ROTTERDAM, 27 March 2025 – Two new financial support schemes have been introduced by the municipality to assist owners of municipal monuments. These include a subsidy for minor maintenance and sustainability research, and a low-interest loan for restoration and energy-saving upgrades.
Subsidy for minor maintenance and sustainability research
The Rotterdam city executive has approved two financial measures intended to support private individuals who own municipal monuments (gemeentelijke monumenten). One of the new schemes includes a subsidy designed for smaller interventions such as painting, repairing original window frames, or conducting sustainability assessments.
This subsidy, now open for applications, ranges from €2,000 to €20,000 per request. The total budget allocated for 2025 is €200,000. Applications are processed in order of receipt and may be submitted until 30 November 2025. If the budget is depleted before the deadline, new applications may be submitted the following year.
The support targets monument owners who live or work in their buildings, thereby encouraging them to invest in the preservation of historical properties.
Alderman Said Kasmi (Education, Culture and Events) stated, “Rotterdam is proud of its monuments. But heritage does not preserve itself; it requires dedicated owners. These measures are meant to support them and ensure our historic buildings are prepared for the future.”
Low-interest loan for restoration and energy efficiency
In addition to the subsidy, a loan scheme administered through the Rotterdam Restoration Fund (Rotterdams Restauratiefonds, RFF) has been expanded. For the first time, energy-saving improvements will be eligible, provided they represent no more than 25% of the total loan amount.
The interest rate will be 5% below market level, with a minimum interest rate of 1.5%. Loan amounts will range from €10,000 to €400,000.
Once a municipal approval is granted, the National Restoration Fund (Nationaal Restauratiefonds, NRF) will assess the applicant’s financial viability based on creditworthiness and integrity. The scheme will be open for applications from 1 June 2025, pending approval by the city council.
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