Detached house Düsseldorf
- Conversion cost€42,000
- KfW 159€42,000 / 2.47% eff.
- Measuresstairlift, level shower, doors
- Monthly KfW instalment~€380
- Eligibleup to €50,000
- Combinationwith KfW 261
Model calculation without guarantee.
KfW programme · 159
KfW 159 — age-appropriate conversion
Promotional loan up to €50,000 per residential unit for the barrier-reduced conversion of existing residential property — also attractive for let properties, because barrier-reduced flats are let longer and more reliably.
Programme profile 159
What is funded?
KfW 159 funds measures that make living space barrier-reduced or barrier-free. A selection of typical measures:
- Removing thresholds, wider doors, level-access showers
- Bathroom conversion (complete or individual measures)
- Stairlifts and lifts
- Adapting controls, lighting, floor coverings
- Outdoor areas (paths, ramps, access)
Who can apply? Owners of owner-occupied or let residential property — so investors too. There is no age limit and no requirement to live in the property yourself. The grant variant is open to landlords without the tenant having to be in need of care.
KfW 159 terms
Funding amount: up to €50,000 per residential unit as a low-interest loan. Several units in a multi-family building can be funded individually.
Application route: the application runs through the financing bank — not directly with the KfW. Important: before the measure begins. Retroactive applications are rejected.
Combination with other programmes: KfW 159 can be combined with many other programmes, e.g. with listed-building depreciation, with state funding or with KfW 261 (energy-efficient refurbishment). I check the exact combination rules before filing.
When does KfW 159 pay off for investors?
Barrier-reduced flats are becoming a growing market segment: demographic change, tenant retention and higher achievable rents often make the investment worthwhile. In particular for:
- Existing properties in city-centre locations with an older tenant structure
- Multi-family buildings with high refurbishment needs — combination with KfW 261 possible
- Listed properties where modernisation is needed anyway
- Newly acquired let properties that are upgraded straight away
Model calculations
KfW 159 · stairlift & bathroom
KfW 159 · barrier-free new build
Example financings
New-build flat Munich — barrier-free from the start
- Purchase price€490,000
- KfW 159€50,000 (barrier-free fit-out)
- Bank loan remainder€390,000
- Total monthly instalment~€2,190
- Benefitbelow-market interest
Model calculation without guarantee.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What exactly does KfW 159 fund?
Barrier-free conversion of existing buildings: removing steps, widening doors, converting bathrooms, installing stairlifts, retrofitting lifts. Up to €50,000 promotional loan per residential unit.
Can I combine KfW 159 with KfW 261?
Yes — KfW 159 for the age-appropriate conversion and KfW 261 for the energy refurbishment can be combined when different measures are involved.
Does the application have to be filed before the measure begins?
Yes — as with all KfW programmes: the application must be filed through the house bank before the construction measure begins. Retroactive applications are rejected.
Who can apply for KfW 159?
Owners, tenants with the owner’s consent, and homeowner associations. The application runs through the financing house bank.
More KfW programmes
Other KfW funding programmes
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