bonus | 20% | Owner-occupiers replacing a working oil, coal or night-storage system, or a gas or biomass system at least 20 years old. At this level only until the end of 2028. |
| Income bonus | 30% | Owner-occupiers with taxable household income up to €40,000 per year. |
| Overall cap | 70% total | The sum of all components is capped at 70%, even when the addition gives 85%. |
| Cost cap | €30,000 | At most €30,000 counts for the first home. The system may cost more; funding stops at the cap. |
Applying in five steps
- 1
Get a quote from a specialist installer
The supply contract needs a suspensive clause: it only takes effect once KfW has approved the grant. Without that clause the claim is at risk.
- 2
Installer or energy adviser confirms
A confirmation for the application (BzA) certifies that the planned system meets the technical minimum requirements.
- 3
Apply to KfW, programme 458
File in the KfW grant portal before work starts. A binding installer contract counts as the start.
- 4
Wait for approval, then install
Build only after approval. DIY portions and cash payments without invoices quickly become ineligible.
- 5
Submit evidence, receive payment
Invoices and the post-completion confirmation (BnD) go to KfW. The grant is paid after this check, never in advance.
Worked example: a €25,000 quote
| Case | Rate | Grant | You pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base grant only | 30% | €7,500 | €17,500 |
| Plus efficiency and speed | 55% | €13,750 | €11,250 |
| All components, cap applies | 70% | €17,500 | €7,500 |
KfW or BAFA: who pays what
The heating grant runs through KfW, programme 458. BAFA funds other measures under the same federal scheme, such as insulation and heating optimisation. The heat pump application belongs to KfW.
Common questions
Do landlords get the bonuses?
Landlords receive the 30% base grant. The income and speed bonuses require owner occupation.
What happens to the speed bonus after 2028?
The 20% rate runs to the end of 2028 and then steps down. Households counting on it plan the swap by 2028.
Sources: KfW, programme 458 heating grant for private individuals (kfw.de), and BAFA, federal funding for efficient buildings (bafa.de). Checked on 26 October 2026. This page helps you estimate; it is not a grant decision.