Green Mortgages Ireland: Are They Worth It in 2026?
A green mortgage rate can save you €15,000–€30,000 over a 30-year term — but only if your home has a BER of B3 or better. Five Irish lenders now offer them. Here’s the full picture.
What Is a Green Mortgage?
A green mortgage offers a lower interest rate for homes that meet a minimum energy efficiency standard — typically a BER rating of A or B. The discount is usually 0.1–0.3% below the lender’s standard equivalent rate.
How Much Can You Save?
On a €300,000 mortgage over 30 years, a 0.2% rate reduction saves you:
- €36 per month in lower repayments
- €12,960 over the life of the mortgage in total interest saved
That’s a significant saving — and it comes on top of the lower energy bills you’re already enjoying in an energy-efficient home.
What BER Rating Do You Need?
Requirements vary by lender, but generally:
- Most lenders: BER A or B rating
- Some lenders: BER B3 or better is sufficient
- New builds: Most new builds achieve A2–B1, so they typically qualify automatically
- Second-hand: You’ll likely need a retrofit to reach BER B — but SEAI grants can help
Green Mortgage vs Cashback: Which Is Better?
Some lenders offer 2–3% cashback on drawdown instead of (or alongside) a green rate. Which should you choose?
| Option | €300,000 Mortgage | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 2% cashback | €6,000 cash at drawdown | Immediate lump sum |
| 0.2% green rate discount | €12,960 saved over 30 years | Long-term savings |
The green rate wins over the long term — but cashback gives you money when you need it most (moving day). Some lenders offer both cashback and a green rate, which is the ideal combination. Ask your broker to compare the total cost of credit across all options.