Why Comparing Bauzinsen Is More Important Than Ever
When you plan a construction loan, the interest rate can make a huge difference to your monthly burden. Even a tenth of a percent can translate into hundreds of euros over the life of the loan.
Recent KfW Rate Cuts: What They Imply for You
The Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) has lowered the rates on two key promotion programmes:
- Programme 261 (BEG Wohngebäude) – for novel efficiency houses or energy‑saving renovations:
- 4‑10 years: 2.39 % (down from 2.44 %)
- 11‑20 years: 2.95 % (down from 2.98 %)
- 21‑30 years: 3.08 % (down from 3.11 %)
- Programme 124 (Wohneigentumsprogramm) – loans up to €100,000 for private home purchase or construction:
- 4‑25 years, 5‑year binding: 3.63 % (down from 3.67 %)
- 4‑25 years, 10‑year binding: 3.95 % (down from 3.98 %)
- 26‑35 years, 5‑year binding: 3.63 % (unchanged)
- 26‑35 years, 10‑year binding: 3.98 % (down from 4.01 %)
Example for Programme 261: A €120,000 renovation loan over 20 years with three interest‑free start‑years and a 10‑year rate lock now costs an effective 2.95 % (previously 2.98 %).
Example for Programme 124: A €100,000 loan over 25 years with three interest‑free start‑years and a 5‑year rate lock now costs an effective 3.63 % (previously 3.67 %).
Bank‑Specific Green Discounts
Many lenders are rewarding energy‑efficient projects with additional rate cuts:
- ING’s “Baufi Energy” offers a 0.10 percentage‑point discount for upgrades that raise the energy class by at least one level (minimum class F).
- PSD Bank Nürnberg’s “GrünBonus” adds up to 0.10 percentage‑points for homes that achieve classes A+, A or B.
- Commerzbank’s “Green Financing” can shave off up to 0.15 percentage‑points for qualifying measures.
Real‑World Rate Comparisons
PSD Bank Nürnberg (example): €300,000 loan, 10‑year binding, 1 % initial repayment, 50 % loan‑to‑value (LTV). Effective rate fell to 3.33 % (from 3.42 %). Monthly payment dropped from €1,290.68 to €1,264.10 – a saving of €26.58 per month (≈ €319 per year).
ING (example): €300,000 loan, 15‑year binding, 3 % initial repayment. Effective rate now 4.16 % (down from 4.20 %). Monthly payment reduced from €1,772.50 to €1,765.00 – €7.50 saved each month.
According to the market snapshot from the credit broker Dr. Klein, top rates for new construction range between 3.38 % and 4.13 % for 5‑ to 30‑year bindings. PSD Bank’s 3.28 % offer sits below this band, while Interhyp lists 3.75 % for a ten‑year loan.
Expert Outlook: Will Bauzinsen Stay Low?
Industry surveys (e.g., Zinsradar) show that the average ten‑year rate is still about 3.7 %.
Dr. Klein’s senior analyst Florian Pfaffinger notes that the European Central Bank (ECB) kept the key rate at 2.00 % and that “the market expects rates to move sideways until the end of March.” He forecasts short‑term stability with “moderate fluctuations” and a longer‑term trend of “stable rates with a slight upward bias.”
FAQ – Quick Answers to Common Questions
What is a Baukredit?
A Baukredit is a loan specifically designed to finance real‑estate purchase or construction, usually with long‑term fixed interest to provide planning certainty.
How do green loan discounts work?
Banks award a small interest‑rate reduction (0.10‑0.15 percentage points) when the borrower proves that the property meets higher energy‑efficiency standards or that planned renovations will improve the energy class.
Why does the ECB’s key rate matter for Bauzinsen?
The ECB’s policy rate influences the yields on German government bonds, which in turn shape the cost of mortgage funding for banks. A steady ECB rate often translates into stable Bauzinsen.
Can I get a lower rate by increasing my down payment?
Yes. A higher loan‑to‑value ratio (lower LTV) reduces the bank’s risk and can unlock better rates, especially when combined with a strong credit score.
What is the “Zweidrittelzins”?
It is the maximum interest rate that two‑thirds of a bank’s customers must be offered. The figure is published by the bank and serves as a benchmark for consumers.
Take Action Now
Rates are still moving sideways, but the window for the lowest offers is narrowing. Use a comparison tool, check KfW promotion conditions, and inquire your bank about green‑loan bonuses before you lock in your financing.
What’s your experience? Share your financing story in the comments, explore our full guide to real‑estate financing, and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest Bauzinsen updates.
