Energy savings loan and BKR: becoming sustainable despite your BKR registration

You want to make your home more sustainable, but a BKR registration makes it seem impossible. Most banks will reject you immediately. Fortunately, the Heat Fund offers a solution with the energy savings loan, even if you have a BKR code. Many people do not know that this special loan has different conditions than regular loans. We explain below exactly what the options are, so you can become sustainable despite your financial history.

Want to know if you qualify for an energy savings loan with your specific BKR situation? And what your options are if not? You'll find all the answers on this page.

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What is a Heat Fund energy savings loan?

An energy savings loan is a financing product specifically designed for homeowners who want to make their homes more sustainable. This loan is provided by the National Heat Fund and offers favorable terms:

  • Individuals can borrow up to €28,000
  • Unions can borrow up to €34,000 per apartment
  • Low interest rates compared to personal loans
  • Long maturities up to 20 years
  • Interest is tax deductible in some cases

The energy savings loan is intended for specific sustainability measures such as insulation, solar panels, heat pumps and other energy-saving devices. What is unique about this loan is that the Heat Fund has a social objective and therefore has a different underwriting policy than regular lenders, especially in terms of BKR registrations.

 

“What many people don’t realize is that the Warmtefonds views BKR records differently than banks do. I regularly see clients who mistakenly believe that their BKR history closes all doors, when in fact they are eligible for an energy-saving loan. This gives people a chance to make their homes more sustainable while also improving their financial situation.”
Deepak – Legal Specialist

Energy savings loan and BKR registration: the special rules

An important question many people have is: is an energy savings loan registered with BKR? The answer is yes. The Heat Fund registers the energy savings loan with the BKR Foundation as an expiring loan. This registration, as with all loans, remains visible for five years after the loan is repaid.

But there's good news if you already have a BKR registration. This is because the Heat Fund has a special underwriting policy that is substantially different from regular lenders:

A negative BKR code does not automatically lead to rejection. The Heat Fund looks at your current financial situation rather than just your past. Have you had payment problems in the past, but have they since been resolved? Then you may still qualify for an energy savings loan.

However, there are some conditions that the Heat Fund pays attention to. You are more likely to be accepted if:

  • You have made up any arrears
  • You have made payment arrangements with creditors and are fulfilling them
  • You are not in an ongoing debt restructuring (WSNP) program
  • You are accessible to creditors and actively collaborate on solutions

Unlike many banks, with the Heat Fund you don't have to wait years after your arrears have cleared. As soon as your financial situation has stabilized, you can apply.

Different BKR codes and their impact on the energy savings loan

Not all BKR codes affect your chances for an energy savings loan in the same way. We'll explain how the Heat Fund looks at different situations:

  • A- coding (arrears notification): If you have an A rating but have since cleared your arrears or made payment arrangements, the Heat Fund may still approve your application. Do you have ongoing arrears without agreements? Then your application will probably be rejected.
  • H coding (recovered arrears): This coding indicates that your arrears have been resolved. With the Heat Fund, an H-coding is usually not a barrier to obtaining an energy savings loan.
  • HY coding (repaired mortgage arrears): Similar to H coding, but specifically for mortgage arrears. Again, a repaired situation does little or nothing to reduce your chances with the Heat Fund.
  • A2 coding (code 2): This code indicates that a settlement is in place. When you comply with this settlement, you are in a better position with the Heat Fund than with a regular A code without a settlement.
  • A3 coding (code 3): This code indicates that an amount has been waived. If you have since met your financial obligations, this is often not an immediate ground for rejection by the Heat Fund.
  • A4 coding (code 4): This indicates a residual debt after a collateral sale. Again, the Heat Fund will look at your current situation and whether you are fulfilling agreements on residual debt.

If you have a BKR registration and are unsure whether you qualify for an energy-saving loan, it makes sense to first assess your current BKR status. Based on that, you can better gauge your chances with the Warmtefonds.

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Alternatives if you don't qualify for an energy savings loan

Don't qualify for an energy savings loan despite the flexible policies of the Heat Fund? Or would you prefer to explore another route? Fortunately, there are alternatives:

  • Municipal sustainability loans: Many municipalities offer their own sustainability loans through the Public Housing Stimulation Fund (SVn). Conditions for BKR registrations vary by municipality, so check with your own.
  • Mortgage increase: If you have surplus value in your home, a mortgage increase is often the cheapest form of financing. However, mortgage lenders usually have strict rules in case of BKR registrations. Do you have an H coding which has been some time ago, then this is sometimes negotiable.
  • Personal loan: Some specialized lenders offer financing to people with a BKR registration, although the interest rate is often higher. Here it is important to be careful not to get into a more expensive problem.
  • Grants: Combine your financing with subsidies for energy-saving measures. The ISDE (Sustainable Energy Investment Subsidy) and local grants can significantly reduce the loan amount needed.
  • Phased sustainability: If full financing is not possible, you can choose to make preservation step-by-step with your own savings. For example, start with the measures with the fastest payback such as cavity wall insulation.

It is important to look at your financial situation realistically. If you regularly struggle to pay your bills, it is wise to get your finances in order before making any new commitments. Organizations such as Geldfit or your municipality can help you with this.

Practical implications of BKR registration of your energy savings loan

Although the Heat Fund is lenient with existing BKR registrations, it is important to know that your energy savings loan itself will also be registered with the BKR as an expiring loan. This has some practical implications:

Impact on borrowing capacity: The energy savings loan counts in your total debt load for new financing applications. When applying for a mortgage, the monthly burden of the energy savings loan is included in the calculation of your maximum mortgage amount.

Visibility to other lenders: Other financial institutions may see the energy savings loan on a BKR test. Although it is a sustainability loan, not all lenders make this distinction.

Duration of registration: The registration remains visible for five years after full repayment. This means that a 10-year energy savings loan will be on your BKR file for a total of 15 years.

Positive impact possible: An energy savings loan that you pay off cleanly can actually contribute positively to your credit history. It shows that you handle financial obligations responsibly.

For some people with problematic negative registration it may make sense to address existing BKR issues before taking on new financial obligations. This will improve your long-term financial position.

Our specialists

Deepak Thakoerdien
  • 14 years of experience in legal proceedings
  • known from AVROTROS Radar
Jan Doeke Biesheuvel
  • Over 8 years of experience in the legal field
  • Has resolved hundreds of cases without court intervention
Lisa van Gulik
  • Has successfully represented hundreds of clients
  • Start lawsuits and proceedings at the Kifid
Nurettin Kocak
  • Has gained great respect within the legal services industry
  • A decisive and no-nonsense lawyer
See the entire team

Frequently asked questions about energy savings loans and BKR

Is Heat Fund BKR?

Which bank will lend with negative BKR?

Who provides energy savings loans?

Can I withdraw surplus value with BKR registration?

Has the Warmtefonds rejected your application because of your BKR registration? Or do you want to clear your slate before taking on new financial obligations? Then there is another option: have your BKR registration removed. Dynamiet Nederland has helped thousands of people legally challenge their registration. The result? Not only access to the energy-saving loan, but to all financing options. Schedule a free consultation and find out if your registration can be removed.

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