Bereitstellungszinsen
Commitment Interest. Interest (typically ~0.25%/month = 3% p.a.) banks charge on approved but undrawn loan portions after a grace period: the hidden cost of off-plan purchases with staged payments.
On a €400,000 loan for a new-build drawn over 18 months, commitment interest can cost thousands: often more than a slightly higher headline rate with a longer free period. Compare offers on the bereitstellungszinsfreie Zeit (6–24 months, negotiable).
Relevant whenever disbursement is delayed: Bauträger stage payments (MaBV), renovations, or slow land-registry processing. Negotiate the free period to match the realistic completion schedule plus buffer.
Frequently asked questions
What are commitment fees on a German mortgage?
Interest the bank charges on the approved but not yet drawn portion of a property loan, once the agreed interest-free grace period has expired. It compensates the bank for holding the money available.
How high are commitment fees in 2026?
Market standard is roughly 0.15% to 0.3% per month, most commonly 0.25%, which is 3% per year. Both the rate and, more importantly, the length of the free period are negotiable.
When do commitment fees start?
After the fee-free period ends, which runs from 6 to 24 months depending on the bank and on what you negotiate. They apply only to the undrawn part of the loan, which makes them a real factor on new builds paid in construction stages.
Are commitment fees tax deductible?
For rented property yes. Like other loan interest they are immediately deductible against rental income. For owner-occupied property they are not deductible.