Barrier-Free Renovation Loan
Riester & KfW Subsidy 2026
Use Wohn-Riester for barrier-free renovation - KfW 159 up to 50,000 euros - Measures & costs overview - Combine subsidies optimally
Barrier-Free Renovation: Living Independently at Any Age
A barrier-free renovation allows you to live independently in your own home even with limited mobility. Whether you are planning ahead or need adaptations now: the combination of government subsidies, Wohn-Riester, and low-interest loans makes financing affordable.
Seniors
Stay mobile and independent in old age. Timely adaptations avoid later moves to nursing homes.
People with Disabilities
Individual adaptations for better quality of life. Can be combined with care insurance benefits.
Forward Planning
Young homeowners also benefit: barrier-free properties have higher resale value.
Wohn-Riester for Barrier-Free Renovation
How Riester Withdrawal Works
Since 2014, you can use your saved Riester capital for barrier-free renovation of your owner-occupied property. The withdrawal is tax-free but is recorded in the housing subsidy account and taxed in retirement.
Advantages
- Tax-free withdrawal for renovation
- Allowances and tax benefits preserved
- Flexible withdrawal amount
- Can also be used for repayment
Requirements
- Owner-occupied property in Germany/EU
- Minimum withdrawal: 3,000 euros
- DIN 18040 standards must be met
- Proof of use required
Calculation Example: Wohn-Riester Withdrawal
Riester savings: 25,000 euros | Renovation costs: 35,000 euros | KfW loan: 10,000 euros
KfW 159: Age-Appropriate Renovation
Program Details 2026
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum loan amount | 50,000 euros per housing unit |
| Interest rate | From 2.49% effective (as of February 2026) |
| Term | Up to 30 years |
| Grace period | 1-5 years possible |
| Application | Before starting work, through your bank |
| Age restriction | None |
KfW 455-B: Investment Grant
Alternatively to the loan, you can apply for a grant:
- Individual measures: 10% of costs, max. 2,500 euros
- "Age-Appropriate Home" standard: 12.5% of costs, max. 6,250 euros
- Note: Grant and loan cannot be combined for the same measure
Typical Measures and Costs
Bathroom & Sanitary
- Flush-to-floor shower3,000 - 6,000 euros
- Wheelchair-accessible washbasin800 - 2,000 euros
- Height-adjustable toilet500 - 1,500 euros
- Grab bars & support handles100 - 500 euros
Access & Doors
- Door widening (to 80+ cm)500 - 1,500 euros
- Threshold removal200 - 800 euros
- Automatic door drives1,000 - 3,000 euros
- Ramp (outdoor area)2,000 - 5,000 euros
Stair Lifts & Elevators
- Seat lift (straight staircase)3,500 - 6,000 euros
- Seat lift (curved staircase)8,000 - 15,000 euros
- Platform lift10,000 - 20,000 euros
- Home lift / cabin lift20,000 - 40,000 euros
Smart Home & Other
- Voice control for lights/blinds500 - 2,000 euros
- Emergency call & security systems300 - 1,500 euros
- Non-slip floor coverings30 - 80 euros/sqm
- Lighting concept500 - 2,000 euros
Complete Renovation: Sample Calculation
Optimizing Subsidy Combinations
Wohn-Riester + Equity
- Ideal with high Riester savings
- No loan required
- Avoid interest costs
- Deferred taxation
KfW 159 + Riester + Care Insurance
- Maximum subsidy combination
- Low overall costs
- With care level: up to 4,000 euros grant
- Affordable remaining financing
Modernization Loan
- Without Riester contract
- Quick processing
- Up to 50,000 euros without land register
- Flexible terms
Care Insurance: Additional Funding
If you or a family member has a care level, you can receive an additional grant of up to 4,000 euros per measure from the care insurance. For multiple care recipients in the household, up to 16,000 euros.
Important: Submit the application to the care insurance before starting work.
Step-by-Step: How to Proceed
Needs Analysis (1-2 weeks)
- What limitations exist or are foreseeable?
- Use housing consultation (often free through municipality)
- Set priorities
Get Quotes (2-3 weeks)
- At least 3 quotes from specialist contractors
- Ensure DIN 18040 compliance
- Calculate total costs
Check Financing (1-2 weeks)
- Check Riester savings
- Prepare KfW 159 or 455-B application
- With care level: contact care insurance
Submit Applications (before placing orders!)
- KfW application through your bank
- Inform care insurance in writing
- Apply for Riester withdrawal with provider
Complete Renovation & Invoice
- Only commission after subsidy approval
- Collect invoices and documentation
- Submit proof of use
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Frequently Asked Questions About Barrier-Free Renovation
Yes, since 2014 you can use Wohn-Riester capital for barrier-free renovation of your owner-occupied property. This applies to withdrawals from a Riester contract as well as loans under a Wohn-Riester agreement.
The KfW Program 159 "Altersgerecht Umbauen" (Age-Appropriate Renovation) supports measures for barrier reduction and burglary protection. You can receive up to 50,000 euros in credit per housing unit, regardless of the applicant's age.
Eligible measures include: door widening to at least 80 cm, flush-to-floor showers, ramps instead of stairs, stair lifts, wheelchair-accessible washbasins, non-slip floor coverings, and smart home solutions for building control.
No, neither the KfW subsidy nor the Wohn-Riester withdrawal for barrier-free renovation is tied to a disability or a specific age. Even younger property owners can renovate proactively.
Sources and References
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