Why are energy-efficient homes more expensive?

In the 2026 housing market, the energy label is no longer an abstract letter on a certificate; it has become one of the most important real estate pricers. Those looking for a home with label A or higher often see price tags that are tens of thousands of euros above those of comparable homes with a lower label. A home with label A now sells an average of 12% to 15% more than an identical house with label G.

But why is that difference so big? Is it simply a matter of supply and demand, or are there deeper economic and technological reasons behind this “green premium”? The answer lies in a combination of higher foundation costs, greater borrowing capacity and the harsh reality of the monthly energy bill.

The cost of technology and materials

The most immediate reason for the higher price is the investment needed to make or build a home energy efficient. An energy-efficient home in 2026 is a complex technical system.

• Isolation: High-quality insulation in roofs, walls and floors not only requires more expensive materials (such as PIR panels or ecological insulation with a high Rd value), but also longer working hours for an airtight finish.
• Glazing: Where double glazing used to be the norm, in 2026, HR+++ (triple) glass will be the standard for energy-efficient homes. This glass is heavier, more expensive and often requires stronger frames.
• Installations: A heat pump, an advanced ventilation system with heat recovery (HRV) and an extensive package of solar panels immediately add between €20,000 and €40,000 in value (and costs) to a home compared to a traditional boiler.

The “Leen-extra”: More mortgage for green

In 2026, the mortgage rules in the Netherlands will be strongly linked to the energy label. This creates a price-driving effect: because buyers can borrow more for an economical home, the price they are willing to pay rises.

• Extra loan space: For a home with an A++++ label (with an energy performance guarantee), you can borrow up to an additional €40,000 in 2026 on top of your standard maximum income-based mortgage.
• Interest discount: Many banks offer a “sustainability discount” on mortgage rates for homes labeled A or B. A lower interest rate means lower monthly payments, allowing buyers to bear a higher purchase price with the same net budget.

Calculation example: With a home with label G, a buyer does not receive additional loan space. For a home with label A, the same buyer gets an additional €10,000, and with A++++ even €40,000. This extra capital flows directly into the market and drives up the prices of these specific homes.

Avoided costs and “Present value”

Buyers in 2026 have become math marvels. They don't just look at the purchase price, but at the total cost of ownership.

A home with label G involves a hidden debt: the renovation obligation imposed by the EU (via the EPBD directive). By 2030, the worst labels must be improved. A buyer who buys a label G house for €400,000 knows that €50,000 in renovation costs will immediately arrive to comply with the rules.

An energy-efficient home is therefore more expensive because the “future costs” have already been bought off. You now pay more to avoid the costs of a heat pump or insulation later. In addition, an A-label home saves hundreds of euros in energy every month, which can save you €20,000 to €40,000 over a period of 10 years.

Scarcity and market dynamics

Although construction and renovation are underway, the stock of “really green” homes will still be limited in 2026. More than 50% of the Dutch housing stock dates back to the period 1965-1985 and is not naturally energy efficient.

Because the demand for carefree, sustainable living is enormously driven by both environmental awareness and the fear of volatile gas prices, a bidding war is brewing on scarce A-labels. Properties with a good label are available for sale for a shorter period of time and are often significantly outbid than homes where “a lot still needs to be done”.

The impact of EU regulations (EPBD)

In 2026, the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive will be fully enshrined in Dutch law. This has a twofold effect on the price:

1. New construction standards: New homes must meet BENG (Nearly Energy Neutral Buildings) requirements, which has structurally increased the construction costs per $m^2$.
2. Decline in the value of “brown” labels: While the prices of green houses are rising, the prices of homes labeled E, F and G. The price gap between “green” and “gray” is therefore widening, making energy-efficient homes appear relatively much more expensive.

The final verdict: An investment in the future

Energy efficient homes are more expensive because they are technically superior, offer more financing options and protect the buyer against future legislation and high energy bills. In 2026, the “green premium” will no longer be a luxury, but a reflection of the real value of a future-proof home.

Although the entry price is higher, data shows that the value stability of these homes is superior. In a market that is cooling, the A-labels retain their value, while the lower labels are the first to fall in price.

Would you like me to calculate for you the payback period of an energy label upgrade for a specific type of home, including the current subsidies for 2026? This way, you can see exactly whether the higher price of an energy-efficient home outweighs the renovation costs of a cheaper building in your case.