Germany's €300M Plan Turns Empty Offices Into Eco-Friendly Homes

Federal Housing Minister Verena Hubertz (SPD) has launched a new funding program titled "From Commercial to Residential," according to Bild (Wednesday edition).

The government is set to allocate €300 million from its special assets for the initiative. The grants will not need to be repaid, with further details to be published in the Federal Law Gazette on Thursday.

The program is scheduled to begin this summer, with investors able to apply for funding starting July 1—though only before construction commences. Each converted residential unit will be eligible for up to €30,000 in subsidies, with a cap of €300,000 per company.

The scheme will support the conversion of "heated buildings—or heated sections of buildings—not used for residential purposes at the time of application" into housing, the ministry stated. At least one new apartment must be created per project, and the funding will also prioritize climate-friendly renovations.

"Vacant properties amid a housing shortage are absolutely unacceptable," Hubertz told the newspaper. "By revitalizing empty commercial buildings, we're not just creating homes—we're also boosting the appeal of our city centers and improving people's quality of life."