Articles - Certified Energy

Green Home Loans for 7 Star Energy Rating Homes

Written by Jamie Bonnefin | Jun 21, 2022 5:34:02 AM

With buildings in Australia accounting for nearly 25% of carbon emissions it is not surprising that buyers are looking to build more sustainable homes.

A 2020 CSIRO study found that more than 9 million homes in the country do not meet the 7 star Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) rating that deems a property sustainable. With only 10% of new homes built received a 7-star rating or higher.

Thus, with the target of building more 7-star energy rating homes, banks and lenders are now offering special green home loans to borrowers that are buying or building eco-friendly homes.

What is a Green Home Loan?

A green home loan is a type of loan that encourages borrowers to buy, build or renovate their homes in an environmentally friendly way. These loans offer discounted rates for homes that pass an eco-friendly threshold. In order to qualify for one of these loans, your future house should pass at least one of these qualifications:*

  • A 7 star or higher rating under NatHERS.
  • Sustainable property upgrades, this includes:
    • Installation of real-time energy monitoring systems.
    • Hot water pump or solar hot water system.
    • Upgrade to LED lights for at least 75% of all light fixtures.

*Specific qualifications will vary from lender to lender

 FAQ

Why should I get a green loan?

Green home loans befit borrowers that are environmentally cautious or those who want to play a role in building a sustainable future.

Some of the rewards of a green loan are:

  • Discounts on home loan interest rates
  •  Cash backs and rebates
  • Additional funding on sustainable home developments

Make sure to compare home loans and green loans to find the cheapest option for you.

What’s the difference between regular home loans and a green loan?

Green home loans are exclusive to homes that meet certain environmentally friendly benchmarks that’s described by the lender.

How Do I check if my house qualifies for a green home loan?

Each lender has different criteria for their green home loans. Our best advice for you to check the lender’s product information on their website.

Who Can I get a Green Loan from?

With the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) committing over $120 million into funding green home loans, more lenders are starting to offer this product including: