Financing for security windows and doors: How to use loans, grants and tax benefits in 2025
09.05.2025
11
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
A burglary occurs in Germany every six minutes, yet almost half of all attempts are thwarted by modern security technology. Investing in security windows and doors not only protects your property, but also your peace of mind. We’ll show you how to strategically plan the financing for installing security windows and doors and save money in the process.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Financing for security windows and doors is supported by KfW loan 159 with up to €50,000, provided the components meet at least resistance class RC2.
You can save up to €1,200 in tax each year by claiming twenty per cent of tradespeople’s labour costs (up to €6,000).
Modern security technology not only helps prevent burglaries, but can also lead to lower insurance premiums and protect against reduced benefits in cases of gross negligence.
Burglary risk 2025: Why upgrading is now crucial
The police crime statistics recorded damage caused by burglaries of around €340.6 million last year. This figure illustrates the financial scale, but does not take account of the emotional strain on those affected. A burglary in your own home is a massive invasion of privacy. Fortunately, 45.7 per cent of all burglary attempts failed because of existing security technology, demonstrating the effectiveness of protective measures. Investing in security is therefore a direct investment in your peace of mind and your family's protection. The police recommend that private homes have at least components of resistance class RC2, so as not to give opportunistic offenders a chance. This upgrade is the first step towards a comprehensively protected home, the financing of which we will examine below.
Secure government support: use KfW funding for burglary protection
A key 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 “Age-Appropriate Home Adaptation – Loan (159)”. This allows you to obtain a low-interest loan of up to €50,000 per residential unit for burglary protection measures. Although the direct grant (455-E) is no longer available, the loan still offers an attractive basis for financing. To receive the funding, certain technical standards must be met. One of the most important requirements is the installation of windows and doors that are tested 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 submitting the application correctly are crucial to success. Find out about the advantages of a home savings contract to build up equity. Next, we will look at how you can close financing gaps with other types of loans.
Closing financing gaps: renovation loans as a flexible alternative
KfW funding does not always cover the full costs or is the right option. This is where the modernisation loan for energy-efficient refurbishment comes in. Banks often grant such loans up to an amount of 50,000 euros, without the need for an expensive land registry entry. This not only saves notary fees of one to two per cent of the loan amount, but also significantly speeds up the payout. The interest rates for these purpose-bound loans are generally more favourable than for a loan for any purpose. An example calculation: for security windows worth 15,000 euros, you could achieve a monthly instalment of under 300 euros over a term of five years. These loans are ideal for making targeted investments in the security and value of your property. To make the right choice, you should compare the terms and conditions of different providers carefully. But financing is only one part of the equation; tax advantages can also significantly reduce the financial burden.
Reduce your tax bill: deduct tradesperson costs for security technology
An often overlooked way to reduce costs is the tax credit for tradesperson services under Section 35a of the EStG. You can deduct twenty per cent of the labour, travel and machine costs incurred from your tax liability. The maximum deductible amount for these costs is EUR 6,000 per year, which corresponds to a tax saving of up to EUR 1,200. It is important to follow the correct procedure:
Have an invoice issued that separately itemises labour and material costs.
Never pay the invoice in cash; always pay by bank transfer.
Declare the expenses in your annual income tax return.
Attention: material costs are explicitly excluded from this arrangement. Please also note that you cannot claim this tax benefit if the measure has already been subsidised by a KfW loan. Once the financing is in place, it is important to understand the impact on your insurance cover.
Optimising insurance cover: How new windows affect your policy
The installation of certified security technology is not only a preventative measure, but can also have a positive effect on your contents and buildings insurance. Some insurers reward the improved protection with premium discounts of five to ten per cent. Much more important, however, is avoiding reductions in benefits in the event of a claim. If a burglar gains access through a window left tilted open, the insurer may consider this gross negligence and refuse payment. Modern RC2 windows with lockable handles significantly minimise this risk. In the event of a break-in, contents insurance compensates the replacement value of stolen or damaged items. Therefore, document valuable possessions and keep receipts. Comprehensive protection is therefore created through the interaction of mechanical security and suitable insurance cover. To select the right components, it is essential to look at the details of the resistance classes.
Making the right choice: A guide to RC2 security standards
The RC2 resistance class is the minimum requirement recommended by the police for windows and doors in residential settings. But what does that mean in practice? A component in RC2 class withstands an attack by an opportunistic intruder using simple tools such as screwdrivers, pliers or wedges for at least three minutes. That may sound brief, but most burglars give up if they are not successful within one to two minutes. RC2 equipment typically includes:
Mushroom-head locking bolts that make forced entry harder.
A lockable window handle with drill protection.
Laminated safety glass (LSG), which does not shatter when broken.
Professional installation that anchors the component firmly in the masonry.
When buying, look for an official certificate confirming the RC2 classification. This investment in certified quality is the basis for effective protection and a prerequisite for state subsidies. With this knowledge, you can now take the final step and request an individual analysis of your situation.
Protecting your home is a very personal decision that must be tailored to your individual living situation and your needs. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. We at nextsure understand that. Our mission is to offer you bespoke and easy-to-understand insurance solutions. Have your insurance situation reviewed free of charge and receive concrete suggestions for optimisation 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 “Age-Appropriate Conversion (159)” from KfW supports you with measures to improve security in existing properties.
The K-Einbruch initiative 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 Advice Centre provides information on planning comfortable and burglar-resistant windows as part of an energy-efficient refurbishment.
Comprehensive information on the topic of burglary protection can be found on the Consumer Advice Centre’s pages.
The VLH (Vereinigte Lohnsteuerhilfe e.V.) explains how you can deduct burglary protection measures for tax purposes.
The Wikipedia article on burglary protection offers a general overview of the topic and relevant aspects.
FAQ
How do I apply for the KfW loan for burglary protection?
The application for KfW loan 159 must be submitted via a financing partner (e.g. your bank) before construction work begins. You need a quotation from a specialist company confirming compliance with the technical minimum requirements (such as RC2).
Is a modernisation loan worth it for just a few windows?
Yes, a modernisation loan can also be worthwhile for smaller projects. Many banks already offer these loans from a few thousand euros and often waive a costly land registry entry for amounts under 50,000 euros, which simplifies and speeds up the process.
What is the difference between RC2 and RC2 N?
The main difference lies in the glazing. While RC2 requires a specific security glazing (P4A glass), there are no requirements for the glass in class RC2 N. RC2 therefore offers a higher overall level of protection, as the glass is also more resistant.
Can I combine tax benefits and KfW funding?
No, double funding for the same measure is excluded. If you take out a KfW loan to install your security windows, you cannot additionally claim the associated labour costs in your tax return.
Do I need to ask my landlord for permission to install security equipment?
Yes, as a tenant, you must obtain your landlord’s consent before installing new windows or doors, as this constitutes a structural alteration to the rental property. Smaller retrofits such as crossbar locks are often easier to agree on.
How can I recognise a certified RC2 window?
Look for a test report or a certificate from an accredited testing body (e.g. PIV Cert). The window itself should bear a marking indicating the manufacturer, the resistance class (RC2), the standard (DIN EN 1627) and the testing institute.
