BAFA energy consultation (iSFP): how to order the report and use it for KfW/BEG funding in 2026

What the BAFA 'Energieberatung für Wohngebäude' (iSFP) is

The BAFA programme „Energieberatung für Wohngebäude“ supports on‑site energy consultations that include an individual Sanierungsfahrplan (iSFP) — a structured renovation roadmap for a residential building. The BAFA guidance and the iSFP specification require a data collection on site, a written advisory report (iSFP) and an explanation of the report to the client. The iSFP can present a step‑by‑step renovation or a single‑step route to a BEG 'Effizienzhaus'. ([bafa.de](https://www.bafa.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Energie/ebw_merkblatt_isfp_2023.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=4&utm_source=openai))

How much BAFA pays and who is eligible

BAFA reimburses part of the consultancy fee. According to BAFA's Förderkompass, the standard rates are 50 % of the eligible advisory fee with maximums of €650 for single‑ and two‑family houses and €850 for residential buildings with three or more dwelling units. Wohnungseigentümergemeinschaften (WEG) can receive an additional explanatory allowance of €250 if the results are presented in a WEG meeting. The BAFA programme is available to owners, WEGs, tenants and leaseholders under the published Richtlinie (28 January 2020). ([bafa.de](https://www.bafa.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Bundesamt/foerderkompass.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=9&utm_source=openai))

Step‑by‑step: how to order and get the BAFA subsidy

1) Find a qualified energy consultant on the BAFA / dena expert lists (search portal). The BAFA maintains a portal for finding registered auditors and energy consultants. ([elan1.bafa.bund.de](https://elan1.bafa.bund.de/bafa-portal/audit-suche/?utm_source=openai))

2) Book a Vor‑Ort‑Beratung (on‑site visit). The consultant performs the data collection and prepares the iSFP using the current iSFP print application specified by BAFA. The BAFA Merkblatt describes mandatory content and quality checks for the iSFP; BAFA may request the iSFP and supporting documents for audit. ([bafa.de](https://www.bafa.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Energie/ebw_merkblatt_isfp_2023.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=4&utm_source=openai))

3) Submit the required confirmation and invoice via the BAFA portal. BAFA requires a signed confirmation to be uploaded (Bestätigung zum iSFP / Vor‑Ort‑Beratungsbericht) as part of the use‑of‑funds evidence; follow the portal instructions. After verification BAFA pays the subsidy. Do not assume the consultant will do every upload — agree responsibilities in writing. ([bafa.de](https://www.bafa.de/SiteGlobals/Forms/Suche/Infothek/Infothek_Formular.html?cl2Categories_Themen=internationales+energie&documentType_=news+newsletter+type_article+type_form+gcpresentation+imgobject+type_publication+type_open_data&gtp=1471306_list%253D3&resultsPerPage=100&sortOrder=dateOfIssue_dt+asc&utm_source=openai))

Using the iSFP for KfW / BEG applications

An iSFP is explicitly designed to show how a building can reach BEG efficiency levels; BAFA guidance notes the iSFP may present a single‑step renovation to an Effizienzhaus according to the BEG. When you apply for KfW or BEG funding you will usually need an Energieeffizienz‑expert or certified planner for the particular programme; many consultants listed for BAFA are also qualified to prepare the technical documentation required by KfW/BEG. Use the iSFP to document the package of measures, estimated costs and sequence when you submit a BEG or KfW application — but check the specific KfW/BEG application rules before you apply. ([bafa.de](https://www.bafa.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Energie/ebw_merkblatt_erstellung_beratungsbericht.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=12&utm_source=openai))

Meeting 2026 application cut‑offs: practical timing and risks

Funding programmes change; you must check the exact application deadlines and caps for the KfW/BEG product you intend to use. In practical terms: order the BAFA consultation early because the iSFP is a written, BAFA‑specified document and BAFA performs spot checks. Make sure the iSFP is created with the current iSFP print application (BAFA requirement) and that the consultant will provide the signed confirmation you must upload to BAFA. Allow several weeks between the on‑site visit and your funding application to resolve any follow‑up questions or additional documents KfW/BEG require. BAFA documents emphasise quality checks and the submission of specific forms; failure to provide the required confirmations can delay or invalidate the subsidy or related bonus eligibility. If your planned KfW/BEG programme has a 2026 cut‑off you must confirm that programme's deadline with KfW immediately and book the consultation with margin for the BAFA/consultant process. ([bafa.de](https://www.bafa.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Energie/ebw_merkblatt_isfp_2023.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=4&utm_source=openai))

Checklist for foreign buyers and expats

• Use the BAFA/dena expert search to find a consultant who will both create an iSFP and support KfW/BEG paperwork. ([elan1.bafa.bund.de](https://elan1.bafa.bund.de/bafa-portal/audit-suche/?utm_source=openai))

• Confirm who uploads the BAFA confirmation and invoice (client or consultant). ([bafa.de](https://www.bafa.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Energie/ebw_merkblatt_isfp_2023.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=4&utm_source=openai))

• Keep the full iSFP file and any software export: BAFA may request the file for audits. ([bafa.de](https://www.bafa.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Energie/ebw_merkblatt_isfp_2023.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=4&utm_source=openai))

• Before you rely on any BEG/KfW bonus or higher cap, verify the current KfW/BEG rules and deadlines — these change and are decisive for meeting 2026 cut‑offs. (See KfW/BEG programme pages.)

Where to read the primary documents

Key BAFA documents and portals used for this guide: • BAFA Förderkompass (summary with funding rates). ([bafa.de](https://www.bafa.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Bundesamt/foerderkompass.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=9&utm_source=openai)) • BAFA iSFP Merkblatt — mandatory content and creation rules. ([bafa.de](https://www.bafa.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Energie/ebw_merkblatt_isfp_2023.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=4&utm_source=openai)) • BAFA guidance on preparing the Beratungsbericht / iSFP. ([bafa.de](https://www.bafa.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Energie/ebw_merkblatt_erstellung_beratungsbericht.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=12&utm_source=openai)) • BAFA search portal for auditors/consultants. ([elan1.bafa.bund.de](https://elan1.bafa.bund.de/bafa-portal/audit-suche/?utm_source=openai)) • Federal service page describing the BAFA programme and the Richtlinie (28.01.2020). ([verwaltung.bund.de](https://verwaltung.bund.de/leistungsverzeichnis/DE/leistung/99138003080000/herausgeber/LeiKa-589581/region/00?utm_source=openai))