What does barrier-free living mean?
Barrier-free living refers to the design of living space in such a way that it can be easily used by all people – regardless of their age or physical limitations. This does not only apply to people with disabilities, but also to older people or families with small children who benefit from barrier-free solutions.
A central aspect of accessibility is the avoidance of obstacles: These can be steps at entrances, narrow corridors or bathrooms that are difficult to access. But accessibility goes far beyond the removal of physical barriers. It also includes ergonomic improvements and safety aspects that make daily life easier – from threshold-free transitions and wide doors to intelligent technologies that control lighting or security systems, for example.
It is important to distinguish between different terms:
– Barrier-free means that a home can be used by all people without restrictions, regardless of physical limitations.
– Low-barrier means that although some obstacles have been removed, not all aspects of complete accessibility have been fulfilled.
– Disability-friendly refers specifically to living space that is adapted to the needs of people with disabilities.
In the wake of demographic change and an ageing population, the topic is becoming increasingly important. More and more people are dependent on barrier-free living space or see it as an investment in their future.
Legal basis and regulations on accessibility
Legal basis and regulations on accessibility
The legal requirements for barrier-free living are clearly regulated in both the rental and condominium sectors. Various laws and standards define which measures are necessary and which structural changes owners and landlords must carry out. Here is an overview of the most important regulations:
Condominium Act (WEG)
The WEG regulates which structural changes may be made in a condominium complex. According to the reform of the WEG in 2020, condominium owners have since been entitled to “appropriate structural changes” – including accessibility measures. These must be decided at an owners’ meeting, but the principle applies that the measure may not be rejected by the other owners without good reason, provided that the owner concerned bears the costs themselves.
Building regulations of the federal states
The requirements for barrier-free construction are set out in the building regulations of the individual federal states. These define which regulations apply to new buildings and conversions. As a rule, new buildings must be designed to be barrier-free, especially in public buildings and residential complexes with several units. Certain accessibility measures are also prescribed for conversions of existing buildings, for example the installation of elevators or the removal of steps in the entrance area.
DIN 18040-2: Barrier-free building – Dwellings
DIN standard 18040-2 specifies the structural requirements for barrier-free homes. It applies to both publicly accessible buildings and private homes and describes in detail how doors, corridors, bathrooms and other living areas must be designed so that they can be used by all people. Important points of DIN 18040-2 are
– Stepless entrances and passageways
– Wide doors and corridors (at least 90 cm wide)
– Sufficient space for movement in all rooms, especially in the bathroom
– Height-adjustable and easily accessible controls such as light switches and window handles
Opportunities and advantages of barrier-free living
Barrier-free living offers a wide range of benefits – for tenants and owners as well as for society in general. Demographic change and the increasing demand for age-appropriate and barrier-free housing options make it an important topic for the future. The most important opportunities and benefits of barrier-free living are outlined below:
1. increase in living comfort
Barrier-free apartments offer a significant increase in comfort for all residents, not just people with disabilities or older people. Transitions without thresholds, wide doors and well thought-out room concepts make everyday life easier and create a spacious, pleasant living environment. Barrier-free solutions also offer many advantages for young families with baby carriages or people with temporary disabilities (e.g. after an operation).
2. longer independence in old age
One of the biggest advantages of barrier-free living is that older people can remain independent in their familiar surroundings for longer. Barrier-free homes enable them to maintain their mobility and manage everyday tasks such as showering, cooking or accessing the home without outside help. This can often significantly delay or even completely avoid the need to move into an assisted living facility.
3. increase in the value of the property
Barrier-free or at least low-barrier properties are future-proof and are increasing in value. As the population ages, the demand for such apartments and houses is also increasing. Owners who invest in barrier-free measures today increase the attractiveness of their property for a broader target group. This applies not only to older people, but also to families and people with temporary or permanent physical disabilities. In an increasingly competitive housing market, barrier-free facilities can be a decisive competitive advantage.
4. future security
Barrier-free living solutions are not just a short-term trend, but also meet long-term requirements. In view of demographic developments and the needs of an ageing society, it is becoming clear that more and more people will be dependent on barrier-free living space. Strict accessibility requirements already apply to many new buildings today, and it is to be expected that these requirements will be extended in the coming years. Those who invest now will meet future standards and remain competitive.
