Accessible Housing

Accessible Housing - Accessible housing refers to the design of living spaces without structural barriers, so that people of all ages and with various physical limitations can use their homes independently and without assistance.

What does barrier-free living mean in detail?

Barrier-free living goes far beyond mere wheelchair accessibility. It describes a comprehensive planning concept that designs apartments and houses so that they can be used comfortably and safely by as many people as possible-whether young or old, temporarily impaired or permanently disabled. The technical basis is provided by DIN 18040, which defines the requirements for barrier-free housing in Part 2.

Key features of barrier-free living include threshold-free transitions between all rooms and to the outdoor area, door widths of at least 80 centimeters (clear passage width), floor-level showers without tripping edges, sufficient maneuvering space of at least 120 by 120 centimeters in front of sanitary fixtures and kitchen appliances, as well as step-free accessibility to the apartment from the public street via the building entrance to the apartment door.

It is important to distinguish between barrier-free and wheelchair-accessible. DIN 18040-2 defines both standards: Barrier-free apartments meet the basic requirements and can be comfortably used by people with limited mobility, older adults, and families with strollers. Wheelchair-accessible apartments additionally meet the supplementary requirements marked with the letter “R”-including wider doors of at least 90 centimeters, larger maneuvering areas of 150 by 150 centimeters, and kitchen and bathroom vanities with space for a wheelchair underneath. In practice, wheelchair-accessible apartments are significantly rarer and more expensive to construct.

Article 48 of the Bavarian Building Code (BayBO) requires that in buildings with more than two apartments, the apartments on one floor must be accessible without barriers. This requirement primarily applies to the construction of new multi-family homes and ensures a minimum supply of barrier-free housing.

Funding and Demographic Change

Demographic change is making barrier-free living one of the most important issues in the housing sector. The proportion of people over 65 in Germany is rising steadily, and with it grows the need for apartments that enable an independent life in old age. At the same time, the existing stock of barrier-free apartments is far from sufficient-studies estimate the shortfall at several million residential units nationwide.

The KfW Banking Group supports the barrier-free renovation of existing homes through the Age-Appropriate Renovation program with low-interest loans (Program 159) of up to 50,000 euros per housing unit. Eligible measures include the installation of walk-in showers, the widening of doorways, the installation of elevators and stairlifts, and the adaptation of access paths to the building entrance. Barrier-free renovation not only enhances living comfort but also sustainably increases the market value of the property, as demand for such apartments will continue to rise due to demographic trends.

Costs and Funding Options for Barrier-Free Renovations

Measure	Typical Costs	KfW Funding (Program 159)	DIN 18040 Requirement
Walk-in shower	€3,000-6,000	Yes	No step, min. 80×80 cm
Door widening (to 80 cm)	€500-1,500 per door	Yes	≥ 80 cm clear width
Stairlift	€5,000-15,000	Yes	Alternative to elevator
Passenger elevator (retrofit)	€25,000-50,000	Yes	Wheelchair accessible: cabin 110×140 cm
Bathroom grab bars	€300-800 per bar	Yes	Recommended for R-Standard
Ramp instead of entry step	€500-2,000	Yes	Max. slope 6%
Wheelchair-accessible kitchen	€2,000-5,000	Yes	R-Standard: 85 cm work height

Practical Tip for Homeowners in Nuremberg and Franconia

In Nuremberg and the metropolitan region, the demand for barrier-free housing is particularly high. Many apartment buildings from the 1950s to the 1970s in neighborhoods such as Langwasser, Schweinau, Röthenbach, or Eibach feature half-landings, narrow hallways, and high bathtubs-classic barriers that increasingly limit older residents.

Our network of experts recommends that owners plan for accessibility right from the start when modernizations are already on the agenda. Installing a walk-in shower during a bathroom renovation incurs only minimal additional costs compared to a conventional shower pan, but significantly increases the unit’s utility and marketability. Widening doorways can also often be achieved with manageable effort during drywall work. The City of Nuremberg offers additional grants for barrier-free renovations in certain eligible areas through its housing subsidy program.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a barrier-free renovation cost?

Costs vary greatly depending on the scope of the work. Installing a walk-in shower typically costs 3,000 to 6,000 euros, widening a door costs 500 to 1,500 euros, and a stairlift costs 5,000 to 15,000 euros. Based on experience, a comprehensive barrier-free renovation of an existing apartment costs between 15,000 and 50,000 euros. The financial burden can be significantly reduced through KfW funding and, where applicable, municipal grants.

Is barrier-free living only relevant for older people?

No, barrier-free living benefits people of all ages. Threshold-free entrances make life easier for those with strollers as well as walkers. Wider doors simplify the transport of furniture and appliances. Floor-level showers are more comfortable and easier to clean than conventional shower pans. Barrier-free design means, first and foremost, comfort and forward-thinking planning that enhances the quality of life for all residents.

What standards apply to barrier-free construction in Bavaria?

The applicable technical standard is DIN 18040, Part 2 of which defines the requirements for barrier-free apartments. The Bavarian Building Code (BayBO) refers to this standard in Article 48 and stipulates that in buildings with more than two apartments, the apartments on a given floor must be accessible. For publicly subsidized housing construction, additional requirements apply in accordance with the Bavarian Housing Promotion Regulations.

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