Sustainable home mortgage: smart financing in 2026
More and more homeowners in the Netherlands want to make their homes more energy-efficient. Solar panels, insulation, a heat pump—the benefits are clear. Lower energy bills, greater comfort at home, and a contribution to the climate. But how do you pay for these investments? The solution is often closer than you think: making your mortgage more sustainable offers ways to finance energy-saving measures without having to pay out of pocket right away. By 2026, the options will be more extensive than ever—provided you know what to look for.
What role does a mortgage play in making homes more sustainable?
When you use your mortgage for sustainability improvements, you’re leveraging your home’s equity to finance energy-saving upgrades. There are several ways to do this. If you’re taking out a new mortgage, you can include the costs of sustainability improvements directly in the loan amount. Already have a mortgage? Then there are other options available.
The Different Financing Options
You have several options for financing sustainability improvements through your mortgage:
- Co-financing at the time of purchase: Borrow up to 106% of the home’s value for energy-saving measures
- Supplemental loan: An additional portion of your mortgage specifically for sustainability improvements
- Refinancing: Borrowing additional funds for improvements when refinancing your mortgage
- Utilizing home equity: Use your home’s increased value to fund sustainability improvements
The choice depends on your personal situation. Are you a first-time homebuyer? Then co-financing is often the easiest option. Have you lived in your home for years? Then a supplemental loan or using your home equitymay be the smartest approach.
National Mortgage Guarantee and sustainability improvements
An important advantage: with the National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG), you can borrow more for sustainability improvements. The National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG) allows you to borrow up to 106% of the market value. That extra 6% is specifically intended for energy-saving improvements. In practical terms, this means that for a home valued at €400,000, you can borrow up to €24,000 extra for sustainability improvements.
Please note: not all measures qualify. The NHG sets clear requirements for which investments are eligible. Examples include solar panels, insulation, HR++ glass, and heating systems. Purely cosmetic renovations do not count.
What sustainability measures can you finance?
The options are wide-ranging, but not everything qualifies as a sustainability measure. Banks and the NHG maintain lists of approved energy-saving measures.
Approved Energy-Saving Measures
Measure
Solar panels (10 units)
Cavity wall insulation
Floor insulation
Roof insulation
HR++ glazing
Heat pump
Average cost
€6,000 – €8,000
€1,500 – €3,000
€2,000 – €4,000
€2,500 – €5,000
€4,000 – €8,000
€12,000 – €25,000
Annual savings
€800 – €1,200
€300 – €500
€200 – €400
€400 – €700
€200 – €350
€1,000 – €2,000
These investments often pay for themselves within 10–15 years. Given rising energy prices, this can happen even faster. Plus, making your home more sustainable increases its value—an added benefit if you decide to sell in the future.
Smart Combinations
Many energy advisors recommend combining measures. Start with insulation before installing a heat pump. A well-insulated home requires a smaller heating system, which saves thousands of euros in purchase costs.
Other smart combinations:
- Solar panels + home battery for optimal utilization
- Cavity wall + roof insulation for maximum effect
Financial Benefits of Making Your Mortgage More Sustainable
In addition to lower energy costs, making your mortgage more sustainable offers other financial benefits. Several banks offer interest rate discounts on sustainable mortgages. This discount ranges from 0.1% to 0.3% on an annual basis.
Interest Rate Benefits and Sustainability Discounts
In 2026, many lenders will have specific programs for making homes more sustainable. ABN AMRO, for example, offers an Energy Savings Budget with attractive terms. Other banks also have similar products.
Specific benefits:
- Lower mortgage interest rate on the sustainability portion
- Higher borrowing capacity due to future energy savings
- Option for an interest-only period on the sustainability portion
- No prepayment penalty for early repayment of the sustainability portion
Combining subsidies and tax benefits
In addition to mortgage financing, subsidy programs are available. The ISDE (Investment Subsidy for Sustainable Energy) offers discounts on items such as heat pumps and solar water heaters. You can combine this subsidy with mortgage financing.
Also worth noting: banks may factor the energy costs you save into your borrowing capacity. Does your new system save you €150 per month? If so, this amount may sometimes be taken into account when calculating how much you can borrow. This varies by lender, so be sure to compare your options carefully.
The Application Process, Step by Step
Making a mortgage more sustainable requires preparation. The procedure varies depending on the situation, but the general steps are similar.
For buyers of a new home
- Request an energy label: Start by understanding the home’s current energy performance
- Request quotes: Get at least three quotes for the desired energy-saving measures
- Seek mortgage advice: Discuss with an advisor which financing option is best for you
- Submit your application: Submit your mortgage application, including quotes for sustainability upgrades
- Plan the work: Once approved, you can have the work carried out
When buying a home, it’s wise to get everything sorted out right away. Financing the work after the fact is often more difficult and expensive.
