Blog / Acquisition / Jung kauft Alt Subsidy: KfW support for young families

Jung kauft Alt Subsidy: KfW support for young families

Oana Tudose, Real estate editor
30 March 2026 / 6 Min. reading time

Jung kauft Alt Subsidy

The KfW funding program "Jung kauft Alt" offers young families attractive financial support for purchasing existing properties. This government subsidy can make the dream of homeownership much easier and makes buying a pre-owned apartment or house significantly more affordable for families with children.

What is the "Jung kauft Alt" subsidy?

The program "Home Ownership for Families - Existing Property Purchase" (KfW 308) supports families in buying an existing property. You receive a low-interest loan of up to 270,000 euros as well as an additional repayment grant that noticeably reduces your financing burden. The special requirement is that the property must already exist and cannot be newly built.

The subsidy is aimed specifically at families with children and offers significantly better terms than conventional real estate financing. The low fixed interest rate and the repayment grant make this program especially attractive for young buyers who want to achieve homeownership.

Jung kauft Alt eligibility 2026

To make use of the subsidy, you must meet certain criteria:

Family-related requirements:

  • At least one minor child must live in the household.
  • Household income must not exceed 90,000 euros.
  • For each additional child, the income limit increases by 10,000 euros.

Property-related requirements:

  • The property must already exist (no new build).
  • Owner-occupation is required.
  • The property must be located in Germany.
  • It must be the family’s first property purchase.

Additional conditions:

  • You must use the property as your main residence.
  • Professional financing advice is recommended.
  • The purchase price should be appropriate.

The subsidy also takes different family situations into account. Single parents, patchwork families, and families with foster children can also benefit.

 

Family with baby sitting on the porch in front of their home.

 

Applying for KfW Jung kauft Alt

The application process for the "Jung kauft Alt" subsidy takes place in several steps:

Before purchasing the property:

  • Contact a KfW partner bank or a KfW advisor.
  • Have your eligibility checked and confirmed.
  • Obtain financing advice.

Application submission:

  • Submit the application through your house bank or a financing broker.
  • The application must be submitted before the purchase contract.
  • Submit all required documents in full.

Required documents:

  • Income statements for the past three months.
  • Proof of children living in the household.
  • Property documents for the property to be purchased.
  • SCHUFA credit report.
  • Proof of equity.

After approval:

  • Conclude the purchase contract.
  • Loan funds are disbursed after submission of the purchase contract documents.
  • The repayment grant is credited to the loan account.

Processing generally takes four to six weeks. Early consultation with experts such as E-Homes can speed up the process.

Funding for renovating older properties 2026

In addition to purchase subsidies, families can receive further support for renovation measures:

KfW programs for renovation:

  • Energy-Efficient Renovation (KfW 261/262): up to 60,000 euros in funding.
  • Age-Appropriate Conversion (KfW 159): low-interest loan for reducing barriers.
  • Individual measures to improve energy efficiency.

Combination options:

  • "Jung kauft Alt" can be combined with renovation subsidies.
  • Various KfW programs complement each other optimally.
  • Regional subsidy programs are also possible.

Berlin specifics:

  • IBB modernization programs for Berlin.
  • Heritage conservation subsidies for historic buildings.
  • Additional grants for energy-efficient renovation.

Renovation measures with funding:

  • Insulation of roof and facade.
  • Renewal of the heating system.
  • Installation of solar systems.
  • Replacement of windows and doors.

Combining different funding programs can significantly improve the overall financing and makes comprehensive modernizations affordable. You can find information on practical examples and reference properties in renovated period-building projects.

 

Happy family sitting together in the living room.

 

Advantages for Berlin families

Berlin offers ideal opportunities for the "Jung kauft Alt" subsidy:

Wide range of properties:

  • A large selection of existing properties in all districts.
  • Everything from charming period buildings to modernized apartments.
  • Different price ranges depending on the neighborhood.

Infrastructure advantages:

  • Excellent educational institutions.
  • Green spaces and playgrounds.
  • Good transport connections.

Appreciation potential:

  • Stable price development in Berlin.
  • Upgrading of many neighborhoods.
  • A secure long-term investment.

At E-Homes, we support families in finding suitable existing properties and structuring the optimal financing. Especially in Berlin there are numerous examples on offer, for instance a spacious apartment in Neukölln that illustrates typical subsidy and renovation questions.

Avoiding common pitfalls

When submitting the application:

  • Submit the application in good time before the purchase contract.
  • Submit all documents in full.
  • Seek advice from experts.

When choosing the property:

  • The purchase price should be in line with the market.
  • Assess the condition of the property realistically.
  • Do not underestimate incidental costs.

In financing:

  • Plan sufficient equity.
  • Include a financing reserve.
  • Compare different providers.

Professional support from E-Homes helps you avoid these pitfalls and make optimal use of the subsidy.

Financing example

Example family:

Funding terms:

  • KfW loan: 245,000 euros (70% of the purchase price).
  • Repayment grant: 24,500 euros (10%).
  • Effective annual interest rate: 1.89%.
  • Term: 25 years.

Total savings:

  • From the low interest rate: approximately 45,000 euros.
  • From the repayment grant: 24,500 euros.
  • Total benefit: over 69,000 euros.

These substantial savings can make the difference between affordable homeownership and an excessive financial burden.

Expert tip: optimal preparation

Six months before purchase:

  • Analyze your financial situation.
  • Have your KfW eligibility checked.
  • Define your property search criteria.

Three months before purchase:

  • View concrete properties.
  • Submit financing requests.
  • Commission a surveyor.

At the time of purchase:

  • Submit the subsidy application before the purchase contract.
  • Have the purchase contract reviewed by a lawyer.
  • Meet all deadlines.

A structured approach ensures success and prevents costly mistakes.

 

Family proudly holding a house key.

 

Conclusion: the path to homeownership

The "Jung kauft Alt" subsidy is a powerful tool for families who want to achieve the dream of homeownership. With low-interest loans and attractive repayment grants, buying property becomes significantly more affordable. The right preparation and professional advice are crucial for success.

At E-Homes, we guide you through the entire process from the first consultation to the handover of the keys. Our experts know both the Berlin real estate market and the funding landscape in detail and help you secure the best possible terms. Contact us today for a non-binding consultation and start your journey to a subsidized home.

Frequently asked Questions

How long does the "Jung kauft Alt" subsidy run?

The program is initially limited until 2027, although it may be extended. The repayment grant is granted after ten years, while the loan term is agreed individually. The fixed-interest period is either ten or twenty years, depending on your financial planning.

Can I use the subsidy for an apartment as well?

Yes, the "Jung kauft Alt" subsidy applies to both houses and condominiums. It is only important that it is an existing property and intended for owner-occupation. The purchase of cooperative shares may also be eligible under certain circumstances.

What happens if my family grows?

If additional children are born after taking out the loan, your conditions do not automatically improve. However, at the time of follow-up financing the possible loan amount increases according to the then current number of children. Timely advice is recommended.

Is a combination with other subsidies possible?

In principle yes, although there are restrictions. The "Jung kauft Alt" subsidy can be combined with KfW energy renovation subsidies. Regional programs such as IBB funding in Berlin are often combinable. A detailed review by experts is required.

What additional incidental costs apply?

In addition to the subsidized loan, you must budget for the usual incidental purchase costs. These include real estate transfer tax (5 to 6.5% depending on the federal state), notary fees (approximately 1.5%) and land registry fees (about 0.5%). In Berlin there are often additional broker fees (3.57%) if a broker is involved.

Written by
Oana Tudose
Expert in property law and financial planning with many years of experience. Author on all topics related to property, inheritance and legal issues.