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Sustainability and your mortgage: here's what you need to know
Posted November 27, 2024
Veel huiseigenaren zijn zich niet bewust van de mogelijkheden om hun woning te verduurzamen, vooral als het gaat om financiering via de hypotheek. Uit onderzoek van Nationale-Nederlanden blijkt dat er veel misvattingen zijn over de relatie tussen verduurzaming en hypotheken. Waar velen denken dat een beter energielabel meer leenruimte biedt, blijkt juist het tegenovergestelde waar. Daarnaast is de optie om meer dan 100% van de woningwaarde te lenen voor energiebesparende maatregelen bij veel mensen nog onbekend. Toch biedt dit kansen om een woning energiezuiniger te maken en tegelijkertijd financieel voordelig uit te zijn.
Why borrow extra for sustainability?
Financing energy-saving measures can be done after the fact, but it is often more advantageous to arrange this directly when the mortgage is taken out. By including sustainability measures in the mortgage, the budget is immediately available and can be included in the remodeling. Although the monthly mortgage costs increase due to an additional loan, the savings on the energy bill can offset this in the long run. This makes conservation not only good for the environment, but also for your wallet.
Mortgage rules for preservation
Some important rules apply when increasing your mortgage for energy-saving measures:
Additional loan room for sustainability
Homeowners can borrow extra up to 6% on top of the home value for preservation. However, this amount depends on the home's energy label. The worse the label, the higher the amount that can be borrowed extra. For example, a home with energy label E can get more borrowing space than a home with energy label B. In addition, it must be shown that the additional mortgage costs are financially feasible.
Recognized energy saving measures
The additional amount borrowed may only be used for approved energy-saving measures. These include cavity wall and floor insulation, solar panels or a heat pump. These measures must contribute effectively to improving the energy efficiency of the home. Which preservation options are possible varies by house and situation.
National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG) as a safety net
With a mortgage with National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG), there is the option to co-finance energy savings directly. This provides additional security should the mortgage burden become unaffordable at any time. Moreover, it is not immediately necessary to decide which sustainability measures will be taken. Any unused budget must be repaid on the loan.
Conclusion: make a smart choice
Are you considering an additional mortgage loan for preservation? Then make sure you are aware of the rules and conditions. A well-considered decision is essential for both the financial feasibility and the effectiveness of energy-saving measures. For expert financial advice, consult a mortgage broker. In addition, a certified real estate agent can inform you about the sustainability opportunities within the housing market. By investing in energy savings, you not only improve the comfort of your home, but also build a sustainable and healthy future.
The MVA helps!
An MVA real estate agent is happy to think with you about making your home more sustainable when you buy it. They almost always work with an architectural expert and a mortgage advisor to do this. Why is a real estate agent so important in addition to these experts?
A real estate agent has extensive knowledge of the local housing market and can advise on the value development of sustainable investments. In addition, a real estate agent can help you negotiate the price, assess sustainability options and find a home that is already (partially) sustainable. This way you can be sure that you are making a smart and sustainable choice.