Sustainable living - modernisation is becoming increasingly popular

Sustainable living brings many advantages: The environment is protected, energy consumption is reduced and money is saved. Even small structural measures can make a big difference. The modernisation of real estate is becoming increasingly important.

The share of construction financing taken out specifically for modernisations rose by 35 percent from January to May 2023 alone. The high demand is mainly due to rising energy prices and uncertainties caused by planned changes in the law.

Increasingly, borrowers want to finance individual measures such as the installation of a photovoltaic system. Customers are considering larger projects such as a comprehensive energy-efficient renovation, especially when buying an existing property or passing on a house within the family. Construction financing between 50,000 euros and 75,000 euros was particularly popular in the first quarter of 2023. Depending on the individual project, different types of loans and subsidy programmes can be used for financing.

The Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) offers promotional programmes for comprehensive modernisation projects on residential buildings. For this purpose, it provides property owners primarily with low-interest loans. The right place to go for individual measures aimed at improving energy efficiency is the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA). In addition to the subsidies provided by the federal government, it is advisable to find out about regional programmes.

Construction measures on one's own property are sometimes indispensable. Often it is age or physical impairments that require changes in the house or flat. Climate change is also increasingly giving owners reason to carry out climate-proof building measures in order to avoid damage and save money in the long term.

Extensive knowledge about building is offered by various Stiftung Warentest guides: For example, "Measures, financing, implementation - barrier-free building and renovation" and "Effective protection against heat, storms and heavy rain - climate-proof building" or "For renovation and new construction - correct insulation".

(Photo: © Elisa Riva, Pixabay)