Will a barrier-free renovation increase the value of my property?

Society is aging steadily, and the demand for accessible housing is increasing. To be able to remain in one's own home even in old age, it's important to consider adapting the house or apartment structurally well in advance. The question of whether such modifications will increase the property's value is also worth considering.

Given the anticipated increase in demand and good rental prospects for accessible properties in the coming years, renovations can be worthwhile. However, careful consideration is crucial: not all measures are sensible or will increase the property's value.

Start before you need it

Before you buy grab bars for the bathroom and start looking for offers for a stairlift: make a plan. And ideally, do it early. Experts recommend starting planning and renovations even before you need accessibility features. Because it takes a long time until everything is just right.

Planning with a goal

Most importantly: consider what the goal of the measures should be. At the end of your deliberations, you should have both an overall concept and individual concepts for the respective rooms.

Get help from a professional

Is your head already spinning? You should definitely consult a specialist in barrier-free renovations. Experts at housing advisory centers, welfare organizations, senior citizen offices, or social and housing authorities can tell you exactly what makes sense for your property.

Are you considering selling your property? Regarding increasing its value, a local real estate agent can advise you on how certain measures can affect the property's worth and what is actually worthwhile before selling.

Save costs with government funding

The costs of barrier-free renovations should be kept in mind from the outset. Our tip: look into government subsidies. You can apply for a loan or a grant KfW (German Development Bank) Long-term care insurance providers also subsidize barrier-free renovations. These subsidies must be applied for before the renovations begin.

Also good to know: home modifications for people with disabilities and the elderly can be claimed as extraordinary expenses on your tax return. In any case, seek advice from the appropriate authorities to ensure you get the best possible outcome.

Are you looking to sell your property and have questions about barrier-free renovations? Contact us – we're happy to help!

Notes

For the sake of readability, this text uses the generic masculine form. Female and other gender identities are explicitly included where relevant to the statement.

Legal notice: This article does not constitute tax or legal advice for any specific case. Please consult a lawyer and/or tax advisor to clarify the facts of your individual situation.

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