Green mortgages: what are they and what advantages do they offer?

Homes that meet a series of environmental sustainability and energy efficiency requirements are eligible for special mortgage loans. These are known as ‘green mortgages’, a cost-effective and efficient way to promote sustainable practices and limit the environmental impact of homes. 

Requirements for accessing green mortgages 

Green mortgages are the evolution of traditional mortgages in a property market that is increasingly aware of environmental protection. They offer future homeowners more advantageous alternatives for financing their home, provided that it meets certain requirements: 

• Efficient air conditioning and hot water systems (e.g. heat pumps, solar thermal systems, condensing boilers, etc.) 
• High-quality, optimally sealed insulation (e.g. double glazing, thermal breaks, insulating materials, etc.) 
• Efficient appliances (with A, B or, at most, C labelling). 
• Low-energy lighting (e.g. LED lighting systems) 
• Use of renewable energies (e.g. wind turbines, solar panels, hydro and geothermal energy, etc.) 

An authorized technician will be responsible for issuing the mandatory efficiency certificate for the application and approval of a green mortgage. 

What are the advantages of green mortgages? 

Green mortgages have a positive impact on both homeowners and the environment: 

• Lower rates and interest and longer repayment periods compared to traditional mortgages. 
• Long-term savings on utilities, reducing water and electricity costs on bills. 
• More responsible use of resources and reduction of carbon footprint. 
• Compliance with new sustainability and energy efficiency standards. 

Energy certification: the key to green mortgages

Indirectly, green mortgages also have a significant impact on property revaluation. To access this type of loan, the property must obtain an energy rating of class A or A+. This requires investment in highly efficient properties or renovations to ensure this high level of efficiency. 

Real de La Quinta is at the forefront of urban sustainability in Spain. It is the first national project to be certified with the BREEAM seal for infrastructure development. This certification recognises the effort made to apply sustainable construction measures that care for the environment and guarantee the efficiency of buildings, adding value to these properties. 

Although the BREEAM seal is independent of the issuance of an energy efficiency certificate by an authorized professional, it is a benchmark that guarantees the straightforward obtaining of a green mortgage.