Buying or owning a home in the Netherlands comes with many factors to consider. One of the most important, but often underestimated, is the energy label.
The energy label is not just a technical detail. It directly affects your monthly costs, your mortgage options, and the long-term value of your property. At Domek, we see every day how this one factor can influence the entire financial picture when buying a home.
In this article
- What is an energy label?
- Why does the energy label matter?
- How does it affect your monthly costs?
- Can the energy label affect your mortgage?
- Can you improve your energy label?
- When should you pay attention to it?
- How Domek helps you make the right decision
What is an energy label?
An energy label shows how energy-efficient a property is. In the Netherlands, the label usually ranges from A to G, where A is very energy-efficient and G means the home uses much more energy.
The label is based on factors such as insulation, windows, heating systems, ventilation, and overall energy consumption.
A better label means lower energy usage and better comfort. A lower label often means higher costs and the need for improvements. At Domek, this is one of the first elements we analyse together with clients when evaluating a property.
Why does the energy label matter?
The energy label matters because it affects much more than just energy consumption. It influences your living comfort, long-term costs, financing options, and the future value of your home.
A better energy label can mean:
- lower energy bills
- better comfort throughout the year
- a more attractive property for future buyers
- higher property value
- more favourable mortgage possibilities
At the same time, a lower label does not automatically mean you should reject a property. It simply means you need to understand the full picture, including potential renovation budgets. This is exactly where proper guidance makes a difference.
How does it affect your monthly costs?
Energy efficiency has a direct impact on your monthly expenses.
Homes with a good energy label are usually well insulated and require less heating, which keeps energy bills lower. Homes with lower labels lose heat more easily, leading to higher gas and electricity costs.
Over time, the difference can be significant. That is why at Domek, we always look beyond the purchase price and help clients understand the real monthly cost of a property.
Can the energy label affect your mortgage?
Yes. In the Netherlands, the energy label can influence your mortgage possibilities.
Banks increasingly take energy efficiency into account when calculating how much you can borrow. A better energy label can sometimes increase your borrowing capacity, while a lower label may require additional planning.
In many cases, it is also possible to include extra financing for energy-saving improvements in your mortgage. This can help you improve the property immediately after purchase.
At Domek, we help you understand how the energy label affects your mortgage and how to structure your financing in a smart way, including options for renovations and improvements.
Can you improve your energy label?
Yes, and in many cases, it is a smart investment.
You can improve your energy label by making changes such as:
- improving insulation
- replacing windows with double or triple glazing
- installing solar panels
- upgrading your heating system
- improving ventilation
These improvements reduce your monthly costs, increase comfort, and can raise the value of your home. Through solutions like a bouwdepot, it is often possible to finance these upgrades as part of your mortgage.
We regularly support clients in combining the purchase of a property with a renovation plan, so they can improve both comfort and energy efficiency from the start.
When should you pay attention to it?
The energy label plays an important role in several situations.
You should always check it when buying a home, but also when selling, renovating, or comparing different properties.
Two homes with a similar price can have very different monthly costs depending on their energy efficiency. Understanding this difference helps you avoid surprises and make better long-term decisions.
This is why we always include the energy label as part of the full financial analysis when guiding clients through the buying process.
How Domek helps you make the right decision
Understanding the energy label is just one part of the bigger picture when buying a home in the Netherlands.
At Domek, we make arranging a loan or mortgage simple and stress-free for internationals. With more than 15 years of experience and a team of 100+ professionals, we help you understand your borrowing options, compare lenders, and find the solution that fits your situation.
Our advisors guide you through the entire process — from calculating your borrowing capacity and comparing offers to explaining the conditions and preparing the application. If energy efficiency plays a role in your plans, we also help you explore financing options for improvements.
If you decide to buy a home, we take care of all formalities — before the purchase, during the process, and after the property transfer.
You do not have to figure it out alone. Call us today at 088 1021 500, send an email to info@domek.nl, or fill in the contact form to get started.
