ᐅ House construction costs per KfW efficiency level per square meter

hampshire schrieb:

The additional costs for the higher KfW efficiency levels are not fully offset by the increased subsidies, that much can be said.

For me, it all balanced out exactly. 😉

But it often depends on features you would want anyway, such as: photovoltaic systems (always a good idea), mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (a great solution), insulated roof (makes the attic space usable), ...

HausbauProjekt schrieb:

Is there currently any regulation regarding the price per square meter for a house meeting KfW standard level 40 compared to KfW level 55?
[...] We can apply for a plot where building a level 40 house earns more social points. We want to see if we can actually afford these extra points or if we should continue planning for KfW level 55 (the minimum standard in the new development area).

Everything you find about average construction costs usually refers either to the real-world mix of all energy-efficiency levels built in a year, or to the legal building standard. Additional costs are hard to estimate because the options to reach the next efficiency level vary widely. Also, while many builders regularly construct KfW 55 houses or even offer them as standard, KfW 40 can be problematic: at best, they only know the most expensive way to achieve it. Often, they build to this standard so rarely that they lack experience and end up causing construction defects later due to unfamiliar details.

In my view, KfW 40 is explicitly designed for the group who spend their above-average income at organic food stores (even though they often arrive there in an SUV). I find it rather cynical to award more social points for this, as the offer mainly appeals to higher-earning applicants.

If the extra social points for KfW 40 applicants decide whether you even make it into the lottery, I would recommend looking elsewhere. My concern is that the next step might be awarding bonus points for kindergarten places to vegans.

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HausbauProjekt schrieb:

Is there currently any regulation on the price per square meter for a house built to KFW standard 40 and KFW standard 55?

There is no regulation.

HausbauProjekt schrieb:

Are there any updated benchmark values available here?

There are benchmark values, but they vary greatly. Some include additional construction costs, others don’t. An architect calculates differently than a forum member.
For the latter, you should always compare values from the same source; otherwise, you’re comparing apples to oranges. The reference point should rather be the applicable energy-saving regulation, since every builder approaches the 55 or 40 standard differently, and the averages vary widely. The extra cost for an upgrade in a car is also less for a Polo than for a Mercedes.
Since you entered the building enthusiasm phase last year and already received figures at that time, I would have assumed that you are the one who could provide us with current prices now.
I often say here: the homeowner has to do their own homework on house prices and related topics, otherwise they won’t get a sense of the market. The consequence is faulty budgeting, which no forum can check or correct, because important data (appraisals, regional prices, personal construction contracts, and individual requirements) ultimately only come together with the homeowner.
I could tell you 2300€/m² (213.7 USD/ft²), but that only applies in my case to a straightforward solid construction house with several extras (the usual suspects like additional construction costs, KFW 70 standard, plaster, painting, exterior, carport, and furniture) included.
Whether this value fits your region, you will have to find out yourself.

Hi,

I can currently give you an example for which we have a concrete offer. A “prefabricated house,” timber frame construction, just need to move in furniture.
Location: Economically strong region in northern Baden-Württemberg.

House about 160 m² (1,722 sq ft) without a basement. Simple rectangular design without bay windows, etc. Gable roof. Air-to-water heat pump.
KfW 55 around 2,570.-

KfW 40+ around 2,820.-

Additional cost approximately 40,000.
As already mentioned: better insulation, controlled ventilation system, and photovoltaic system with battery storage.

11ant schrieb:

In my opinion, KfW40 is specifically designed for the target group "we spend our above-average salary at the organic store" (who, however, often arrive there in an SUV). I find it quite cynical to award more social points for this, as this offer primarily appeals to higher-income applicants.

Hold on, it’s not so simple to generalize like that.
If a controlled mechanical ventilation system is already planned anyway, it can certainly be reasonable to use the additional funding to upgrade from efficiency class 55 to 40.

And for a zero-sum scenario, of course you’d choose the better insulation.

How do you want to determine a price per square meter based on the KfW standard?
Is the type of heating system specified?
Is it required to build a basement?
Is it specified whether you have to build monolithic, timber frame, or something else?
Is it mandatory to have a finished attic?
Is it specified whether you use 30cm (12 inches) or 120cm (47 inches) tiles?
Parquet or laminate flooring?
Network wiring?
Plaster finish Q2, Q3, or fleece?
Motorized lock, garage, or carport?
Etc., etc., and so on.

KfW relates to energy demand or energy emissions.
What ultimately makes your house expensive or not is the level of equipment and finishes.
You can certainly build to KfW 40+ standard for 3,000€ (euros). But you can also build according to the Energy Saving Ordinance (KfW 70) and spend 3,000€—and more or less.

I’m afraid this question cannot be answered so simply.

Edit: In the end, KfW is just about calculations anyway.