Apply online for a loan to purchase a stairlift: Your guide
29.04.2025
4
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
A stair lift means a significant improvement in quality of life; however, financing often seems like an obstacle. With the right strategy combining grants and loans, this investment can be successfully managed. Find out how to make the process efficient, from planning to disbursement.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Combine grants from the nursing care insurance 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 enquiry to payout to under 48 hours.
Deduct the remaining costs of the stairlift as an extraordinary expense for tax purposes to gain additional financial relief.
Cost analysis: These factors determine the price of your stairlift
The cost of a stairlift varies considerably and depends on four key factors. A straight staircase is the most affordable option, with prices starting at around 3,500 Euro. On curved staircases, costs rise to 8,000 to 15,000 Euro, as the tracks have to be custom-made. The number of floors also plays a role; each additional floor increases the price by at least 2,000 Euro. Additional features such as a folding seat or special cushioning can increase the price by a further ten per cent. Installation costs are often already included in the overall price, but may be charged separately at up to 500 Euro. Precise financing for accessibility always begins with a detailed quotation. With a clear cost overview, the subsequent search for grants becomes much easier.
Secure grants and reduce costs by up to €4,000
Before you take out a loan, you should check all available grants in order to minimise the loan amount. The most important point of contact is the care insurance fund, which pays up to 4,000 euros per person for home environment improvement measures if a recognised care level is in place (from care level 1). If two eligible people live in the household, the grant can double to up to 8,000 euros. This application should definitely be submitted before the purchase in order to ensure approval. Another important source is the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) with the “Barrier Reduction – Investment Grant 455-B” programme. Here, regardless of age or care level, you can receive a grant of ten percent of the costs (maximum 2,500 euros). You must also submit this application online before the refurbishment work begins. A loan for barrier-free refurbishment can close the remaining financing gap. Combining these funding sources is the first step towards 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 online for a loan to purchase a stair lift, you benefit from fast processes. A purpose-specific modernisation loan often offers lower interest rates than a loan for unrestricted use. Through the programme „Age-appropriate Refurbishment (159)“, KfW offers a loan of up to €50,000 at an effective annual interest rate starting at around 2.5 per cent. This loan cannot be combined with the KfW grant, but it is an excellent alternative. The entire process, from enquiry to disbursement, can be completed with many providers within 48 hours. Choosing the right loan model depends heavily on your individual financial situation and the bank's requirements.
Loan requirements for retirees: What you need to know
When lending to pensioners, banks primarily assess creditworthiness and age. A positive Schufa report and regular pension income are basic requirements. Many institutions have an age limit stating that the loan must be fully repaid by the age of 75 or 80. However, some direct banks offer more flexible models without a strict age limit. A loan for pensioners is therefore quite realistic. To increase your chances, a second borrower, such as a child, can be included in the contract. This gives 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: In five steps to financing
The online application process is designed to make your route to financing as straightforward as possible. It can be broken down into five clear steps:
Prepare a household budget calculation: List all monthly income (pension, rental income) and expenses. A clean budget calculation 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 annual percentage rate.
Submit documents digitally: Have your pension statement, bank statements for the last three months and your identity card ready. You can simply upload these documents.
Confirm your identity: The identification check can be completed conveniently from home via the video identification process using your computer or smartphone in less than five minutes.
Receive the payout: Once the review is successful, the loan amount is often transferred to your account within 24 to 48 hours.
A well-prepared application significantly speeds up the entire process and paves the way for realising your project.
Additional tax-saving potential: the stairlift on your tax return
You can claim the costs of a stairlift as an “exceptional expense” in your tax return. The requirement is that the medical necessity is confirmed by a doctor’s certificate before 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 any grants received, such as those from the long-term care insurance fund, are deducted from the purchase costs before you declare them in your tax return. The costs can only be deducted in the year in which they were paid; it is not possible to spread them over several years. This gives you further financial relief.
Financing a stairlift is a manageable task if you proceed systematically. Careful planning, making full use of all grants and a targeted loan comparison are the three pillars of a successful implementation. A digital loan application simplifies the process and enables rapid realisation. At nextsure, we understand that every situation is unique. We support you in finding the right cover for your needs.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation reviewed free of charge and receive specific suggestions for optimisation.
More useful links
The KfW provides detailed information on its funding products for age-appropriate modifications in existing properties.
Comprehensive information on reducing barriers in residential buildings can be found on the website of the KfW.
The investment grant for age-appropriate modifications is explained in more detail by the KfW.
The Federal Ministry of Health provides information about grants for home adaptations in the context of home care.
A brochure from the Federal Ministry of Health provides 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 Accessibility Initiative.
Test.de (Stiftung Warentest) provides comprehensive information on stairlifts, 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 most recent pension notices, and bank statements for the last three months. For subsidies from the long-term care insurance fund, the notice confirming the care level is required.
How long does it take for the loan to be paid out?
With a fully digital application process, including video identification, the loan amount can often be in your account within 24 to 48 hours of approval.
Can I combine the KfW grant with the care insurance subsidy?
Yes, the KfW grant (455-B) for reducing barriers and the care insurance grant for home environment improvements can be combined. It is important to submit both applications before the measure begins.
What happens if my loan application is declined?
If an application is rejected, check the reasons. Sometimes it helps to add a second, solvent borrower (e.g. a child) or reduce the loan amount by increasing your own funds. Applying again to another bank may also be successful.
Do I have to buy the stairlift or can I rent it?
Both are possible. Renting can make sense if the need only exists for a foreseeable period of a few years. In the long term, however, buying is usually the more economical solution, especially since grants and tax advantages primarily promote purchase.
What role does the purpose of the loan play?
A loan earmarked for “modernisation” or “home loan” often has better interest terms than a loan for unrestricted use. Therefore, always state the installation of a stairlift as the reason when speaking to the bank.
