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RetrofitReady is a free information service. We are not affiliated with SEAI or any government body. Grant figures are indicative only and may change without notice. Always verify current rates and eligibility at seai.ie before signing any contract or starting any work. We do not endorse or guarantee any contractor listed on this site.

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Retrofit Loan Comparison

Compare financing options for the part of your retrofit not covered by SEAI grants.

Rates last verified June 2026

Auto-calculated: cost minus grant. Edit if needed.

1 year10 years

You could save €1,055

with the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme versus a standard loan over 5 years

Best rate

Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme

Government-backed, from 3.0% APR

APR

3%

Monthly153
Total interest664
Total repayable9,164

Credit Union Green Loan

Typical discounted green rate

APR

6.5%

Monthly166
Total interest1,479
Total repayable9,979

Standard Home Improvement Loan

Typical bank rate

APR

7.5%

Monthly170
Total interest1,719
Total repayable10,219

Scheme loan rates by lender

Bank of Ireland2.95% variable (3.0% APR)
AIB3.50% variable (3.55% APR)
An Post Money (Avant)3.69% fixed (3.75% APR)

Borrow €5,000 to €75,000 over 1 to 10 years. Up to 3 properties per homeowner (max €225,000 total).

Credit union green loan rates vary by credit union — some offer year-end interest rebates. Check creditunion.ie for your local rate.

Who might NOT qualify for the scheme loan?

The Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme is the cheapest option but has strict conditions. You may need a credit union or standard loan instead if:

  • You are installing solar panels only — solar alone is not eligible, it must be part of a deeper retrofit
  • Your works will not improve your BER rating by at least 20%
  • Your contractor is not an SEAI registered One Stop Shop provider, Energy Partner, or Community Project Coordinator — install-only contractors do not qualify
  • You want to spend more than 25% of the loan on non-energy works like redecorating

The scheme requires SEAI grant approval and a Home Energy Summary Report.

Rates last verified June 2026 — always check current rates directly with lenders before applying, as rates change.

The Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme is open until 31 December 2026 or until funds are used. Each homeowner can borrow for up to 3 properties to a maximum of €225,000.

RetrofitReady does not provide financial advice.

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