Securing funding for the installation of soundproof windows: Your path to more peace
30 Apr 2025
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
Constant noise from outside not only reduces your quality of living but can also affect your health. Investing in soundproof windows is an effective solution, but many are deterred by the cost. We show you how to secure financing for installing soundproof windows while benefiting from attractive government subsidies.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Government subsidies (BAFA/KfW) can reduce the cost of soundproof windows by 15 to 25 percent if energy standards are met.
Alternatively to the subsidy, 20 percent of the renovation costs (up to 40,000 euros) can be deducted from tax over three years.
Modernisation loans up to 50,000 euros are often available without land register entry and offer a flexible financing solution.
Lärm ist einer der größten Stressfaktoren in Wohngebieten. Er beeinträchtigt die Konzentration, stört den Schlaf und kann langfristig zu gesundheitlichen Problemen führen. Der Einbau moderner Schallschutzfenster kann die Lärmbelastung in Innenräumen um bis zu 75 Prozent reduzieren. Viele Immobilienbesitzer zögern jedoch aufgrund der initialen Kosten. Dieser Artikel führt Sie durch die verschiedenen Möglichkeiten, eine Finanzierung für den Einbau von Schallschutzfenstern zu sichern. Von staatlichen Förderprogrammen über steuerliche Absetzbarkeit bis hin zu passgenauen Krediten – wir erklären Ihnen praxisnah, wie Sie Ihr Zuhause in eine Oase der Ruhe verwandeln, ohne Ihr Budget zu sprengen.
Noise as a Cost Factor: Why Investing in Soundproof Windows Pays Off
Persistent noise can significantly disrupt well-being and impact health. In pure residential areas, the emission limit during the day is 55 decibels (dB(A)). An investment in soundproof windows is therefore more than just a gain in comfort. Windows of soundproof class 4 can reduce the noise level by 40 to 44 decibels. This turns a noisy main street with 70 decibels into a quiet whisper in the living room. The increase in your property's value is another positive side effect that is often underestimated. A quiet residential location can increase the market value by up to ten percent. The next step is to examine the various financing options.
Make the most of government subsidies: KfW and BAFA grants
The government supports the installation of energy-efficient windows, which often also includes sound insulation. The Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) subsidises individual measures with a grant of 15 percent. If the window replacement is part of an individual refurbishment roadmap (iSFP), the grant increases to 20 percent. For comprehensive refurbishment to an efficiency house, the KfW development bank offers loans of up to 150,000 euros under programme 261, with a repayment grant of up to 25 percent. The requirement is usually a specific U-value for the windows, which must often be a maximum of 0.95 W/(m²K) for funding. A suitable building financing can ideally complement these programmes. The application requires careful planning and often the involvement of an energy efficiency expert.
Tax Deductibility: Save up to 20 percent of costs
An attractive alternative to direct funding is tax deductibility. You can deduct 20 percent of the expenses for window replacement from your tax liability. This applies to material and labour costs up to a maximum amount of 200,000 euros per residential property, corresponding to a maximum tax saving of 40,000 euros. The tax reduction is spread over three years. The following conditions must be met:
The building must be at least ten years old at the time of renovation.
You must occupy the property yourself.
The work must be carried out by a professional company.
You must not claim any other state funding (such as KfW or BAFA) for the same measure.
It is important to keep a correct invoice and a proof of transfer. This tax relief makes the financing of new windows even more accessible and manageable. Next, we will look at flexible loan options.
Alternative financing options: modernisation loans and building savings contracts
Government grants do not always align with individual circumstances. A modernisation loan is a flexible alternative here. Banks often offer such loans up to 50,000 euros without the need for land registry entry, which saves time and notary costs. The interest rates are generally more favourable than those of a standard instalment loan, as the investment serves to maintain the property's value. Another established method is the building savings contract. With a building savings contract, you secure fixed, low loan rates for the future. In the savings phase, you build up equity and receive a low-interest loan once allocated. This method is particularly suitable for long-term planned renovations. The right budget calculation before applying for a loan provides a solid foundation for discussions with the bank.
