Sustainable living: how to finance making your home more energy-efficient
A more sustainable home. Lower energy bills. And a property that's worth more in the future. Sounds good, right? But how do you pay for it? And what option suits your situation best?
We help you finance the sustainability improvements to your home in a smart way. With the right mortgage, a sustainability loan, or a combination of both. Always 100% independent advice, so you make the choice that truly fits you.
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Why making your home sustainable is a smart move
Sustainable living is about more than doing good for the environment. It has direct benefits for you too:
- Lower monthly costs: less energy consumption means a lower energy bill.
- Higher property value: a better energy label increases the resale value of your home.
- More borrowing capacity: with an energy label A or better, you may be able to borrow more than the standard 100% of the property value.
- Subsidies available: the Dutch government offers grants for many energy-saving measures, such as solar panels, insulation and heat pumps.
- Future-proof living: your home is ready for the energy transition, now and later.
How do you finance making your home more sustainable?
There are several ways to pay for sustainability improvements. Which option works best depends on your situation. Here are the three most common routes.
Green mortgage (verduurzamingshypotheek)
Do you already have a mortgage? In many cases you can increase it to finance sustainability improvements. This is called a green mortgage or verduurzamingshypotheek. You borrow extra money on top of your existing mortgage, specifically for energy-saving measures.
The advantage: mortgage interest rates are often lower than those of a personal loan. And you spread the costs over the term of your mortgage.
Sustainability loan (duurzaamheidslening)
Don't want to increase your mortgage, or just a little short for the renovation? A sustainability loan might be the answer. This is a separate loan specifically for energy-saving measures like insulation, a heat pump or solar panels.
Some municipalities also offer an affordable municipal sustainability loan through the Nationaal Warmtefonds or SVn.
Construction deposit (bouwdepot)
Buying a property you want to make sustainable straight away? You can include a construction deposit in your mortgage. You borrow the money upfront and draw it down in stages as the work progresses. That way you only pay interest on the amount you've already used.
Subsidies and energy grants
You don't have to cover everything yourself. Through the ISDE (Investeringssubsidie Duurzame Energie), the Dutch government offers a contribution towards heat pumps, solar water heaters and insulation. During your consultation, we'll tell you exactly which subsidies apply to your situation.
Making your home sustainable in 5 steps with Libero Financieel
- Free introduction
We discuss your home, your plans and your financial situation. Online via video call or at our office in Enschede. - Mapping your options
We look at which measures will have the most impact for your home and which financing options suit you best. - Checking subsidies
We check which grants you can apply for and include them in the advice. - Arranging the financing
We apply for the mortgage increase or loan on your behalf through our digital client portal. Clear and efficient. - Financial peace of mind
You make your home sustainable. We make sure the financing adds up, now and as your situation changes over time.
Your energy label and your mortgage: what's the connection?
A better energy label has a direct impact on your mortgage options. With an energy label A, A+ or higher, you may be able to borrow more than the standard 100% of the property value. That extra amount is intended to finance sustainability improvements.
Do you have a home with a low energy label (D, E, F or G)? Then making it more sustainable is especially worthwhile. You increase the value of your property and expand your borrowing options for the future.
Want to know what your energy label means for your mortgage? We're happy to work it out for you.
Frequently asked questions about sustainable living and financing
What is a green mortgage (verduurzamingshypotheek)?
A green mortgage is an increase of your existing mortgage, specifically intended to fund energy-saving improvements to your home. Think of insulation, a heat pump, solar panels or a new boiler. You borrow extra on top of your current mortgage and spread the costs over the term. The interest rate is usually lower than a personal loan.
How much extra can I borrow for sustainability improvements?
This depends on your income, the value of your home and the current energy label. With an energy label A or better, you may be able to borrow more than the standard 100% of the property value. A mortgage advisor at Libero Financieel will calculate exactly what's possible in your situation.
What is the difference between a green mortgage and a sustainability loan?
A green mortgage is an increase of your existing mortgage. A sustainability loan is a separate loan alongside your mortgage. The mortgage increase often has a lower interest rate but requires more paperwork. The sustainability loan is quicker to arrange and doesn't require a valuation. We're happy to discuss which option suits you best.
What subsidies are available for making my home more sustainable?
The Dutch government offers grants through the ISDE (Investeringssubsidie Duurzame Energie) for heat pumps, solar water heaters, insulation measures and connections to district heating. Municipalities sometimes have additional schemes through the Nationaal Warmtefonds or SVn. During your consultation, we check which subsidies apply to you.
Can I get advice if I don't own a home yet?
Absolutely. If you're buying a property and want to make it sustainable straight away, we can include a construction deposit in your mortgage. That way you have the funds available immediately after purchase for the renovation. We guide you from start to finish, including the mortgage application itself.
Making your home sustainable starts with a good conversation
We're happy to think through the options with you. Online via video call or at our office in Enschede. No obligations, just honest advice.