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Hessen's €229.5M homeownership boost helps 14,800 families buy first homes

A lifeline for first-time buyers: How Hessen's tax refunds are turning renters into homeowners. But does it solve the housing crisis?

The image shows a poster of a house with solar panels on the roof, along with text and a logo. The...
The image shows a poster of a house with solar panels on the roof, along with text and a logo. The text reads "Rooftop Solar - Tax Credits are Now Available to Cover Up to 30% of Rooftop Solar Installation Costs".

Hessen's €229.5M homeownership boost helps 14,800 families buy first homes

Hessen's homeownership programme has now distributed over €229.5 million to first-time buyers since its launch in autumn 2024. The latest round alone saw nearly €6 million transferred to eligible households. State Premier Boris Rhein claims the scheme has already supported 14,800 families in securing their first property.

The programme refunds part of the property transfer tax, easing the financial burden on buyers. So far, 14,800 applications have been approved, with more than 11,800 families already receiving payments. Families account for 58% of the total funds, amounting to around €132.6 million.

In the most recent disbursement, €3.61 million went to 2,281 new families. Another €2.37 million was paid to 1,476 families receiving their second of ten instalments. The initiative aims to provide long-term financial security rather than just short-term aid.

Officials highlight homeownership as a key life goal and a way to strengthen retirement planning. The programme also boosts demand in the construction sector, signalling confidence in the housing market. However, no specific data exists on how many families have actually purchased a primary residence since the scheme began, nor which regions have seen the biggest rise in ownership rates.

The funding has already helped thousands of families enter the property market. With over €229.5 million approved, the programme continues to expand access to homeownership. Further payouts are expected as more families complete the process.

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