Do you know what energy label your house has? That label says something about how economical your home is and often affects your mortgage. As a starter, you can sometimes borrow more to make your house more sustainable, purely because your label improves. So: get that insight first. A simple check can instantly increase your financial room.
You don't have to arrange solar panels or a heat pump right away (that time will come later). Think smaller: draft strips, radiator foil, a water-saving shower head or HR++ glass. These kinds of measures are relatively cheap and you'll notice it immediately in your energy bills. Perfect for when your budget is tight as a starter.
Many start-ups think, "I don't have any money now". But there are more options than you think. For instance, you can borrow extra through your mortgage or use the Energy Savings Loan. Often, monthly costs are lower than the savings you get. Talking to your mortgage adviser can be surprisingly clear.
The government wants you to become more sustainable and puts money behind it. Attractive subsidies are available for insulation, solar panels or a heat pump. Go to RVO.nl and check what all applies to starter homes. Sometimes you can even combine schemes, making your investment feasible much faster.
As a starter, you don't have to have "the perfect sustainable home" all at once. Choose what suits your home and your wallet now, and expand later. You spread the costs and see a difference even after the first measures. That provides motivation to continue step by step.
Sustainable living is not a dream for later. Even as a starter, you can start today, without a fat savings account or technical knowledge. By making smart use of subsidies, small measures and your energy label, you can make your first home more economical step by step.
At DuurzaamXL, we help starters with clear advice and practical solutions. So that your first house becomes not only a home, but also a smart investment in your future.
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