ᐅ Adding a second residential unit to the house to qualify for KfW subsidy program 153

Hello everyone,

The KfW funding program 153 has been discussed here several times, but I couldn’t find an answer to my specific question in the search. Here is the issue:

We are planning a single-family house with about 200 m² (2,150 sq ft) of living space. In the initial talks with our preferred construction company and the "seller" (timber frame construction), the idea was suggested: simply add an additional living unit on the ground floor, since then the KfW bank would provide an additional loan including a subsidy (KfW 55 house). This initially sounded great because we wouldn’t have to change our floor plan, and only needed to install a connection for a washing machine and a shower in the bathroom.

However, during further planning with the involvement of an architect, it suddenly became much more complicated. Now, separate electricity meters are required, special ceiling insulation (apparently necessary if the apartment is rented out, which we have no intention of doing), and our staircase needs to be enclosed with doors to meet F90 fire protection standards. This makes no sense to us at all, as it a) results in significant extra cost and b) these doors don’t fit into our design at all. At the bank, we had already planned to apply for the KfW loan twice. (This can be changed, but it fit well into our calculations.)

So my question is: Is it possible to obtain the KfW loan without these complex requirements? Maybe someone has had similar experiences and can offer advice – I’m grateful for any tips.

Thanks in advance, and have a nice evening everyone.

HäuslebauerEE schrieb:
Is there a way to get the KfW loan without these extensive measures?

No. The requirements defining what qualifies as a separate residential unit are quite clearly stated on the KfW website. The assumption that only washing machine connections are needed is far from the truth.

The issue with extra insulation (soundproofing?) applies to apartment buildings, but not to multiple residential units within a single-family or two-family house. Even the architect is overstating this a bit. Separate entrances, however, are correct and necessary.

But on the other hand, why do you specifically want the KfW loan? The terms are rather below average. There is also the home ownership program (124), where you can get an additional 50,000€ loan through KfW, but without repayment subsidies and with even less favorable terms.

HäuslebauerEE schrieb:
That initially sounded great because nothing would have to change in our floor plan and we would only have to install a washing machine connection and a shower in the bathroom.

This person is talking nonsense.

I’ll just stay out of this now, as the topic has already been discussed here more than once.

If you seriously want a second dwelling unit (e.g., later for the children), that’s certainly legitimate. Washing machine connections might be a bit excessive (you can live without them), but connections for a kitchenette are necessary (you can’t do without those). And both units must be fully independent.

My final word, even if it sounds radical:

In extreme cases, Section 264 of the Criminal Code probably applies.

Thank you for your responses – that rules out the basement apartment. You have been very helpful.

Ok, just one more sentence:

If it is truly a complete granny flat / accessory dwelling unit (with everything included), then there is nothing against receiving the corresponding subsidy.

But it isn’t – it seems more like an attempt was made to classify it as such in order to receive funding, which simply doesn’t make sense.