Energy Label and Your Mortgage: Borrowing Extra to Go Green

In short

The energy label shows how energy-efficient a home is, from A+++ (very efficient) to G (poorly insulated). The label is compulsory when selling or letting and is valid for ten years. For your mortgage the label matters because you may borrow extra for energy-saving measures, on top of your normal income-based maximum. For those measures you may even finance up to 106% of the home value, whereas a 100% limit applies to the rest.

What is an energy label?

An energy label indicates how much energy a home uses for things like heating, hot water and ventilation. The class runs from A+++ down to G. A well-insulated new-build home often has an A label or higher; an older, poorly insulated home is more likely an E, F or G. The label is set by a certified energy adviser and is valid for ten years. A valid energy label is compulsory when selling or letting a home.

How does the energy label affect your mortgage?

An energy-efficient home is favourable for your financing in two ways. First, energy costs are lower, leaving more for your housing costs. Second, you may borrow extra to make a home more sustainable or to buy an already efficient home. This extra borrowing room comes on top of your income-based maximum mortgage:

• For energy-saving measures (such as insulation, a heat pump, solar panels or HR++ glazing) you may usually borrow around € 9,000 extra, provided your income is high enough.
• For a net-zero-energy home the extra borrowing room rises to € 25,000.
• The cost of energy-saving measures may be financed up to 106% of the home value, instead of the usual 100%.

How much extra you can borrow in your situation depends on your income and the type of measures. See also how this feeds into your maximum mortgage.

Financing sustainability measures

If you want to make an existing home more sustainable, you can include the costs in your mortgage. The money is then often placed in a construction deposit, from which you pay the contractors' invoices. Easily work out what going green costs with our renovation mortgage calculator. Also remember to look at subsidies and schemes, as they can significantly lower your investment.

Energy label and NHG

The National Mortgage Guarantee also gives room for sustainability. If you borrow extra for energy-saving measures, the NHG cost limit in 2026 is not € 470,000 but € 498,200. That extra amount must then actually be spent on energy-saving measures.

Some providers also give an interest discount for homes with a good energy label or for a green or sustainable mortgage. An independent adviser knows which providers do this. Request a free advice session.

Frequently asked questions

How much extra can I borrow for sustainability?

For energy-saving measures you can usually borrow around € 9,000 extra, rising to € 25,000 for a net-zero-energy home. The measures may be financed up to 106% of the home value.

Is an energy label compulsory?

Yes. When selling or letting a home you must have a valid energy label. The label is set by a certified adviser and is valid for ten years.

Do I get a discount on my interest with a good energy label?

With some providers, yes. A number of providers give an interest discount for energy-efficient homes or a green mortgage. This varies by provider.