A heat pump is a sizeable investment — €4,000 to €10,000 — and not everyone has that amount available straight away. Fortunately you can borrow it via the Energy Saving Loan (Energiebespaarlening) from the National Heat Fund (Nationaal Warmtefonds). The interest rate is the lowest in the Netherlands and you can combine it with ISDE subsidy. This guide explains exactly how it works.
What is the Energy Saving Loan?
The National Heat Fund is an initiative of the Dutch government and SVn (Foundation for Dutch Housing). It offers a loan with favourable terms for making your home more sustainable. The interest rate is structurally below standard consumer credit.
Main 2026 conditions
| Aspect | Condition |
|---|---|
| Loan amount | €1,000 to €27,000 (or €71,000 for HOAs) |
| Term | 5, 10, 15 or 20 years |
| Interest (2026) | From ~2.4% (variable, check warmtefonds.nl) |
| Repayment | Linear or annuity |
| Early repayment | Penalty-free, any time |
| Who | Owner-occupiers and HOAs |
Important: interest rate and conditions update each quarter. Check the current rate at warmtefonds.nl.
What can you finance?
The Energy Saving Loan covers nearly all sustainability measures:
- Heat pumps (hybrid and all-electric)
- Solar panels and solar collectors
- Home battery
- Insulation (cavity wall, roof, floor, windows)
- Heat distribution systems (underfloor heating, LT radiators)
- Ventilation systems with heat recovery
- Connection to a heat network
You can combine multiple measures in one loan.
Combine with ISDE subsidy?
Yes — and that's the smart approach. The ISDE subsidy (up to €3,025) reduces your net investment immediately. After that you borrow the remainder via the Energy Saving Loan. Example:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-electric heat pump + buffer tank + installation | €10,900 |
| ISDE subsidy (8 kW, A+++) | - €3,025 |
| Net investment | €7,875 |
| Energy Saving Loan (15 years, 2.4%) | ~€53/month |
At a typical gas saving of €950/year (≈ €79/month) the loan pays for itself — leaving about €26/month in your pocket.
How do you apply for the loan?
Step 1: Request a quote
You need a quote from a certified installer. We're happy to prepare one free of charge.
Step 2: Apply for the loan at Warmtefonds
At warmtefonds.nl you fill in your details and upload the quote. You log in with DigiD. Assessment typically takes 2–3 working days.
Step 3: Approval and payout
On approval you receive a loan proposal. After signing, the money is deposited in your account — or paid directly to your installer, as you prefer.
Step 4: Carry out the work
You have 12 months to have the work carried out. You can then also apply for the ISDE subsidy for additional savings.
What if I don't own my home?
Tenants cannot take out the Energy Saving Loan themselves. You can point your landlord to it — or as an HOA board member apply for a collective HOA loan. For social housing tenants: ask your housing corporation about their sustainability programme.
Tax benefit?
Interest on the Energy Saving Loan is not tax-deductible from your income tax — this is not a mortgage. If you do want a tax benefit, increasing your mortgage is sometimes an alternative, but it depends on your personal situation. Ask your mortgage adviser about the options.
Risks and points of attention
- The interest rate is variable on some products. Ask about a fixed rate if you want certainty about monthly payments.
- BKR registration: the loan counts towards future credit and mortgage applications.
- You must actually carry out the work within 12 months.
Conclusion
The Energy Saving Loan from Warmtefonds makes sustainability financially feasible. At the lowest interest rate in the Netherlands and terms up to 20 years, your monthly payment is often less than your energy savings. Combine it with ISDE subsidy and you'll significantly lower your net investment.
Want to know what a heat pump would cost at your home? Request a free tailored quote. We calculate subsidy, payback period and a loan estimate.