Sustainability Loan

The sustainability loan (duurzaamheidslening, also called stimulation loan) is an interest-free or low-interest loan that homeowners can apply for from their municipality to make their home more sustainable and energy-efficient. The loan is intended to enable investments in insulation (roof, facade, floor, windows) and sustainable heat generation (solar panels, solar water heater, heat pump).

This scheme is offered by various municipalities in the Netherlands to help homeowners reduce their energy bills and CO2 emissions. The conditions, loan amounts, and repayment terms differ per municipality. The purchase of a home battery is usually not eligible for this loan.

Requirements

  • Ownership: You must be an owner-occupier of the property you wish to make more sustainable.
  • Credit check: In most municipalities, a credit check (BKR) is conducted to verify your creditworthiness.
  • Approved measures: The sustainability measures must meet the municipality's requirements (e.g., minimum insulation values, certified installers).
  • Maximum loan amount: The maximum loan amount differs per municipality, often between €10,000 and €30,000.
  • Repayment: The loan must be repaid within a set period, usually 10 to 30 years.

Procedure

  • Gather information: Check via your municipality's website whether you are eligible for the sustainability loan and what conditions apply.
  • Submit application: Submit your application via the municipality's digital application form, usually before implementing the measures.
  • Provide quotes: Provide quotes from certified installers for the planned sustainability measures.
  • Assessment: The municipality assesses your application and checks your financial situation.
  • Approval and implementation: After approval, you receive the loan and can have the measures implemented. Payment is often made directly to the contractor.