Financing for a patio cover or conservatory: Your path to the dream extension
10 May 2025
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
A personal conservatory is, for many, the epitome of quality living, but the cost can be a hurdle. This article shows you how to make your dream of a glass room or a sheltered terrace a reality with the right financing strategy. We guide you through the options, from flexible loans to government grants, and provide you with practical, tried-and-tested tips.
The topic in brief and concise terms
A modernisation loan is often the best financing option, as it allows for up to €75,000 without an expensive land register entry and offers lower interest rates than a personal loan.
Check government grants (KfW/BAFA) for energy-efficient conservatories, which can allow subsidies of up to twenty percent of the costs.
The necessity of a building permit depends on the federal state and the type of extension; heated conservatories always require a permit.
Der Wunsch nach mehr Licht und Natur in den eigenen vier Wänden führt oft zum Traum von einem Wintergarten oder einer soliden Terrassenüberdachung. Eine solche Erweiterung steigert nicht nur den Immobilienwert um bis zu zehn Prozent, sondern schafft auch ganzjährigen Lebensraum. Doch die Kosten, die schnell zwischen 5.000 und über 50.000 Euro liegen können, erfordern eine durchdachte Finanzierungsstrategie. Dieser Leitfaden beleuchtet die verschiedenen Wege zur Finanzierung für eine Terrassenüberdachung oder einen Wintergarten und hilft Ihnen, die für Ihre Situation passende Lösung zu finden. Wir vergleichen Kredite, erklären Förderungen und zeigen, worauf Sie bei der Planung achten müssen.
Realistically Calculate Costs: The Basis for Your Financing
Before applying for financing for your patio cover or conservatory, a detailed cost breakdown is essential. Basic aluminium patio covers are available from around 2,000 euros. An unheated cold conservatory costs between 8,000 and 25,000 euros, depending on size and material. For a fully insulated residential conservatory that is usable year-round, you should expect costs starting at 20,000 euros, with projects over 70,000 euros not uncommon. Always plan a buffer of at least ten to fifteen per cent for unforeseen expenses. These costs include not only materials and installation but also the foundation, building permit, and any extras such as shading or ventilation. Detailed planning protects you from financial surprises and forms the basis for discussions with your bank.
Compare credit options: Finding the right path for your budget
For financing your extension, several avenues are available to you, which differ significantly in terms of interest rates and flexibility. A thorough examination of the conditions can save you several thousand euros. Here are the most common options:
Personal loan with flexible use: This option is straightforward and quickly accessible, as no specific purpose needs to be justified. However, the interest rates are often one to two percentage points higher than for purpose-tied loans. Such a loan with flexible use is suitable for amounts up to about 50,000 euros.
Modernisation loan: As a property owner, you get significantly better terms here. Many banks waive the costly registration in the land register for amounts up to 75,000 euros.
Construction financing: For very large and expensive projects over 75,000 euros, a classic construction financing with land registry entry is often the cheapest solution. It offers the lowest interest rates but involves more bureaucratic effort.
Building savings contract: If you are planning the construction in a few years, a building savings contract can be a good option. You secure fixed, low loan interest rates for the future.
Your choice depends heavily on the project sum and your time frame, which is why a careful comparison of the offers is crucial.
Modernization loan: Secure up to €75,000 without a land register entry
The modernization loan is the ideal solution for most projects. As the owner, you are liable with your property, allowing banks to offer interest rates that are often more than twelve percent lower than those of standard installment loans. The biggest advantage is the waiver of a land registry entry for amounts up to 75,000 euros, saving notary and land registry costs of several hundred euros. The processing is therefore significantly faster than with a traditional construction financing. The prerequisite is that you are the owner of the property and demonstrably use the money for a value-enhancing measure. Often, the quotes from crafts businesses are sufficient as proof. Some institutions even offer loans up to 90,000 euros without registration. This form of financing thus combines favorable conditions with uncomplicated processing and is therefore the first choice for most conservatories and terrace roofs.
