Home Energy Upgrade Loan
A low-cost loan of €5,000 to €75,000 over a term of up to 10 years. Rates are well below the usual market rates but vary by lender. The loan is unsecured, so there is no charge on your home.
Last checked July 2026
What it is
A low-cost, government-backed loan to help fund SEAI grant-eligible home energy upgrades.
Who can get it
- You own a home in the Republic of Ireland, resident here and not tax resident in a non-compliant jurisdiction (this is not the same as being an Irish tax resident)
- The upgrade works first qualify for an SEAI grant
- The works are carried out by an SEAI registered One Stop Shop or Community Project Coordinator
- At least 75% of the loan goes on eligible energy upgrades (up to 25% can go on other home improvements like redecorating)
- The upgrade is expected to lift your home's energy rating by at least 20%, or you follow the alternative BER-uplift route your lender sets out
- You own no more than 3 residential properties in total, and the combined SBCI-guaranteed lending across them stays under €225,000
- It is a government-backed scheme run by the SBCI, offered through banks and some credit unions. Rates are lower than the open market but differ by provider, so it is worth comparing.
- You can draw the funds before the work starts, to cover deposits or milestone payments.
- The loan is unsecured, so there is no charge over your property as there would be with a mortgage.
- You cannot use it for works that are already finished, for a property you're going to sell or let commercially as a short-term let, for a new build, or for non-energy works beyond that 25% other-improvements portion.
- The home must stay your own residence, it is not for buy-to-let or holiday-home upgrades.
- If the works do not go ahead as agreed or you do not meet the eligibility conditions, the lender can call in the loan or apply their standard non-compliance terms, check these with your lender before drawing down.
How to apply
Applications go through SEAI / SBCI. The official page has the full eligibility rules and the application itself.
Go to the official page →Checked against the official source on 15 July 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.
Questions people ask
How much can I borrow?
The Home Energy Upgrade Loan runs from €5,000 to €75,000 at a low, government-backed rate, to help fund SEAI grant-eligible home energy upgrades.
Where do I apply?
The loan is offered through participating lenders and backed by SEAI and the SBCI. This tool links you to the official SEAI page with the current lenders and rates.
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