Financing for security windows and doors: How to use loans, grants, and tax benefits in 2025
9 May 2025
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
Every six minutes, a burglary occurs in Germany, but almost half of the attempts fail due to modern security technology. Investing in security windows and doors not only protects your property but also your sense of security. We will show you how to strategically plan the financing for the installation of security windows and doors while saving real money.
The topic in brief and concise terms
The financing for security windows and doors is supported by the KfW loan 159 with up to €50,000, provided that the components meet at least resistance class RC2.
You can save up to €1,200 in taxes annually by deducting twenty percent of the labour costs for craftsmen (up to €6,000).
Modern security technology not only prevents burglaries but can also lead to lower insurance premiums and protects against benefit reductions due to gross negligence.
Die Zahl der Wohnungseinbrüche in Deutschland ist 2024 auf 78.436 Fälle gestiegen, was die dringende Notwendigkeit effektiver Schutzmaßnahmen unterstreicht. Viele schrecken jedoch vor den Kosten für neue Sicherheitsfenster und -türen zurück. Dabei gibt es zahlreiche Wege, diese wichtige Investition zu stemmen. Von zinsgünstigen Krediten der KfW über Modernisierungsdarlehen bis hin zu erheblichen Steuererleichterungen – die Finanzierung für den Einbau von Sicherheitsfenstern und Türen ist leichter zu realisieren als oft angenommen. Dieser Artikel führt Sie durch die Optionen, erklärt die technischen Mindestanforderungen und gibt Ihnen eine klare Handlungsanleitung für Ihr Vorhaben.
Burglary Risk 2025: Why Upgrading Now is Crucial
The Police Crime Statistics recorded a loss of around 340.6 million euros caused by burglaries last year. This figure highlights the financial impact but overlooks the emotional stress faced by those affected. A burglary in one's own home is a significant violation of privacy. Fortunately, 45.7 percent of all attempted burglaries were thwarted by existing security technology, demonstrating the effectiveness of protective measures. Investing in security is thus a direct investment in your peace of mind and the safety of your family. The police recommend at least RC2 resistance class components for private households to give opportunistic offenders no chance. This upgrade is the first step towards a comprehensively protected home, the financing of which we will explore further.
Secure government support: Use KfW funds for burglary protection
A central pillar of financing for the installation of security windows and doors is government funding. The Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) supports your project with the programme "Altersgerecht Umbauen – Kredit (159)". Through this, you can receive a low-interest loan of up to 50,000 euros per residential unit for burglary protection measures. Although the direct grant (455-E) is no longer available, the loan still offers an attractive financing foundation. To receive the funding, certain technical standards must be met. One of the key requirements is the installation of windows and doors that are tested according to DIN EN 1627 and have at least resistance class RC2. Compliance with these standards must be confirmed by a specialist company. Careful planning and proper application are crucial for success. Find out about the benefits of a home savings contract to build up equity. Next, we will examine how you can close financing gaps with other types of credit.
Closing Financing Gaps: Modernisation Loans as a Flexible Alternative
Not always does KfW funding cover the entire costs or serve as the best option. This is where the modernisation loan for energy-efficient renovation comes into play. Banks often grant such loans up to an amount of 50,000 euros without requiring an expensive land registry entry. This not only saves notary costs of one to two per cent of the loan amount but also significantly speeds up the disbursement. The interest rates for these purpose-linked loans are usually more favourable than for a loan with no specific purpose. An example calculation: For security windows valued at 15,000 euros, you could achieve a monthly instalment of less than 300 euros over a period of five years. These loans are ideal for strategically investing in the safety and value of your property. To make the right choice, you should carefully compare the terms and conditions of various providers. Yet, financing is just part of the equation; tax advantages can also significantly reduce the financial burden.
Reduce tax burden: Deduct craftsman costs for security technology
An often overlooked opportunity to reduce costs is the tax bonus for craftsmen services according to § 35a EStG. You can deduct twenty percent of the incurred labour, travel, and machine costs from your tax liability. The maximum deductible amount for these costs is 6,000 euros per year, equivalent to a tax saving of up to 1,200 euros. Correct procedure is important here:
Make sure to obtain an invoice that separately lists labour and material costs.
Never pay the invoice in cash, always use bank transfer.
Include the expenses in your annual income tax return.
Attention: Material costs are explicitly excluded from this regulation. Additionally, note that you cannot claim this tax benefit if the measure has already been subsidised by a KfW loan. Once the financing is secured, it is important to understand the effects on your insurance coverage.
