Introduction
A building permit (Baugenehmigung) costs money -- but how much exactly? The fees depend on the federal state, the type of construction project, and the building costs. On top of that, there are additional expenses for architects, structural engineers, and expert reports. Here you will find a realistic cost overview.
Cost Breakdown
The total costs of a building permit are made up of several items:
| Item | Typical Share |
|---|---|
| Official fees | 0.2--0.7% of construction costs |
| Architect/engineer fees | 3,000--15,000 EUR |
| Structural analysis / stability report | 1,000--5,000 EUR |
| Surveying / site plan | 500--2,000 EUR |
| Energy certificate / GEG report | 300--1,000 EUR |
| Other expert reports | Depends on the project |
Official Fees
The authority charges a processing fee for the building application. This is based on the construction costs.
Calculation Basis
Most federal states calculate the fee as a percentage of the shell construction costs or the estimated building costs.
| Federal State | Fee Formula |
|---|---|
| Berlin | 0.5% of shell construction costs, min. 100 EUR |
| Bavaria | 0.2% of shell construction costs |
| NRW | 0.5% of construction costs, min. 75 EUR |
| Hamburg | Tiered scale based on construction costs |
| Saxony | 0.5% of construction costs |
Example Calculation
| Construction Project | Estimated Construction Costs | Official Fee (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Carport | 5,000 EUR | 50--100 EUR |
| Garden house (large) | 15,000 EUR | 75--150 EUR |
| Conservatory | 30,000 EUR | 150--300 EUR |
| Extension / loft conversion | 100,000 EUR | 500--1,000 EUR |
| New detached house | 300,000 EUR | 1,500--3,000 EUR |
Architect and Engineer Costs
For a building application, you generally need a qualified design professional (bauvorlageberechtigter Entwurfsverfasser) -- that is, an architect or civil engineer.
What Does the Architect Do?
- Prepares the building drawings (floor plan, cross-sections, elevations)
- Completes the building application
- Calculates setback distances and floor area ratios
- Submits the application to the building authority (Bauordnungsamt)
- Corresponds with the authority
Typical Costs
| Project | Architect Fee |
|---|---|
| Carport / garden house | 500--2,000 EUR |
| Conservatory | 1,500--4,000 EUR |
| Extension | 3,000--8,000 EUR |
| New detached house | 10,000--30,000 EUR (HOAI service phases 1-4) |
Additional Costs
Structural Analysis (Stability Report)
- Assessment: A structural engineer calculates the load-bearing capacity
- Costs: 1,000--5,000 EUR (depending on complexity)
- Required for: All load-bearing structures
Surveying Costs (Site Plan)
- Official site plan: Prepared by a publicly appointed surveyor
- Costs: 500--2,000 EUR
- Required for: Most building applications
Energy Certificate / GEG Report
- GEG report: Calculation under the Gebaeudeeenergiegesetz (Building Energy Act)
- Costs: 300--1,000 EUR
- Required for: Heated buildings (not for carports/garden houses)
Preliminary Building Inquiry (Bauvoranfrage)
- Costs: 50--500 EUR
- Partially credited against the later building permit
- Recommended: When approval prospects are uncertain
Total Costs by Project Type
| Project | Total Costs (incl. all additional expenses) |
|---|---|
| Carport | 500--2,500 EUR |
| Garden house (permit required) | 1,000--3,000 EUR |
| Conservatory | 3,000--7,000 EUR |
| Terrace roof | 1,000--3,000 EUR |
| Extension / loft conversion | 5,000--15,000 EUR |
| New detached house | 15,000--40,000 EUR |
How to Save on Costs
Use the Simplified Procedure
Many federal states offer a simplified approval procedure for smaller construction projects. The fees are lower and processing is faster.
Submit a Preliminary Inquiry First
Invest 50--500 EUR in a preliminary building inquiry (Bauvoranfrage) before paying for the full building application with architect fees. This way, you will know in advance whether your project is eligible for approval.
Compare Quotes
Architect and structural engineer fees vary. Obtain at least 2--3 quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit the building application myself?
Generally no. The building application must be submitted by a qualified design professional (architect or civil engineer). Exception: Some federal states allow self-filed applications for very small projects.Will I get the fees refunded if the application is rejected?
No. The official fees are charged for processing, not for the outcome. If the application is rejected, the fees are lost.How long is a building permit valid?
Generally 3 years (varies by federal state). You must begin construction within this period. An extension is possible.Are the costs tax-deductible?
Partially. For rented properties, they can be deducted as income-related expenses. For owner-occupied property: only tradesperson services (20%, max. 1,200 EUR tax reduction).Summary
- Official fees: 0.2--0.7% of construction costs
- Architect fee: 500--15,000 EUR (depending on the project)
- Additional costs: Structural analysis, surveying, energy certificate
- Carport: approx. 500--2,500 EUR total
- New detached house: approx. 15,000--40,000 EUR total
- Tip: Submit a preliminary inquiry before the building application
Related Tips
- When Do I Need a Building Permit?
- How to Submit a Building Application -- Guide
- Building Permit Duration -- How Long Does It Take?