Green mortgages explained
A green mortgage could save you money if you have an energy-efficient home. Here’s all you need to know about green mortgages in Ireland and how to pick the best one.
At a glance Green mortgages
Green mortgages in Ireland
Green mortgages are a type of mortgage which offers reduced interest rates for those buying, renovating or living in an energy-efficient home.
Energy-efficient homes need less energy to heat and run, saving money on energy bills over time. The positive environmental impact comes from your home using less energy and having a reduced carbon footprint.
Major Irish lenders report that more than half of all new mortgage drawdowns are now on green rates. Recently, AIB reported that green mortgages accounted for 60% of new lending, while Bank of Ireland reported that over 50% of its home loans were green products (such as its EcoSaver rate).
How does a green mortgage work?
Green mortgages in Ireland work much like a standard mortgage - you’ll borrow a large sum of money to buy a property and make monthly repayments with interest.
The main features are:
- You get a discount off the lender’s standard rate, so your mortgage may be cheaper
- Savings are usually due to the discounted interest rate
- Mortgage cashback may also be available at drawdown
- To qualify, the home you’re buying, building or upgrading will need to meet the lender’s BER criteria
- Lenders may accept either a new BER cert under the simplified A0-G scale or an existing valid cert under the old A1-G scale
Are you eligible for a green mortgage?
The eligibility requirements for a green mortgage are similar to a standard mortgage application, such as being an Irish resident over 18. However, to qualify for a green mortgage, the property must also meet the lender’s BER requirements.
What is a qualifying BER?
Your home may qualify with an A or B rating under the new scale, or with an older valid BER cert such as A1, A2, A3, B1, B2 or B3. Lenders will accept both new and old valid BER certificates.
You may be entitled to a green mortgage if you are:
- Buying an energy-efficient home with a qualifying BER
- Upgrading a home so it reaches a qualifying BER
- Building a new home that meets the lender’s BER criteria
Green mortgages are available for:
Note: If you are buying a newly built home, it will automatically qualify for a green mortgage, as current building regulations require all new builds to be highly energy efficient (A-rated).
What is a Building Energy Rating (BER)?
A BER measures a home’s energy efficiency on a scale from A0 (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Homes rated A or B generally qualify for green mortgages and cost less to heat and run.
- A valid BER cert is legally required when selling or renting a home in Ireland
- BER certificates are valid for 10 years from the date they’re issued
- A new BER assessment typically costs between €150 and €300, depending on the property’s size, so it should be factored into the overall cost of applying for or switching.
To find out more about your BER, visit our guide How to boost your Building Energy Rating (BER).
How does the new BER scale affect green mortgages?
Ireland’s BER scale changed in May 2026, moving from the old A1-G system, with ratings such as A1, B2 and C3, to a simplified A0-G scale.
Here’s what this means if you’re applying for a green mortgage:
Which lenders offer green mortgages?
Five mortgage lenders in Ireland offer green mortgages for house buyers and homeowners with energy-efficient homes.
AIB
Green mortgages from AIB are available for borrowers with energy-efficient homes that meet AIB’s BER criteria. AIB may accept existing valid BER certs under the old scale, as well as new certs under the simplified BER scale.
Under the simplified BER scale, A0 or A-rated homes will count for AIB’s A-rated green mortgage products, while A0, A or B-rated homes will count for its broader A-B green rates.
Choose between their 5 Year Fixed Rate, 3 Year Fixed Rate or 2 Year Fixed Rate.
Bank of Ireland
With the Bank of Ireland EcoSaver mortgage, customers can get a BER-linked discount on selected fixed rate mortgages. The better your home’s BER, the bigger the discount may be.
Ireland’s BER scale changed in May 2026, moving from the old A1-G system to a simplified A0-G scale. This does not affect Bank of Ireland’s EcoSaver rates, as ratings are grouped at letter level. The new A0 rating will fall under the A rate.
EBS
The EBS Green 4 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage offers a lower rate of interest if your property has a qualifying BER.
Homes with an existing valid BER cert rated A1 to B3 may qualify. If your BER cert has a validity date after 24 May 2026, your property will need a rating of A0, A or B.
