There are lots of things to think about when buying a home in the Netherlands. Take energy labels, for example. What should you think about when deciding if A+ is essential or whether G is good enough?

All homes which are listed for sale in the Netherlands must by law have an energy label, which tells prospective buyers about how energy-efficient they are. Homes with an A label or higher, for example, are considered to have “very low energy usage”.

They often will be fully insulated, may have solar panels or a heat pump to provide warmth in the winter. “Buying a home with a high energy label, such as A or B, can be beneficial for multiple reasons,” says ABN AMRO’s mortgage expert Steven Goedemans in the video below. “These homes are more energy efficient and therefore better for the environment. And as a bonus, they are usually more comfortable to live in.”

In addition, sustainable homes usually have a higher value than those with low energy labels and tend to hold their value over time, making them a smart investment for the future, when you come to sell.

Mortgage interest discount

But there are other advantages too. ABN AMRO, for example, offers a discount on your mortgage interest if you buy a home with energy label B or higher. And even if your new home doesn’t have that label yet — you can still qualify.

If you improve your home’s energy label to A or B within 24 months of purchase, the discount will apply from the moment your new label is registered. That means you’ll save on mortgage costs, use less energy, and do something good for the planet at the same time.

And if the home you love has a label C or lower, no worries – there are also ways to improve its energy label. ABN AMRO offers financing options if you need extra budget to improve your home’s energy performance – whatever label it has. It might all sound complicated but a mortgage advisor will be able to go through all the options with you.

If you are considering buying a home, feel free to reach out to Steven or one of his ABN AMRO colleagues for a free consultation. Find out more