5. promotion of inclusion
Barrier-free homes help to promote an inclusive society. They enable people with disabilities to actively participate in social life on an equal footing. Whether in a private environment or in communal living space, barrier-free housing strengthens social integration and offers all residents the opportunity to lead a self-determined life. For landlords and homeowners, this is not only an ethical added value, but also an economic one, as inclusion and social responsibility are increasingly becoming the focus of the real estate industry.
Funding and financing options
For many people, barrier-free living is an important step towards independence and quality of life. However, as the construction measures are often associated with high costs, there are various funding options to make financing easier for owners and tenants. Some of the most important funding and financing options are presented below:
KfW funding programs
The Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) offers special funding programs for barrier-free conversions. One of the best-known programs is the KfW loan “Altergerecht Umbauen” (159). Here, owners and tenants can obtain low-interest loans for conversions that increase accessibility in their home. Grants are also possible under the KfW grant “Barrier Reduction” (455-B). Here, up to EUR 6,250 per residential unit can be granted as a subsidy for barrier-free conversions.
Subsidies from the care insurance fund
People who have a recognized care degree can receive grants from their care insurance fund for measures to improve their living environment. These grants amount to up to 4,000 euros per person for the conversion of the home. If several people with a care degree live in one household, the subsidy can add up to 16,000 euros. It is important that these grants are applied for from the relevant care insurance fund before the conversion work begins. The application must also be accompanied by a recognized expert (e.g. from the health insurance medical service).
Further funding opportunities
In addition to the nationwide programs, there are often also regional subsidies at state or municipal level. These can vary from state to state or even from city to city. It is therefore worth asking the local city council or advice centers for barrier-free building whether additional funding programs exist.
The future of barrier-free living: trends and developments
The future of housing is increasingly being shaped by demographic change and technological developments. Barrier-free living is not just a question of the present, but also a central component of future living concepts. Here are some important trends and developments that will influence the topic in the coming years:
1. smart home technologies and accessibility
Technological innovations, particularly in the area of smart home systems, are playing an increasingly important role in the design of barrier-free living spaces. Smart home technologies make it possible to control many aspects of living by voice control or remote control – from lighting and opening doors to controlling household appliances. This not only offers greater convenience, but can also significantly increase the independence of people with disabilities. In the future, more and more barrier-free homes will be equipped with intelligent systems that make everyday life easier for residents.
Some examples of smart home solutions for barrier-free living include
– Lighting systems: Automated lighting controls that react to movement ensure greater safety and orientation, especially at night.
– Door and window systems: Automatically opening and closing doors and windows that can be controlled by voice command or app make living more convenient.
– Emergency call systems: Integrated emergency call systems that can call for help quickly and easily in the event of an accident increase safety within your own four walls.
2. demographic change and increasing demand for barrier-free apartments
The population in Germany and many other countries is ageing rapidly. The proportion of older people will increase considerably in the coming decades, which will further increase the demand for barrier-free housing. It is expected that not only new buildings will increasingly be designed to be barrier-free, but that many existing properties will also have to be adapted to the new requirements.
This demographic change is a challenge, but also an opportunity for real estate developers and property managers. Those who focus on barrier-free living concepts at an early stage can position themselves in a growing market and meet the demand for age-appropriate living. Barrier-free construction is therefore increasingly becoming the standard in the construction and real estate industry.
Conclusion: Opportunities and challenges of accessibility in rental and owner-occupied apartments
Barrier-free living is not just a trend, but a necessity in order to meet the requirements of an ageing society. By making barrier-free adaptations, owners and landlords can increase the value of their properties in the long term and secure a competitive advantage on the real estate market. For tenants, it means more comfort, security and the opportunity to lead an independent life even in old age or with physical limitations.
The challenges lie primarily in the structural adaptations and the costs, but the numerous funding opportunities and the long-term benefits make barrier-free conversions a sensible investment. Looking to the future, barrier-free living offers opportunities for innovative living concepts and a more inclusive society in which everyone can live on an equal footing, regardless of their physical abilities.
FG Fröhlich Gottas Hausverwaltung GmbH – Your property, our priority
The all-round carefree package from FG Fröhlich & Gottas Hausverwaltung offers numerous advantages for owners and tenants. The cooperation with reliable and specialized service providers in the areas of building services, locksmiths, carpenters and roofers guarantees comprehensive support. The strong network of FG Fröhlich & Gottas Hausverwaltung ensures that all work is carried out professionally and promptly. This leads to a high level of satisfaction, long-term value retention and improved living comfort.
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