What is Baukindergeld and how can it help me?
Since 2018, families can apply for an additional government subsidy: the so-called Baukindergeld.
After submitting an application, you will receive an amount of €12,000 from the German government for each child over a period of ten years. The subsidy does not have to be repaid and is tax-free. This is intended to make it easier for families to buy their own home.
The benefit is €1,200 per child per year for a period of ten years. In Bavaria, you receive an additional €300 per child.
In order to receive the Baukindergeld, the following conditions must be met:
There are children under the age of 18 living in your household for whom you or your partner receive child benefit.
Your new home is your only residential property in Germany on the qualifying date.
Your household income is a maximum of 90,000 euros per year for one child plus 15,000 euros for each additional child.
Your new home or condominium is located in Germany. Your nationality is irrelevant.
The following deadlines and periods apply to the application:
Deadline A: Notarized purchase contract, building permit, or proof of the earliest possible start of construction must be dated between 01.01.2018 and 31.03.2021.
Deadline B: The application for Baukindergeld must be submitted within 6 months of moving in.
Deadline C: The very last day families and single parents can apply for Baukindergeld is 31.12.2023. Then the subsidy period ends.
Example: You have bought a house and signed the notarized purchase contract on 22.06.2020 (deadline A for the purchase contract met). You rebuild with a lot of own work and move in on 14.09.2022. You submit the application for the building subsidy 2 weeks later, on 28.09.2022 (deadline B for the application within 6 months after moving in met; deadline C for the very last application day 31.12.2023 met).
An application must also be submitted with your income tax return. You can find the application forms on the KfW website.
Additional information can be found in our article "Baukindergeld: Extra benefit for new homeowners with kids".