Check state subsidies: Take advantage of grants for energy-efficient extensions
If your conservatory is designed as a heated living space and contributes to the energy efficiency of the house, you may be eligible for government grants. The Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) and the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) offer attractive programmes. Through the Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG), grants of up to twenty per cent of eligible costs are possible, capped at 60,000 euros per residential unit. Alternatively, the KfW offers low-interest loans such as the 'Climate-Friendly New Construction' programme (297). Our expert tip: An energy efficiency expert must be involved before the contract is awarded to confirm eligibility for funding. Another option is tax deductibility: according to § 35c of the Income Tax Act (EStG), you can deduct twenty per cent of renovation costs (up to a maximum of 40,000 euros) over three years from your taxes if you do not use other funding. This option is particularly interesting if you have missed the application deadlines for grants.
Adjust insurance coverage: Secure the new value of your property
A conservatory or a high-quality patio roof significantly increases the value of your property. Therefore, it is essential to adjust your insurance coverage. Notify your residential building insurance of the extension to avoid underinsurance. The insurance sum, which is often calculated based on the living area or the notional value of 1914, must be increased. The standard residential building insurance covers damage caused by storms (from wind force eight), hail, and fire. For glass breakage due to other causes, such as a child's play ball, you usually need separate glass insurance. Given the increasing weather extremes, considering additional natural disaster insurance, which covers damage from heavy rain or flooding, is worthwhile. Comprehensive coverage protects your investment of several tens of thousands of euros in the long term. At nextsure, we support you in optimally adapting your insurance coverage to the new situation.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive specific optimisation suggestions.
More useful links
KfW provides detailed information on the promotion of existing properties for private individuals.
Bundesverband Wintergarten e.V. offers comprehensive information and experts on the subject of conservatories.
The Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection provides the Building Code (BauGB) online for inspection.
FAQ
Welche Finanzierung ist die beste für eine Terrassenüberdachung?
Für eine Terrassenüberdachung, die meist zwischen 3.000 und 15.000 Euro kostet, ist ein Modernisierungskredit für Immobilieneigentümer ideal. Er bietet bessere Zinsen als ein normaler Ratenkredit und ist unkompliziert in der Beantragung.
Muss ich für die Finanzierung eines Wintergartens ins Grundbuch?
Nicht zwangsläufig. Viele Banken bieten Modernisierungskredite bis zu einer Höhe von 75.000 Euro an, ohne dass eine Grundschuld eingetragen werden muss. Das spart Zeit und Kosten für Notar und Grundbuchamt.
Gibt es staatliche Zuschüsse für eine Terrassenüberdachung?
Für eine reine Terrassenüberdachung gibt es in der Regel keine direkten Zuschüsse. Förderungen von KfW oder BAFA sind an energetische Sanierungsmaßnahmen geknüpft, was bei einem beheizten und wärmegedämmten Wintergarten eher der Fall ist.
Wie wirkt sich ein Wintergarten auf meine Wohngebäudeversicherung aus?
Ein Wintergarten erhöht den Wert und die Fläche Ihrer Immobilie. Sie müssen den Anbau Ihrer Versicherung melden, um die Versicherungssumme anzupassen und eine Unterversicherung zu vermeiden. Oft ist eine zusätzliche Glasversicherung sinnvoll.
Benötige ich für einen Wintergarten immer eine Baugenehmigung?
Für einen beheizten Wohnwintergarten ja, in allen Bundesländern. Für unbeheizte Kaltwintergärten gibt es je nach Bundesland und Größe Ausnahmen. Eine Anfrage beim lokalen Bauamt vor der Planung ist immer ratsam.
Kann ich die Kosten für den Wintergarten von der Steuer absetzen?
Ja, wenn Sie keine KfW- oder BAFA-Förderung in Anspruch nehmen, können Sie Handwerkerleistungen und energetische Sanierungsmaßnahmen steuerlich geltend machen. Nach § 35c EStG sind zwanzig Prozent der Kosten (max. 40.000 Euro) absetzbar.
