Accessible & age-appropriate renovation in Berlin: measures and funding 2026

Renovating for accessibility or ageing means removing thresholds and creating level-access showers, wider doors and safe routes — DIN 18040-2 provides the technical benchmark. In Berlin, two funding sources are crucial: the KfW “Altersgerecht Umbauen” grant (455-B), which is open for applications again in 2026, and the long-term care insurance fund grant of up to 4.180 euros per measure. In older buildings, installing a lift is another consideration. This guide explains the measures, funding in 2026 and Berlin's particular requirements.

Key points at a glance

• Typical measures: level-access shower, widening doors, removing thresholds, grab rails, stairlift or lift — DIN 18040-2 is the benchmark⁴
• KfW grant 455-B: applications reopened in 2026, 10 % (max. 2.500 €) for individual measures, 12,5 % (max. 6.250 €) for the “Altersgerechtes Haus” standard²
• The KfW 455-B budget for 2026 is limited and may run out during the year — apply early and check availability directly with KfW
• Long-term care insurance fund: up to 4.180 € per measure (§ 40 para. 4 SGB XI), from care level 1 — apply before work starts³
• Retrofitting a lift in an older Berlin building is challenging in terms of construction and permissions (neighbourhood conservation, listed building protection)

Which measures make a flat accessible?

DIN 18040-2 sets the technical framework. It defines the design principles for accessible flats — circulation spaces, door widths and threshold-free transitions — and distinguishes between “accessible” as a minimum standard and “wheelchair-accessible”, which has higher requirements, such as circulation spaces of at least 150 by 150 centimetres.⁴ The most common measures in practice:

• Level-access shower instead of a bath, with a slip-resistant surface
• Widening doors and removing thresholds
• Grab rails and safe, step-free routes
• Stairlift or lift for access between floors
• Wheelchair-accessible kitchen and sanitary areas with space underneath for a wheelchair

What funding is available in 2026?

Two sources are available — both require an application before the measure begins:

KfW “Altersgerecht Umbauen”

You can apply for investment grant 455-B again in 2026, following its suspension in 2025: 10 per cent of costs (a maximum of 2.500 euros per dwelling) for individual measures and 12,5 per cent (a maximum of 6.250 euros) for the “Altersgerechtes Haus” standard.² Important: industry reports indicate that the 2026 budget is tight and may run out during the year — apply early and check availability directly with KfW. As an alternative or supplement, low-interest loan 159 offers up to 50.000 euros per dwelling; check the current daily interest rate.¹

Long-term care insurance fund grant

If you have an assessed care level, the long-term care insurance fund pays a grant for measures improving your living environment of up to 4.180 euros per measure (§ 40 para. 4 SGB XI) — from care level 1. If several people needing care live in the household, each can claim up to 4.180 euros, capped at a total of 16.720 euros.³ You must apply before the measure begins. Whether KfW and care insurance grants can be combined depends on how the measures are separated — clarify this with both bodies before applying.

Lifts and conversions in older Berlin buildings

Installing a lift in a Berlin Gründerzeit building is possible in principle, but presents construction and permission challenges: the lift usually has to be added in the stairwell void or as an extension. In social conservation areas, the work requires permission, and listed building protection may restrict additions to the façade.⁵ In a homeowners' association, a lift also affects communal property and requires a resolution — accessibility measures receive privileged treatment. Find out more in our guide to Renovating an owner-occupied flat. Clarify structural requirements and permissions early with the district authority and specialist designer.

Frequently asked questions

Is the KfW grant for age-appropriate conversions available again in 2026?

Yes. Applications for KfW grant 455-B reopened in 2026 after its suspension in 2025. It covers 10 per cent of costs (max. 2.500 euros per dwelling) for individual measures and 12,5 per cent (max. 6.250 euros) for the “Altersgerechtes Haus” standard. Industry reports indicate that the 2026 budget is tight — check availability directly with KfW before converting and apply early.

How much does the care insurance fund contribute towards accessible conversions?

Up to 4.180 euros per measure as a grant for improvements to the living environment (§ 40 para. 4 SGB XI). You must have at least care level 1. If several people needing care live in the household, each can claim up to 4.180 euros, capped at a total of 16.720 euros. You must apply before the measure begins.

Can I combine a KfW grant with a care insurance fund grant?

This is possible in individual cases, but the programmes partly exclude double funding for the same costs. As funding terms change, clarify the combination with KfW and the care insurance fund before applying — the separation of measures determines the maximum funding.

What does DIN 18040-2 regulate?

It defines the design principles for accessible flats — including circulation spaces, door widths and threshold-free transitions. It distinguishes between “accessible” (minimum standard) and “wheelchair-accessible” (higher requirements, e.g. circulation spaces of at least 150 by 150 centimetres). The standard is the technical benchmark for accessible conversions.

Can a lift be installed in an older Berlin building?

In principle yes, but this presents construction and permission challenges. In Berlin Gründerzeit buildings, a lift is usually added in the stairwell void or as an extension. In neighbourhood conservation areas, the work requires permission, while listed building protection may restrict façade additions — clarify this early with the district authority and structural engineer.

To carry out the work, we can introduce you to vetted specialist firms in Berlinthat undertake accessible conversions. For an initial cost estimate, use the Renovation cost calculator.

Sources

1. KfW, “Altersgerecht Umbauen” — loan (159), up to 50.000 € per dwelling
2. KfW, “Altersgerecht Umbauen” — investment grant (455-B), 10 % or 12,5 % (max. 2.500 € / 6.250 € per dwelling), available again in 2026
3. § 40 para. 4 SGB XI, grant for improvements to the living environment (up to 4.180 € per measure, capped at 16.720 €)
4. DIN 18040-2, accessible construction — design principles for dwellings (accessible and wheelchair-accessible)
5. Berlin Senate Department for Urban Development, Building and Housing: permission requirements for building works in social conservation areas (Milieuschutz)