Is age-appropriate conversion worthwhile?

Many people who have bought a house had imagined living in it until old age. In old age, however, steep stairs and a lack of grab rails in the shower or bath turn out to be difficulties. Almost any property can be converted to make it barrier-free and age-appropriate. But is it worth it?

When they retire, many people realize that their property has become too big for them. Since the children have left home, the rooms on the second floor are only occasionally used as guest rooms. Maintaining the garden is also becoming increasingly difficult. Many people then ask themselves whether their home is still right for them. At the same time, they also find it difficult to part with it. After all, many fond memories are associated with it. Their own children grew up here and played hide and seek in the garden. The toys are still on the shelves in the old children's rooms. Who can part with them? On the other hand, how can you live in and look after such a house when your own strength is failing?

What conversion options are there?

A barrier-free conversion can provide a remedy in many cases. The following measures, among others, are available to you: House and apartment doors can be widened if a wheelchair is required at some point. In this case, thresholds can also be removed, steps removed and ramps installed. It is often difficult to get into the shower because it is higher. This can also be lowered to floor level. For better support, support systems can be installed in the shower and bath and non-slip floors can be fitted. The problem of stairs can be solved with a stairlift.

Plan well and keep an eye on costs

However, there are three things to bear in mind when it comes to barrier-free conversions: Firstly, start planning early, preferably while you as the owner are still fit and healthy. Secondly, think about which conversion measures are really necessary and sensible. If necessary, seek advice from an expert. And thirdly, you should also leave the implementation of the conversions to experts.

But bear one thing in mind: barrier-free conversion naturally also has a downside. As a rule, it is not exactly cheap. Many owners have to use reserves for this. In addition, age-appropriate conversion does not necessarily mean an increase in the value of your property. Owners may have to live on a building site for weeks on end during the conversion phase.

The alternative: moving into an age-appropriate apartment

If it turns out that an age-appropriate conversion is not worthwhile or not possible, moving into an age-appropriate apartment may be the best solution. Selling your house may well bring you enough money to buy an age-appropriate condominium and leave you some money left over for travel or whatever else you've wanted to treat yourself to for a long time. Before you start the conversion, always seek advice from an expert on what makes sense in your situation.

Would you like to know whether an age-appropriate conversion of your property is worthwhile? Then contact us. We will be happy to advise you.

https://de.statista.com/themen/172/senioren/

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betreutes_Wohnen

https://www.barrierefreie-immobilie.de/kosten-und-foerderung/foerderung/

Legal notice: This article does not constitute tax or legal advice in individual cases. Please consult a lawyer and/or tax advisor to clarify the facts of your specific individual case.

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