Is there a new-build discount on buildings insurance in Germany?
In short
Yes, there is: many German buildings insurance tariffs (Wohngebäudeversicherung) give a new-build discount, the Neubaurabatt, of 30 to 55 percent in the first year, a few up to 60 percent. It then shrinks every year and ends after about 10 to 20 years, depending on the tariff. It follows the year the house was finished, not the start of your policy.
Published discount models and premiums in Germany, 2026. Premiums are without new-build discount or for a new house.
Example
Typical range
New-build discount in the first year
about 30 to 55 percent, in single cases up to 60 percent
Duration of the discount
about 10 to 20 years, in single cases up to 30 years
New build from 2026, 220 square metres, Hamburg, EUR 600 deductible
about EUR 58 to EUR 1,277 a year by tariff
Detached house built 2005 with natural hazards cover, very good tariffs
from about EUR 635 to EUR 695 a year by location
Figures from published tariff examples, October 2026.
The range of EUR 58 to EUR 1,277 shows how far tariffs differ for the same house.
Discount level and duration are in the tariff documents; as a broker we obtain the exact quote.
Worked example
New detached house, premium without discount EUR 600
Say the tariff costs EUR 600 before insurance tax without discount and gives 50 percent in the year of completion, then 5 percentage points less each year. The yearly adjustment to building prices is left out here.
Year of completion (50 percent)
EUR 300
House 4 years old (30 percent)
EUR 420
House 8 years old (10 percent)
EUR 540
From 10 years (no discount)
EUR 600
Over the first ten years you save about EUR 1,650. But your premium doubles in that time without you changing anything.
Why new houses cost less to insure
In a new house the pipes, wiring and roof are fresh. Burst pipes, electrical fires and leaks are rarer in the first years. Many German insurers pass this on as a Neubaurabatt, a percentage off your premium.
As the house ages, the discount gets smaller. Treat it as a head start that runs out on a known schedule, not as a permanent price.
The models differ a lot
There is no standard scheme. Each tariff sets its own starting rate, yearly step and end point. The table shows three published examples.
The discount usually applies to the premium before insurance tax (Versicherungsteuer). You have no legal right to a new-build discount, and some tariffs have none at all.
Model
First year
How it falls
End
Short and high
50 percent in the year of completion
minus 5 percentage points a year
no discount from 10 years
Long and high
up to 55 percent
falls each year with building age
after 20 years
Flat
30 percent
minus 3 percentage points a year
after 10 years
What the building year means for buyers
The discount is tied to the age of the building. If you buy a house that is four years old, you get only the rate for year five, even though your policy is new.
Some tariffs treat a full refurbishment (Kernsanierung) in recent years like a younger building year. That means renewing pipes, wiring, roof and heating, not just a new bathroom. Keep invoices and the year of each trade's work ready if you claim it.
The catch: your premium rises on its own
As the discount runs down year by year, your premium goes up although your cover stays the same. On top comes the yearly adjustment to German building prices. If you only compare the first-year price, you can easily pick a tariff that is dearer than another one after five years.
Compare the premium over ten years and the cover, such as gross negligence, natural hazards (Elementarschutz) and solar panels. A big discount on a weak tariff is not a good deal.
Think of cover while the house is being built
While the house is a shell, a builder's fire insurance (Feuerrohbauversicherung) protects it against fire. Some buildings insurance tariffs include it free of charge, depending on the tariff for 12, 24 or up to 36 months. The new-build discount starts once the house is finished.
Step by step
Find the year of completion in your building documents.
After a full refurbishment, collect invoices and the year of each renewed trade.
For every quote ask: starting rate, yearly step and end of the discount.
Put the premium for year one, five and ten side by side.
Only then compare the cover and choose the tariff.
Checklist
Building year or completion stated correctly
Discount schedule in writing in the quote
Premium after the discount ends known
Gross negligence and natural hazards included
Builder's fire cover for the construction phase sorted
Common mistakes
Comparing only the first-year premium
Stating a wrong, younger building year to get more discount
Not reporting a full refurbishment and missing out on discount
Accepting gaps in cover because of the discount
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
When does a house count as a new build?
Each tariff decides.
Usually the year the house was completed counts.
A house that is a few years old gets the discount for its age.
Do I get the discount when buying a young house?
Yes, if the house is still within the discount period.
You receive the rate that matches the age of the house, not the full starting rate.
Why does my premium rise every year without a claim?
With a new build the discount runs down step by step.
In addition, the premium is adjusted to building prices every year.
Neither has anything to do with your claims.
Is switching worth it when the discount runs out?
Comparing is worth it, because another tariff may still give your house a discount.
Always check the cover too, not just the price.
Does a refurbishment count like a new build?
With some tariffs, yes, if it was a full refurbishment.
A single upgrade such as a new bathroom or new windows is usually not enough.
Does the insurer have to give a new-build discount?
