Plans to increase the value of mortgages given to buy energy-efficient homes in the Netherlands are set to come into effect in 2024, but property experts say that this will have knock-on effects for homeowners of properties with lower energy ratings. Van Bruggen Adviesgroep, an independent consulting group, predicts that homes with lower energy ratings will become less attractive because of the new rules, and therefore will fall in value. 

New mortgage rules mean buyers can take out larger loans for energy-efficient homes

The new mortgage rules, which are set to come into force in 2024, mean that banks can offer buyers up to 50.000 euros more for a mortgage on a home with a good energy rating. For those buying homes with an A or B rating, buyers can get up to 10.000 euros more than those buying homes with energy ratings of C, D, E, F or G. 

In order to loan an extra 50.000 euros, buyers can also opt to buy an energy-neutral home, for which banks are willing to loan much more money than the other ratings. Home-buyers with low energy ratings can also loan up to 20.000 euros to finance improvements to their home's sustainability, through, for example, improving insulation. 

Couples will be able to borrow less to buy property in 2024

As part of the changes for 2024, single people will be able to borrow more money to buy property, according to the research carried out by Van Bruggen Adviesgroep. They say that single people buying a house with an energy label of A or B will be able to borrow between 10.000 and 20.000 euros more on their mortgage next year than in 2023, while single people with an income of up to 70.000 euros buying a home with an energy label E, F, or G will be able to borrow approximately 12.000 euros more, as reported by the NL Times. 

By contrast, the consultancy says couples will not be able to borrow as much in 2024 as has been possible in 2023. This is underlined even more if they want to purchase a home with a lower energy rating.

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