Step by Step: How to Secure Your Financing
A structured approach is the key to success. With the right steps, you can secure the optimal financing for your new soundproof windows. Here is a simple guide:
Obtain quotes: Acquire at least three quotes from professional companies. Pay attention to the exact specifications of the windows (soundproof class, U-value).
Check funding options: Determine if you are eligible for BAFA grants or KfW funding. An energy efficiency expert can assist with this and is often a requirement.
Weigh tax benefits: Compare the amount of funding with the potential tax savings of 20 percent.
Compare loan options: Review the conditions for a loan with a free use purpose or a dedicated modernization loan.
Submit applications: Be sure to submit funding applications before starting construction work.
With this clear strategy, you can turn your desire for peace into a financially feasible reality. Our Home & Living service supports you in this. Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation reviewed for free and receive specific optimization suggestions.
More useful links
Deutsche Bahn provides information on passive noise protection for buildings, particularly in the context of rail traffic noise.
The KfW presents its funding programmes for the energy-efficient renovation of windows in existing buildings.
Information on the soundproof window programme of the City of Berlin is available on their website.
The German Environment Agency offers an environmental indicator on noise pollution affecting the population in Germany.
You can also find a comprehensive page on noise topics at the German Environment Agency.
The Consumer Advice Centre provides advice on planning windows during energy refurbishments, including aspects of comfort and burglary protection.
FAQ
Wie hoch sind die Kosten für Schallschutzfenster?
Die Kosten variieren stark nach Material, Größe und Schallschutzklasse. Ein Kunststofffenster (1,3 x 1,3 m) der Schallschutzklasse 3 kostet circa 450 Euro, während Klasse 4 bei etwa 500 Euro beginnt. Holz-Alu-Fenster sind mit circa 680 Euro teurer.
Kann ich als Mieter den Einbau von Schallschutzfenstern verlangen?
Einen direkten Anspruch auf den Einbau gibt es nicht. Liegt die Lärmbelastung jedoch nachweislich und dauerhaft über den gesetzlichen Grenzwerten, können Sie eine Mietminderung geltend machen oder mit dem Vermieter über eine Modernisierung verhandeln, die auch ihm durch eine mögliche Mieterhöhung zugutekommt.
Welcher U-Wert ist für eine Förderung erforderlich?
Um eine Förderung von BAFA oder KfW zu erhalten, darf der Wärmedurchgangskoeffizient (U-Wert) des gesamten Fensters einen Wert von 0,95 W/(m²K) nicht überschreiten. Für Dachfenster liegt der Grenzwert bei 1,0 W/(m²K).
Was passiert, wenn ich Fördermittel beantrage und die Maßnahme doch nicht durchführe?
Ein bewilligter, aber nicht abgerufener Zuschuss verfällt in der Regel ohne Konsequenzen. Bei einem Kreditvertrag können je nach Bank und Zeitpunkt des Rücktritts Bereitstellungszinsen oder eine Nichtabnahmeentschädigung anfallen. Prüfen Sie die Vertragsbedingungen genau.
Kann ich die steuerliche Förderung auch für ein Ferienhaus nutzen?
Nein, die steuerliche Förderung nach § 35c EStG gilt nur für Immobilien, die Sie ausschließlich zu eigenen Wohnzwecken nutzen. Ferienhäuser oder vermietete Objekte sind davon ausgenommen.
Gibt es spezielle Förderungen für Lärmschutz an Bahnstrecken oder Flughäfen?
Ja, für Anwohner von lauten Verkehrswegen wie Bahnstrecken gibt es oft spezielle Lärmsanierungsprogramme. Die Deutsche Bahn oder die Flughafenbetreiber bieten unter bestimmten Voraussetzungen Zuschüsse von bis zu 75 Prozent für passive Schallschutzmaßnahmen.
