Overview
- The federal program, called “Gewerbe zu Wohnen,” will open in July with non‑repayable funds to turn vacant offices and other commercial space into housing.
- Grants cover up to €30,000 for each new apartment and are capped at €300,000 per company.
- All investors, including future owner‑occupiers, can apply before construction for projects that create at least one new flat from heated non‑residential space.
- Projects must reach the “Efficiency House 85 – Renewable Energy” standard, with tailored rules for listed buildings that account for heritage constraints.
- Officials frame the plan as a way to revive city centers and ease a shortfall of about 1.4 million homes, while analysts say potential runs to thousands of units but warn high retrofit costs and weak locations can still stop deals.