Poland expands support for building renovations, social housing

The Polish government will allocate additional funding for the thermal modernization of buildings and improve the operation of programs supporting social housing.

The measures are expected to benefit 13,300 households, CE Report informs via the Ministry of Economic Development and Tecnology of the Republic of Poland's official website.

The key changes in the draft legislation adopted by the Council of Ministers concern an additional PLN 140 million (€33 million) in funding for the TERMO program.

“Investments in thermal modernization are not only about lower bills and greater comfort for residents. They are also an investment in the competitiveness of the Polish economy. Reducing energy costs, developing the domestic market for modern technologies and increasing investment activity by local governments and housing communities bring benefits to both residents and businesses,” Finance and Economy Minister Andrzej Domański said.

“We want to launch additional financing as quickly as possible for investments improving the energy efficiency of multi-family buildings. Through the proposed changes, we will use funds that remain unspent and direct them where demand is currently greatest,” Deputy Minister of Development and Technology Tomasz Lewandowski said.

Under the proposed measures, the funds could be used to support thermal modernization, renovations and renewable energy investments carried out by housing communities and cooperatives, municipalities, as well as other owners and managers of multi-family buildings.

Unlocking the funds this year would provide support for investments in around 630 buildings inhabited by nearly 13,300 households. The additional funding would therefore not only increase the number of projects carried out but also bring tangible benefits to residents, including lower energy consumption, reduced heating costs, greater thermal comfort and improved building standards.

The draft also provides for a PLN 70 million increase in the statutory limit for contributions to the Thermal Modernization and Renovation Fund in 2026. This would enable additional support for thermal modernization projects if savings become available under other housing programs.

The legislation would also introduce changes to programs providing financial support for social and municipal housing, as well as social rental housing. The conditions for non-governmental organizations seeking non-repayable support would be clarified. Grants could be sought by entities holding public-benefit organization status or with relevant experience in carrying out social assistance activities, particularly for older people, people with disabilities, people who are ill and people experiencing homelessness.

The draft would also allow national support to be combined with European Union funding, potentially providing more favorable financing conditions for housing investments. Such financing will soon be available under the European Funds for Eastern Poland 2021–2027 program.

Photo Ministry of Economic Development and Tecnology of the Republic of Poland