In response to the climate emergency and soaring energy prices, Switzerland adopted an ambitious approach early on to accelerate the energy transition in the building sector. This has resulted in concrete policy measures (the Energy Act, as well as the recent Climate and Innovation Act (LCl)) and the creation of strict standards (Minergie Label) to promote the construction of buildings that are more energy-efficient and emit less CO2. In short, more sustainable.
Incentive measures for more environmentally friendly systems
Switzerland has also implemented a range of incentive measures to encourage owners of apartment buildings and private homes to install more environmentally friendly systems. The installation of solar panels (thermal and photovoltaic), heat pumps, and other renewable-energy solutions now comes with tax deductions and subsidies.
Given the growing number of technologies and systems available, the country has also prioritised communication through awareness and information campaigns aimed at architects, construction and real estate professionals, as well as the wider public, tenants and property owners alike.
Support to undertake energy renovation
As we can see, an entire sector is mobilising on two fronts: new construction and energy renovation. And this is precisely where the most significant challenge lies, because the emissions from our buildings weigh heavily on our carbon footprint. We must therefore succeed in bringing as many owners as possible onto the path of a more sustainable future for all.
However, deciding to embark on an energy renovation project is not something that happens overnight. Firstly, because there is a myriad of possible technical solutions to make a building cleaner and more efficient, from enhancing thermal insulation to replacing outdated heating or cooling systems with renewable-energy alternatives. Secondly, although these technologies consume far less energy and generate significant savings over time, the initial investment often discourages owners.
To play an active role in this collective effort, Plus Financement Immobilier has set itself the goal of simplifying the process and helping homeowners take the plunge.
To overcome all these obstacles, we combine the power of our digital tools with cutting-edge human expertise. At Plus Financement Immobilier, all of our experts are particularly attuned to the challenges of energy-efficient renovations. Why? Because these environmental standards have a direct impact on how banks analyze and finance your application!
Today, choosing energy efficiency opens the door to significant financial benefits. Our brokers help you take advantage of two key strategies with financial institutions:
- A discount on your mortgage rate: Many banks now reward sustainable projects by offering discounts (often referred to as “green mortgages” or “eco-loans”) on your loan rate.
- Lower maintenance costs: Energy-efficient renovations drastically reduce your utility bills (heating, electricity). Recognizing this reality, more and more banks are agreeing to reduce the theoretical maintenance costs in their calculation of expenses (which typically amount to about 1% of the property’s value). The result? Your borrowing capacity is automatically improved, and financing your project becomes much easier.
To help you understand the process and take advantage of these optimal conditions, we’ve developed a simple 5-step process:
1. Identification of renovation needs and priorities
2. Estimation of costs, the amount of financial assistance, and the potential increase in your property’s value
3. Analysis and comparison of financing options using equity or a mortgage
4. Development of a comprehensive financing plan including tax optimization
5. Project and financing monitoring through to full completion
As a homeowner, you’ll be better informed about the benefits, receive more support in securing financing, and have a clear understanding of the technical aspects of your project. Because even though it may seem complex at first, energy-efficient renovation has nothing but advantages: it saves you money every day, immediately adds green value to your properties, and helps secure a better future for us all!
Planning to renovate? Use our mortgage calculator (link to calculator) to estimate your budget, or contact our experts today.
