Higher mortgage to make the home more sustainable

Starting January 1, 2024, Dutch homeowners can benefit from a significantly increased borrowing capacity, thanks to a groundbreaking announcement by Minister Hugo de Jonge of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations in the House of Representatives. In this article, we delve into the details of this new regulation and discover how it contributes to a greener and more sustainable future for all of us.

More Borrowing for Sustainability

The good news is that households can borrow up to 50,000 euros more next year, not only to buy an energy-efficient home but also to make their existing home more sustainable. This announcement is based on the advice of the National Institute for Family Finance Information (Nibud), which provides annual borrowing standards advice to the cabinet.

Link to Energy Labels

Nibud takes into account the expected rise in wages in 2024, resulting in an increased borrowing capacity for most households. Moreover, consumers can now borrow more to improve the sustainability of homes with poor energy labels. This is based on the logic that significant savings on energy bills can be achieved after sustainability improvements.

Who Benefits?

This additional borrowing capacity is available to both homeowners who purchase a new, energy-efficient home and those who want to make their current home more sustainable. Minister De Jonge emphasizes that sustainable living is made financially accessible to a broad audience.

Energy-Saving Measures

From 2024, the extra borrowing capacity for energy-saving measures such as insulation, solar panels, and heat pumps will depend on the energy label of the home. Homeowners can consider a fixed amount of 9,000 euros, regardless of the initial label. Notably, for homes with poor energy labels, the extra loan amount will be significantly higher. This is because the greatest savings on energy bills can be achieved in this category of homes.

Building-Related Energy Consumption

The borrowing standards for 2024 are based on the building-related energy consumption of homes with energy labels E, F, or G. Households taking out a mortgage for a home with a better energy label receive extra borrowing capacity, regardless of their income. In other words, the better the energy label, the more borrowing capacity is available.

Conclusion

This new regulation is an important step towards a more sustainable future for Dutch households. It not only encourages the purchase of energy-efficient homes but also promotes the sustainability of existing homes. Minister De Jonge's vision is clear: sustainable living must be financially feasible for everyone.

As De Duurzaamste Bouwer, we welcome this development and look forward to contributing to the growing movement of sustainable living in the Netherlands.

Together, we build a green future!

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