Jana Schmöller, Director of Social Affairs, emphasizes: “We’re making housing more affordable, providing concrete support to families looking to buy a home, and helping older adults live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. At the same time, we’re promoting climate protection right at the building level.”

Janina Steinkrüger, Head of the Environmental Department, says: “Even relatively simple energy-efficiency retrofits can significantly reduce a property’s energy consumption while also protecting against excessive heat in the summer. And more green spaces in the city improve the microclimate and thus protect public health, especially given the increasing strain caused by more tropical nights and longer heat waves.”

Starting in 2026, the city will for the first time subsidize plug-and-play photovoltaic systems, known as balcony power plants. Eligible recipients are tenants and homeowners with low incomes up to the income limit set by the State Housing Promotion Act (§ 13 (2) LWoFG) plus 10 percent. 

The city grants a one-time subsidy of up to 200 euros for a new balcony power plant per household with a maximum feed-in capacity of 800 watts and a module capacity of up to 2 kW. 

Requirements include compliance with applicable technical standards, registration in the market master data registry, and, for rental or condominium units, the consent of the landlord or the homeowners’ association.

A new subsidy program for low-income seniors aged 65 and older was launched as early as 2025. 

Modernization and climate protection measures in owner-occupied homes in Mainz are subsidized with up to 6,000 euros. These include age-appropriate renovations—such as installing a walk-in shower—replacing windows or doors, insulation measures, as well as greening and de-sealing measures, or planting heat-resistant trees. 

The goal is to make housing for seniors safer, more comfortable, and at the same time more climate-resilient.

Also adjusted in 2025 was the subsidy for families with at least two children who wish to purchase owner-occupied housing in Mainz. The subsidy amount is tiered according to the number of children: a household with two children can receive up to 5,904 euros, and one with three children up to 8,856 euros. Eligibility requires combining this with housing assistance from the state of Rhineland-Palatinate and meeting income limits.

The city also offers clear incentives for rental housing construction: builders—not developers—can receive a municipal construction grant of up to 16,500 euros per apartment for the construction of new rental apartments with at least four rooms for households with at least two children. 

All programs are voluntary benefits provided by the City of Mainz and are subject to available budgetary funds. With its expanded housing support, Mainz is specifically strengthening families, supporting older adults, and further advancing socially just climate protection.