You can also get €3,000 cashback if you switch from another lender to the EBS Green 4 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage. Terms and conditions apply.
Haven
The Haven Green 4 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage is available if you are a first-time buyer, moving to a new home, taking a Haven Top Up Loan, buying a second home or switching your mortgage.
Homes with an existing valid BER cert rated A1 to B3 may qualify. If your BER cert has a validity date after 24 May 2026, your property will need a rating of A0, A or B.
PTSB
With the PTSB Green Mortgage, new and existing home loan customers may be able to benefit from a lower fixed rate if their home has or will have a qualifying BER.
Homes with an existing valid BER cert rated A1 to B3 may qualify. New BER certs now use the simplified A0-G scale, and homes rated A0, A or B may qualify under the new scale.
Green mortgage discounts at a glance
Discounts vary and depend on things like the provider, the mortgage term, and your loan-to-value.
The difference between a provider’s fixed green rate and standard fixed rate for the same term varies between lenders and products. These are some of the current rates available, but check our comparison table to find the rates that match your circumstances.
| Lender | Lowest Green mortgage rates | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIB | Starting from 3.00% | on Green 3 Yr Fixed>50%<=80% LTV | |
| Bank of Ireland (EcoSaver) | Up to 0.35% discount (A and A0-rated homes) | Sliding discount by BER level | |
| EBS | Starting from 3.20% | on Green 4 Yr Fixed | |
| Haven | Starting from 3.20% | on Green 4 Yr Fixed | |
| PTSB | Starting from 3.35% | Green 5 Year Fixed Rate <= 60% LTV |
What are the pros and cons of a green mortgage?
If you’re weighing up whether choosing a green mortgage is worth it, here’s the main benefits and drawbacks:
Pros
Cons
Should you get a green mortgage?
If your home qualifies, it’s definitely worth considering a green mortgage.
Although all green mortgages are fixed, they include some of the lowest rates on the market right now.
But always check that the fixed-rate term is right for you, and that you’re not missing out on other deals like cashback or bigger discounts before you decide.
If you are switching to a new lender to get a green mortgage, remember to factor in solicitor and valuation fees. Look out for lenders offering ‘switcher cashback’, which can help cover these legal costs.
If your home doesn’t meet the criteria, find out whether there are any cheap, simple ways to boost your BER rating.
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How to get the best green mortgage
The best green mortgage for you will depend on your circumstances, so it’s worth shopping around and comparing deals now there are a growing number of lenders offering this incentive.
Read our guide about building energy ratings (BER) to find out whether your home qualifies for a green mortgage in Ireland and how to boost your rating if it doesn’t.
If a green mortgage is right for you, compare home loan deals using our mortgage search and look out for the Green Mortgage symbol. To find the best green mortgage deal to match your needs, filter by:
If you’re just starting out on your mortgage journey, our Complete Guide to Mortgages in Ireland is a great place to start.
Green Mortgages FAQs
How is my BER calculated?
A BER is based on the calculated energy performance and associated carbon dioxide emissions from room and water heating, ventilation and lighting under standardised conditions.
Factors that are used in the calculation are the house dimensions and orientation, types of windows, insulation and heating and hot water efficiency.
Although a BER takes into account how many people live at the property, it doesn’t include electricity used for purposes other than heating, lighting, pumps and fans.
Can I get a loan to make my home more energy efficient?
Yes, several Irish banks offer Green personal loans and homeowner loans designed for improving your home’s energy efficiency. You’ll just need to provide evidence of work and grants obtained to benefit from discounted loan rates.
Are there any grants available to help me improve my BER Rating?
Yes, the SEAI offers a range of Home Energy Grants for homeowners and those undertaking a self-build.
Home Energy Grants are available for the following:
- Solar PV panels - up to €1,800
- Insulation - up to €8,000
- Heat pump systems - up to €12,500
- Heating controls -up to €700
- Solar water heating - up to €1,200
Can I get a green mortgage on an investment property?
Most green mortgage products are reserved for owner-occupiers, though if you’re a landlord, it could be worth checking with a specialist mortgage broker.
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