Glossary
Klimageschwindigkeitsbonus
Klimageschwindigkeitsbonus: The Klimageschwindigkeitsbonus (German for climate speed bonus) is a top-up to Germany's KfW heating grant (programme 458) for owner-occupiers who replace a working fossil heating system early. It is 16 percentage points for applications by 31 January 2027 and falls every six months to zero from 1 August 2028.
What is the Klimageschwindigkeitsbonus?
The bonus rewards an early heating replacement. It comes on top of the 30 % base rate of KfW 458 (BEG EM funding guideline of 17 August 2026, no. 8.4.4). Together with the income bonus, funding is capped at 70 %, or 80 % on a low income.
Step-down by application date
| Application | Bonus |
|---|---|
| 21 Jul 2026 to 31 Jan 2027 | 16 % |
| 1 Feb 2027 to 31 Jul 2027 | 12 % |
| 1 Aug 2027 to 31 Jan 2028 | 8 % |
| 1 Feb 2028 to 31 Jul 2028 | 4 % |
| from 1 Aug 2028 | 0 % |
What does this mean for you?
Since the Gebäudemodernisierungsgesetz there is no longer a duty to replace an old boiler. If you plan to switch anyway while the old system still works, an early application secures the higher bonus. The Heating Cost Comparison Calculator works out what that is worth in euros for your home.
This page is for information only and does not replace funding or energy advice.
Frequently asked questions
It translates as 'climate speed bonus'. It rewards owner-occupiers who switch from a fossil heating system to a climate-friendly one sooner rather than later.
Owners who live in the property, and only for their own unit. They must replace a working oil, coal, gas-per-flat or night storage heating of any age, or a gas or biomass heating commissioned at least 20 years ago, and must not heat with gas or fossil fuels afterwards. Landlords do not get the bonus.
The application date counts: 16 points until 31 January 2027, 12 until 31 July 2027, 8 until 31 January 2028, 4 until 31 July 2028 and nothing from 1 August 2028.