Thuringia is launching the new “EigenheimPlus” funding programme to support individuals purchasing and modernising owner-occupied homes. The Thuringian Development Bank (TAB) is implementing the programme as a reduced-interest pass-through loan provided through applicants’ own banks.
Buying and renovating existing properties
“EigenheimPlus” is intended for individuals wishing to purchase or modernise an existing residential property in Thuringia for their own occupation. “We want to help the people of Thuringia realise their dream of a home while making the use and renovation of existing properties more attractive and affordable. In doing so, we are creating more affordable housing and contributing to the sustainable development of our rural regions,” explains Steffen Schütz, Thuringia’s Minister for Digital Affairs and Infrastructure.
Up to 150,000 euros in funding available
“EigenheimPlus” can finance up to 150,000 euros per project and can be combined with other funding and additional supplementary loans. This allows applicants to structure their financing individually and flexibly. “With ‘EigenheimPlus’, we are sending a signal in Thuringia’s housing market. Renovating existing properties in rural areas has great potential to counter the housing shortage in urban centres. We are now providing an appropriate product to support this,” says TAB Chairman Matthias Wierlacher. Property transfer tax in Thuringia had already been reduced from 6.5 to 5 per cent in 2024. However, figures from Thuringia’s Ministry of Finance show that this measure achieved little success.
Applications for the “EigenheimPlus” programme can now be submitted through applicants’ own banks. Further information about the precise terms and the application process is available on the Thuringian Development Bank’s website.
Criticism from The Left
“The supposedly new ‘Eigenheim plus’ funding programme presented by Infrastructure Minister Schütz at today’s government press conference is not an effective solution to the shortage of affordable housing and rising rents in Thuringia. What is more, these announced measures are not really new; in practice, they merely supplement an existing funding programme for families buying or building a home. Funding for renovations is now to be added. So this is one more new bow on a package that is no longer new“, criticises Anja Müller, housing-policy spokesperson for The Left parliamentary group in the Thuringian State Parliament.
Müller continues: “There is a growing shortage of affordable rental homes and rents are exploding. In the forthcoming budget negotiations, we as The Left parliamentary group in the Thuringian State Parliament will fight to establish a state housing company for Thuringia and to preserve and increase the state housing-construction fund. Thuringia needs more affordable rental homes and an effective rent cap to stop soaring rents.”