For anyone thinking about buying a home in Drogheda or the wider North East, energy efficiency is starting to come into the conversation in a real way. Buyers are no longer just looking at the price of a house or the monthly repayments. More people are asking what it will cost to live in that home over time, from heating and electricity to overall comfort. That is where green mortgages come in.
What a green mortgage actually means
A green mortgage is a lower rate mortgage linked to the energy efficiency of a property otherwise known as a BER Rating. In most cases, the home needs to have a strong Building Energy Rating (BER) between A1 – B3, which typically applies to newer homes or properties that have been upgraded.
The appeal is simple. Homes with higher BER ratings are generally cheaper to run, more comfortable to live in, and often hold stronger long-term value. With energy costs still a concern for many households, that is becoming a key factor for buyers when choosing a home.
A more personal experience for local borrowers
For many people, the mortgage process can feel overwhelming, particularly when dealing with larger lenders. But for some recent buyers in Drogheda, a more personal approach has made all the difference.
Zsolt and Justyna, who recently secured their home in Drogheda, described their experience as a turning point after struggling elsewhere: “It was a breath of fresh air. Unlike the larger institutions that only saw us as a set of numbers, the Credit Union took a human approach. They worked with us to make homeownership a reality when others said no.”
They also highlighted how both the technology and support combined to make the process easier: “The process was surprisingly smooth. The online platform was excellent, very intuitive and easy to use from start to finish. What really stood out was the human element. The agent we worked with really understood our situation and guided us through what had been a difficult journey.”
For Joanne, also based in Drogheda, flexibility was key: “As a busy mam with a full-time job, it was great not to have to take time off work for in-person appointments.”
She found the process straightforward and well supported throughout: “Everything could be done online and any queries were dealt with quickly by email or phone. The staff were always helpful and no question was treated as silly.”
She also pointed to the flexibility of the product itself: “The rates were great, the repayment terms suited me, and being able to overpay is a big bonus if you want to reduce interest over time.”
Energy ratings and available supports
The BER rating plays a central role in qualifying for a green mortgage. While newer homes are more likely to meet the required standard, there are excellent mortgage products available for those considering older properties.
Grants and schemes can help fund upgrades such as insulation, heating systems, and windows, making it more achievable to improve a home’s energy efficiency and potentially qualify for a green mortgage. Many older properties can undergo a retrofit to secure a Green Mortgage.
Looking ahead
Energy efficiency is no longer a niche consideration, it is becoming part of how people choose homes.
For buyers in Drogheda and the surrounding area, understanding how green mortgages work is simply part of being prepared. And for those who have already gone through the process, the advice is consistent:
“Don’t lose hope if the big banks turn you down. Speak to the team in Drogheda Credit Union. They combine modern tools with a level of personal care you won’t find everywhere.”
Drogheda Credit Union Green Mortgage
To qualify for a Green Mortgage homes must meet energy efficiency standards, with a BER rating between A1–B3 for new homes, or B3+ following retrofit works. With loan amounts ranging from €50,000 to €500,000 and flexible terms of 5 to 35 years, the Green Mortgage is designed to make sustainable homeownership more accessible.
*3.30% (3.35% APR)* when Loan to Value is less than or equal to 80% (LTV ≤80% ). *3.40%(3.45% APR)* when Loan to Value is less than or equal to 90% (LTV ≤90% ).
To celebrate the launch of the Green Mortgage product which has low rates from 3.30%* (3.35% APR)*, Drogheda Credit Union are offering a Legal Fee Rebate of up to €2000* helping to ease the costs for borrowers. Rebate rates are as follows €1,000 between €200,000–€299,999; €1,500 between €300,000–€399,999; €2,000 between €400,000–€500,000. Rebates will not exceed the legal fees actually incurred (valid solicitor invoice required).
For more information on Drogheda Credit Union’s Green Mortgage www.drogehdacu.ie or organise a meeting with a financial advisor call 0419838496 or email loans@droghedacu.ie
Terms and Conditions apply. WARNING: If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating, which may limit your ability to access credit in the future. WARNING: If you do not keep up your repayments you may lose your home. WARNING: Possible fluctuations in the interest rate could affect the amount payable. Security, property insurance and life cover required. Loans are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. Credit Unions in the Republic of Ireland are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
This article is part of a paid partnership with Drogheda Credit Union.
