Case Study – Research

Fulfill a market gap and increase product offering and innovation

• Only 4% of homes have been rated 'A+' in energy efficiency from 2014 to date. In addition, 2 out of 3 buildings are class 'C' or lower (Building Certification System):

To date, many green mortgage lenders offer homeowners discounted interest rates for buying properties that are already energy efficient, but this accounts for a tiny slice of the housing market

• In researching the current Portuguese market´s supply in green mortgage loan, the currently existing products essentially involve:

1. A reduction in the spread for houses acquired/built with energy certificate A+, A or B (from 0,05% to 0,2%);

2. A reduction in the interest rate of 0,1% (if it is fixed)

3. A contract commission discount, or full commission offer

• Consumer credits for investment in renewable energy, energy and water efficiency, and waste management exists with more favorable interest rate

• If aiming to improve the home efficiency, there is the possibility of applying to the Environmental Fund created by the government. It is mandatory to pay in advance for all the works done, and then wait for the eventual approval of the application and final reimbursement (after no less than 3 months and only a percentage of costs incurred)