For existing homeowners
Do you already have a mortgage? If so, the steps are different:
- Have your home appraised to determine its current value
- Calculate how much equity you have
- Request an energy assessment for specific recommendations
- Gather specific quotes from certified installers
- Discuss with your advisor whether taking out an additional loan or refinancing is a better option
Please note: A prepayment penalty may apply if you refinance. Carefully calculate whether the interest savings outweigh any potential costs. An independent advisor can help you with this.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Although making your mortgage more sustainable sounds appealing, there are some things to keep in mind. These are the pitfalls you’ll often encounter.
Overly Optimistic Payback Period
Installers sometimes base their calculations on ideal scenarios. In practice, the savings are often lower. Apply a safety margin of 20–30% to the promised savings. This will help you avoid disappointment.
Incorrect order of measures
As mentioned earlier: insulate first, then upgrade the heating system. This order saves both money and energy. Professional advice on sustainability prevents costly mistakes.
Incomplete quotes
Make sure quotes are complete. Consider:
- Material costs and labor costs
- VAT and any additional costs
- Subsidies that have already been deducted
- Warranties and service agreements
- Schedule and completion date
Mortgage lenders often reject incomplete quotes. This significantly delays the process.
Comparing Mortgage Lenders
Not every bank has the same terms and conditions for sustainability measures. The differences can sometimes be significant.
Key Comparison Points
Aspect
Max. financing
Interest Rate Benefit
Repayment method
Minimum amount
Bank A example
106% with NHG
0.15% discount
Annuity only
€2,500
Bank B example
105% with NHG
No discount
All types
€5,000
Bank C example
106% with NHG
0.20% discount
All types
€2,000
These differences can amount to hundreds of euros per year. Sowhen comparing mortgage interest rates, you should specifically look at sustainability conditions.
Specific products for sustainability
Some banks offer special sustainability mortgages. Lloyds Bank, for example, has a specific Sustainability Mortgage with its own terms. NIBC Bank also offers interesting options for co-financing energy efficiency measures.
It pays to compare. An advisor with access to more than 35 lenders can provide a complete overview of your options.
Practical Tips for a Successful Application
Experience shows that good preparation makes all the difference. These tips will significantly increase your chances of success.
Gather documentation:
- Your home’s energy efficiency label (no older than 10 years)
- Detailed quotes with the installer’s VAT number
- Written grant commitments
- Technical specifications of the equipment to be installed
- Proof that the installer is certified (e.g., RVO registration)
Planning the timeline: The application process takes an average of 2–4 weeks. Add the time required to complete the work to that. Therefore, start at least three months before you plan to use the installations.
Communication with the bank: Be transparent about your plans. Banks value clarity. Explain why you’re choosing certain measures and support this with energy efficiency reports. De Hypotheker provides useful information on what banks expect.
Future Outlook: Becoming More Sustainable in 2026 and Beyond
The pressure to become more sustainable is increasing. Starting in 2030, stricter energy efficiency label requirements will apply to rental properties. Standards are also likely to be introduced for owner-occupied homes. Homes with a low energy efficiency rating will become harder to sell.
Legislative Developments
The government is increasingly encouraging sustainability measures. Expect the following in the coming years:
- Higher subsidies for certain measures
- Potentially mandatory minimum energy efficiency ratings for property sales
- Stricter requirements for new construction (already nearly energy-neutral)
- Additional tax benefits for energy-neutral homes
By making your home more sustainable now, you’re staying ahead of these trends. Your home will retain its value and remain marketable.
Technological Advances
New technologies are making sustainability efforts both more effective and more affordable. Think of improved heat pumps, more efficient solar panels, and smart energy management systems. The investments you make now will benefit from these developments.
Moreover, there are an increasing number of financing options. Various providers are developing solutions specifically for sustainability upgrades. The market is growing, leading to better terms for consumers.
The Role of Independent Advice
With so many options, it’s hard to choose. Which lender offers the best terms? Which sustainability measures should be prioritized? How can you best combine subsidies?
An independent mortgage advisor objectively compares all options. Since they aren’t tied to any one bank, you get a complete overview of the market. This can often save you thousands of euros over the life of your mortgage.
When it comes to sustainability specifically, there are additional considerations:
- Which measures are right for your home and budget?
- How do the monthly costs compare to the energy savings?
- Is it better to make your home more sustainable step by step or tackle everything at once?
- Which grants can be combined with mortgage financing?
These questions require a tailored approach. A personalized consultation will help clarify your specific situation.
In 2026, making your home more sustainable through a mortgage offers excellent opportunities to make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable without having to pay large sums out of pocket right away. The combination of financing options, subsidies, and interest rate benefits makes it financially attractive. However, it does require thorough preparation and a comparison of the various options. Roling Advies is happy to help you find the best mortgage solution for your sustainability plans, with personalized advice and access to more than 35 mortgage lenders for a hassle-free experience.
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