More and more homeowners are using subsidies and loans to make their homes more energy-efficient. In 2025, almost 300,000 homes were improved with financial support, an increase of 22% compared with the previous year. Insulation measures are particularly popular. Apartments that are part of a homeowners’ association, however, are still lagging behind. According to OZQUR Makelaardij, energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important when assessing, buying and selling a property.

Almost 300,000 homes improved in one year

According to figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS), more than 850,000 homes were made more energy-efficient between 2021 and 2025 with the help of a subsidy or loan.

The vast majority were owner-occupied homes. In 2025 alone, almost 300,000 homes were improved. This was 22% more than in 2024 and represented the highest level since 2021.

This development shows that more homeowners are willing to invest in lower energy costs and better energy performance.

Financial support schemes can help encourage these investments, while higher energy costs may also play a role. When gas and electricity prices rise, the financial benefits of energy-saving measures become more noticeable.

Insulation remains by far the most popular measure

Insulation remains the most commonly chosen way to improve the energy efficiency of a home. Almost three quarters of the subsidies granted are used for insulation measures.

Improving or replacing windows is particularly popular. Around 40% of all energy-efficiency measures involve investment in better glass insulation.

This is understandable. Good insulation reduces heat loss and can therefore improve both living comfort and energy consumption.

Heat pumps also continue to play a role in making Dutch homes more energy-efficient. Each year, subsidies are granted for around 80,000 to 90,000 hybrid or other types of heat pumps.

The order in which improvements are carried out is important. In general, a heat pump works most effectively when the home has first been properly insulated.

Energy improvements within homeowners’ associations are progressing more slowly

For apartments and other homes that are part of a homeowners’ association (VvE), the pace of energy improvements is clearly slower.

Over the past five years, just over 5% of homes within a VvE were improved with the help of a subsidy or loan. For homes without a VvE, this figure is more than 11%.

One important reason is that energy improvements in an apartment building usually cannot be decided by one owner alone. Measures involving the roof, façade or shared installations often require joint approval from the homeowners’ association.

The financial position of the VvE is also important. If there is insufficient money in the reserve fund, even regular maintenance can become difficult. Additional investments in insulation or other energy-saving measures may then be even harder to finance.

At the same time, it is becoming increasingly clear that more VvEs are starting to take steps towards improving energy efficiency.

Energy efficiency plays a growing role in the housing market

The energy performance of homes has become increasingly important in recent years.

Buyers no longer look only at location, living space and maintenance, but increasingly also at the energy label, insulation, solar panels, heating system and expected energy costs.

For sellers, an energy-efficient home may therefore be more attractive than a comparable property that still requires substantial investment in energy improvements.

For apartments, the financial and organisational position of the VvE is also important. Buyers may consider not only the current energy label, but also future sustainability plans, the reserve fund and expected investments.

How does OZQUR Makelaardij view this development?

At OZQUR Makelaardij, we increasingly see energy efficiency as a standard part of assessing a property. A favourable energy label and completed insulation measures can influence living comfort, monthly costs and the attractiveness of a property when it is sold.

When purchasing a home, we therefore look not only at its current condition, but also at which energy-saving measures have already been carried out and which investments may still be required.

For apartments, we pay additional attention to the VvE. A well-funded reserve and clear plans for maintenance and sustainability can be just as important to a buyer as the condition of the apartment itself.

For sellers, energy-efficiency measures should be clearly included in the presentation of the property. Investments such as insulation, HR++ glazing, solar panels or an energy-efficient heating system can be important features that distinguish a home from competing properties.

When you are planning to sell your home, energy improvements can not only increase living comfort, but can also make your property more attractive in the housing market. Buyers compare properties based on factors such as location, living space, price per m², condition and energy label. An energy-efficient property can therefore be more attractive than a comparable home with a less favourable energy label.

At OZQUR Makelaardij, we therefore look not only at the current market value of your property, but also at the features that can add value during the sales process.

We guide the sale of your home in 5 steps:

1. Introduction & property valuation
We discuss your wishes, inspect the property and determine an appropriate asking price and sales strategy.

2. Preparing the property for sale
We collect the required documents and prepare the photography, measurement report and property presentation.

3. Presentation & promotion
We professionally market your property through Funda, our own channels, social media and the OZQUR Makelaardij network.

4. Viewings & the best deal
We manage the viewings, assess the offers and advise you on the price, conditions and the best next step.

5. Sold & transfer
Once an agreement has been reached, we guide the purchase agreement, agreed conditions, final inspection, key handover and aftercare.

Yucel Samanci
Buying and selling estate agent at OZQUR Makelaardij, specialised in acquisition strategy, negotiations and assisting Dutch, Turkish and expat clients.
(29 September 2026)