Making the Right Choice: A Guide to RC2 Security Standards
The resistance class RC2 is the minimum requirement recommended by the police for windows and doors in private areas. But what does this mean specifically? A component of class RC2 withstands the attack of an opportunistic intruder with simple tools like screwdrivers, pliers, or wedges for at least three minutes. This may sound short, but most burglars give up if they are not successful within one to two minutes. Typical RC2 fittings include:
Mushroom head locking mechanisms that make prying open more difficult.
A lockable window handle with anti-drill protection.
Laminated safety glass (VSG) that does not shatter when broken.
Professional installation that firmly anchors the component into the masonry.
When purchasing, look out for an official certificate that confirms the RC2 classification. This investment in proven quality is the foundation for effective protection and the prerequisite for government subsidies. With this knowledge, you can now take the final step and request an individual analysis of your situation.
Request your personal risk analysis now
The protection of your home is a very personal decision that must be tailored to your individual living situation and needs. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. At nextsure, we understand this. Our mission is to offer you customised and easy-to-understand insurance solutions. Have your insurance situation reviewed free of charge and receive specific optimisation suggestions that are aligned with your new security measures.
More useful links
The KfW offers comprehensive information on funding for burglary protection measures in existing properties for private individuals.
The funding product "Altersgerecht Umbauen (159)" from KfW supports you in measures to improve security in existing properties.
The initiative K-Einbruch provides security tips and information on funding for burglary protection measures.
K-Einbruch offers detailed expert information and studies, including the Police Crime Statistics (PKS) on the subject of burglary.
The Consumer Centre provides information on planning comfortable and burglar-proof windows as part of energy refurbishment.
Comprehensive information on the subject of burglary protection can be found on the Consumer Centre's pages.
The VLH (Vereinigte Lohnsteuerhilfe e.V.) explains how you can deduct costs for burglary protection measures from your taxes.
The Wikipedia article on burglary protection offers a general overview of the topic and relevant aspects.
FAQ
Wie beantrage ich den KfW-Kredit für Einbruchschutz?
Der Antrag für den KfW-Kredit 159 muss vor Beginn der Baumaßnahmen über einen Finanzierungspartner (z. B. Ihre Hausbank) gestellt werden. Sie benötigen ein Angebot eines Fachunternehmens, das die Einhaltung der technischen Mindestanforderungen (wie RC2) bestätigt.
Lohnt sich ein Modernisierungskredit für nur wenige Fenster?
Ja, ein Modernisierungskredit kann sich auch für kleinere Vorhaben lohnen. Viele Banken bieten diese Kredite bereits ab wenigen tausend Euro an und verzichten bei Summen unter 50.000 Euro oft auf einen kostspieligen Grundbucheintrag, was den Prozess vereinfacht und beschleunigt.
Was ist der Unterschied zwischen RC2 und RC2 N?
Der Hauptunterschied liegt in der Verglasung. Während bei RC2 eine bestimmte Sicherheitsverglasung (P4A-Glas) vorgeschrieben ist, gibt es bei der Klasse RC2 N keine Vorgaben für das Glas. RC2 bietet daher einen höheren Gesamtschutz, da auch das Glas widerstandsfähiger ist.
Kann ich Steuervorteil und KfW-Förderung kombinieren?
Nein, eine doppelte Förderung derselben Maßnahme ist ausgeschlossen. Wenn Sie einen KfW-Kredit für den Einbau Ihrer Sicherheitsfenster in Anspruch nehmen, können Sie die dafür angefallenen Handwerkerkosten nicht zusätzlich in Ihrer Steuererklärung geltend machen.
Muss ich meinen Vermieter um Erlaubnis für den Einbau von Sicherheitstechnik fragen?
Ja, als Mieter müssen Sie vor dem Einbau neuer Fenster oder Türen die Zustimmung Ihres Vermieters einholen, da es sich um eine bauliche Veränderung am Mietobjekt handelt. Kleinere Nachrüstungen wie Querriegelschlösser sind oft einfacher abzustimmen.
Wie erkenne ich ein zertifiziertes RC2-Fenster?
Achten Sie auf ein Prüfzeugnis oder ein Zertifikat von einer akkreditierten Prüfstelle (z.B. PIV Cert). Das Fenster selbst sollte eine Kennzeichnung tragen, die den Hersteller, die Widerstandsklasse (RC2), die Norm (DIN EN 1627) und das Prüfinstitut ausweist.
