Apply online for a loan to purchase a stair lift: Your guide
29 Apr 2025
8
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
A stairlift represents a significant improvement in quality of life, but financing it often seems like a hurdle. With the right strategy of grants and loans, this investment can be successfully managed. Find out how to efficiently organise the process from planning to payment.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Combine grants from the care fund (up to €4,000) and KfW (up to €2,500) to reduce the loan amount.
An online loan application for a stairlift can shorten the process from application to payout to under 48 hours.
Deduct the remaining costs of the stairlift as an extraordinary burden from your taxes to receive additional financial relief.
Cost Analysis: These Factors Determine the Price of Your Stairlift
The costs for a stairlift vary considerably and depend on four key factors. A straight staircase is the most economical option, with prices starting at around €3,500. For curved staircases, costs rise to between €8,000 and €15,000, as the rails need to be custom-made. The number of floors is also important; each additional floor increases the price by at least €2,000. Additional features like a folding seat or special upholstery can increase the price by another ten percent. Installation costs are often included in the overall price but can also be charged separately, up to €500. A precise financing for accessibility always starts with a detailed cost estimate. With a clear overview of costs, the subsequent search for grants becomes significantly easier.
Secure grants and reduce costs by up to 4,000 euros
Before taking out a loan, you should check all available grants to minimize the loan amount. The primary point of contact is the care insurance fund, which pays up to €4,000 per person for measures to improve the living environment, with a recognized care level (from care level 1). If two eligible individuals live in the household, the grant can double to up to €8,000. This application should definitely be submitted before making a purchase to ensure approval. Another important source is the KfW Bank with the program "Barrier Reduction – Investment Grant 455-B." Here, you can receive a grant of ten percent of the costs (up to €2,500), regardless of age or care level. This application must also be submitted online before the start of renovation. A loan for barrier-free renovation can close the remaining financing gap. The combination of these funding sources is the first step toward successful financing.
Find the right loan for the stairlift online
After deducting all grants, there is often a remaining amount that can be covered by a loan. If you apply for a loan online for the purchase of a stairlift, you benefit from fast processes. A dedicated modernisation loan often offers more favourable interest rates than a loan for unrestricted use. The KfW offers a loan of up to 50,000 euros with an effective annual interest rate of around 2.5 percent through the "Altersgerecht Umbauen (159)" programme. This loan cannot be combined with the KfW grant but is an excellent alternative. The entire process, from application to payout, can be completed within 48 hours by many providers. The choice of the right loan model depends significantly on your individual financial situation and the bank's requirements.
Credit requirements for pensioners: What you need to know
When lending to retirees, banks primarily assess creditworthiness and age. A positive credit report and a regular pension income are essential prerequisites. Many institutions have an age limit stipulating that the loan must be fully repaid by the age of 75 or 80. However, some direct banks offer more flexible models without strict age limits. Thus, a loan for retirees is indeed realistic. To improve your chances, a second borrower, such as a child, can be included in the contract. This offers the bank additional security and often improves the terms. Preparing the necessary documents is the next logical step in the process.
The digital loan application: Five steps to financing
The online application process is designed to make the path to financing as straightforward as possible for you. It can be divided into five clear steps:
Create a budget plan: List all monthly income (pension, rental income) and expenses. A clear budget plan for the loan application is the foundation for the bank.
Compare offers: Use online comparison portals to check the interest rates and terms of different banks. Pay attention to the effective annual interest rate.
Submit documents digitally: Have your pension notice, bank statements from the last three months, and your identity card ready. You can easily upload these documents.
Confirm your identity: The identity verification is conveniently done from home via the VideoIdent process on your computer or smartphone in less than five minutes.
Receive payout: After successful verification, the loan amount is often transferred to your account within 24 to 48 hours.
A well-prepared application significantly accelerates the entire process and paves the way for the realization of your project.
Additional savings potential: The stairlift in the tax return
You can claim the costs for the stairlift as an "extraordinary burden" in your tax return. The prerequisite is that the medical necessity is proven by a doctor's certificate before the purchase. The tax office deducts a "reasonable burden" from the total costs, the amount of which depends on your income, marital status, and the number of children. All costs that exceed this reasonable personal contribution reduce your taxable income. It is important that received grants, such as those from the nursing care fund, must be deducted from the acquisition costs before you declare them in the tax return. The costs can only be deducted in the year they were paid; splitting is not possible. This way, you secure additional financial relief.
Your funding for accessible living
Financing a stairlift is a manageable task if approached systematically. Careful planning, utilizing all available grants, and a targeted loan comparison are the three pillars for successful implementation. A digital loan application simplifies the process and allows for swift realization. At nextsure, we understand that every situation is unique. We support you in finding the right coverage for your needs.
Request your individual risk analysis now: Get your insurance situation checked for free and receive specific optimization suggestions.
More useful links
The KfW provides detailed information on its funding products for age-appropriate renovations in existing properties.
Comprehensive information on reducing barriers in residential buildings can be found on the KfW website.
The investment grant for age-appropriate conversions is further explained by the KfW.
The Federal Ministry of Health provides information on grants for home adaptations in the context of home care.
A brochure from the Federal Ministry of Health offers an overview of the Care Strengthening Act.
The Aktion Mensch presents its funding programme for accessibility and mobility.
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs provides information on the Federal Initiative for Accessibility.
Test.de (Stiftung Warentest) offers comprehensive information on stair lifts, their costs, grants, and legal aspects.
FAQ
What documents do I need for the online loan application?
As a rule, you will need a valid identity card or passport, your recent pension notices, and bank statements from the last three months. For care insurance benefits, the notice of the care level is required.
How long does it take for the loan to be disbursed?
With a fully digital application process including video identification, the loan amount can often be in your account within 24 to 48 hours after approval.
Can I combine the KfW grant with the care fund subsidy?
Yes, the KfW grant (455-B) for barrier reduction and the care fund grant for home improvement measures can be combined. It is important to submit both applications before starting the measure.
What happens if my loan application is rejected?
If an application is rejected, check the reasons. Sometimes it helps to add a second, solvent borrower (e.g., a child) or to reduce the loan amount by providing more equity. Submitting a new application with a different bank can also be successful.
Do I have to buy the stairlift, or can I rent it?
Both options are possible. Renting can be sensible if the need is only for a foreseeable period of a few years. However, in the long term, purchasing is usually the more economical solution, especially since grants and tax benefits primarily encourage buying.
What role does the purpose play in a loan?
A loan designated as a "modernisation" or "home improvement" loan often offers better interest rates than a loan for general use. Therefore, always state the installation of a stairlift as the reason to the bank.
