Accessibility Renovation Grants in Galicia: Complete Guide 2025

Introduction to Accessibility Renovations in Galicia

Accessibility renovations in Galician homes are an increasingly pressing need. With a significantly ageing population — 34% of Galicians are over 65, one of the highest rates in Spain — and a property market dominated by old buildings without lifts, home adaptation has become a priority for residents and public administrations alike.

In Costa da Morte municipalities like Corcubión, Cee, Fisterra, Camariñas, and Muxía, the situation is particularly relevant. Many buildings in the historic quarters were constructed over 50 years ago and present significant architectural barriers: narrow staircases, absence of lifts, doorways too narrow for wheelchairs, and unadapted bathrooms. Fortunately, multiple grants are available to finance these renovations.

Xunta de Galicia Grants

The Xunta de Galicia, through the Instituto Galego da Vivenda, offers financial aid for housing rehabilitation aimed at improving accessibility. The main 2025 programme provides the following amounts:

Residential Building Rehabilitation Programme

Eligibility Requirements

• The property must be the applicant's primary residence
• The building must be over 15 years old
• Household income must not exceed 5.5 times the IPREM (Public Income Indicator)
• No similar aid received in the last 5 years
• Technical suitability certificate for the planned works

ICO Rehabilitation Loans

The Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO) offers specific financing lines for housing rehabilitation, including accessibility renovations. Key 2025 conditions include:

• Maximum amount: €25,000 per dwelling
• Interest rate: Fixed, generally between 2.5% and 4% (below market rate)
• Repayment term: Up to 10 years
• Grace period: Up to 12 months (interest-only payments)
• Purpose: Accessibility renovations, energy efficiency, and structural improvements

These loans are available through partner banks (Santander, BBVA, Caixabank, Abanca, and others). In Galicia, Abanca has a strong presence and offers favourable terms for these loans.

IBI Tax Deductions for Accessibility Renovations

Several Galician municipalities offer IBI (Property Tax) discounts for homes that have undergone accessibility renovations. These can reach up to 50% of the tax bill for 3 to 5 years, depending on the municipality:

Modifications for Elderly Residents

The most commonly requested renovations for adapting homes for elderly residents in Galicia include:

In the bathroom

• Replacing the bathtub with a flush-floor shower tray
• Installing grab bars on walls and next to the WC
• Folding shower seat
• Anti-slip flooring
• Sliding door for wider passage

Throughout the home

• Eliminating steps and thresholds indoors
• Installing access ramps (maximum 8% gradient)
• Widening doorways (minimum 80 cm for wheelchairs)
• Switches and sockets at accessible heights (40-120 cm from floor)
• Improved lighting in corridors and circulation areas
• Motion sensors and alarm systems

Indicative Renovation Prices

Current Building Regulations

The regulatory framework for accessibility in Galician building includes:

• Technical Building Code (CTE): National standards for minimum accessibility requirements in new builds and major renovations. The SUA Basic Document (Safety of Use and Accessibility) is the primary reference.
• Galician Accessibility Law 8/2014: Regional law expanding CTE requirements with specific obligations for Galicia, including deadlines for adapting existing buildings.
• Order VIV/561/2010: Accessibility criteria for residential building renovations.
• Royal Legislative Decree 1/2013: Consolidated text of the General Law on rights of persons with disabilities.

In practice, renovations affecting more than 50% of the building's surface area require full compliance with current accessibility regulations.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Assess your needs: Consult a professional (building surveyor or architect) about necessary renovations and estimated costs.
2. Gather documentation: Property deeds, padrón certificate, tax return, work quotes, and technical suitability certificate.
3. Submit your application: Through the Xunta de Galicia Electronic Office (xunta.gal) or at Instituto Galego da Vivenda offices. Calls typically open in the first quarter of each year.
4. Wait for resolution: Maximum 6-month deadline. No response within this period means automatic rejection.
5. Carry out the works: Once approved, you have 12 months to complete the renovations.
6. Justify the investment: Submit invoices, completion certificate, and before/after photographs.
7. Receive payment: The grant is paid after full justification of the investment.

EU Funds for Rehabilitation

Galicia benefits from Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR) funds from the European Union, which allocate significant resources to residential building rehabilitation. For the 2021-2026 period, Galicia has received specific allocations for:

• PREE 5000 Programme: Aid for energy rehabilitation of buildings in municipalities under 5,000 inhabitants (applicable to many Costa da Morte localities)
• RD 853/2021 Programme: Aid for rehabilitation projects at neighbourhood or residential unit level, including accessibility components
• European Regional Development Fund (ERDF): Co-financing of accessibility projects in Galicia, with particular attention to rural areas

These European funds are channelled through Xunta calls and complement regional aid. In some cases, the combination of EU funds, regional aid, and tax deductions can cover up to 60-80% of total renovation costs.

Important: The Instituto Galego da Vivenda offers free advisory services to guide applicants through available grants and requirements. Contact them at 900 814 814 or via vivenda.xunta.gal.

Conclusion

Accessibility renovation grants in Galicia represent an exceptional opportunity to improve residents' quality of life, especially for elderly people and those with reduced mobility. With Xunta aid of up to €12,000, favourable ICO loans, IBI tax discounts, and EU funds, adapting homes in municipalities like Corcubión, Cee, or Fisterra is more accessible than ever. Don't hesitate to find out about available grants — your comfort and safety are what matter most.