Greener Homes Loan
The Canada Greener Homes Loan Program offers a $40,000 interest-free loan on a 10 year term to help Canadians make their homes more energy efficient and comfortable.
General Eligibility Requirements
Unlock up to $40,000 in interest-free financing to make your home more energy-efficient. The Canada Greener Homes Loan supports upgrades like solar panels & battery storage, heat pumps, windows & doors, insulation, and more—helping you save on energy bills and reduce emissions.
Requirements:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or non-permanent resident with legal work status in Canada
- Own the home and live in it as your primary residence
- Have completed a pre-retrofit evaluation (after April 1, 2020)
- Not have started any retrofit work before applying
- Have a good credit history (no bankruptcy, consumer proposals, or payment programs)
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify, you must own and live in the home, be a Canadian citizen or resident, and have completed a pre-retrofit energy evaluation. Specific rules apply to Indigenous groups, northern/off-grid communities, and those in multi-unit residential buildings.
Eligibility
To qualify for the Canada Greener Homes Loan, you must own and live in the home as your primary residence, have completed a pre-retrofit evaluation, and meet credit requirements. Only one loan is allowed per property. Work must not begin before your application is submitted.
Low-rise multi-unit residential buildings
Homeowners in eligible low-rise multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) can apply, provided they meet all individual eligibility criteria. Additional rules may apply to ensure retrofits benefit the building’s efficiency. Always confirm with your energy advisor.
Northern and off-grid communities
Residents in northern and off-grid areas receive increased support, including 30% more funding for eligible retrofits and higher upfront advances. Special allowances also cover fossil fuel replacement and extra insulation needs. Check your postal code for eligibility.
Loan Details & Upfront Costs
Perform a Pre-retrofit EnerGuide Energy Evaluation
We begin by performing a site visit to gather all the relevant data from your home or building plans to create a detailed and accurate energy model & customized recommendations. This is the foundation of your project's energy efficiency success.
Work must not begin before application submission
"Ensure you don't start your upgrades before your Pre-retrofit appointment. or before you submit your loan application!
The loan is secured and based on approved credit
Ensure your financial situation is in good order. The Canada Greener Homes Loan will review your loan application and make and approval based on a homeowners financial wellbeing. There are alternative borrowing options as well like adding a co-borrower
Step-by-Step Planning for Success
You can borrow between $5,000 and $40,000, with no interest and a 10-year repayment term. A portion of the loan (up to 15%, or 25% in northern/off-grid areas) may be released upfront to cover contractor deposits. The loan amount is based on eligible retrofit quotes and capped to market standards. The homeowner is responsible for the upfront cost of the pre & post energy evaluations.
Additional Tips & Support
Step-by-Step Application Process
Submitting an accurate, complete application improves processing time and ensures eligibility. Key reminders
- Schedule a pre-retrofit evaluation
- Plan your retrofits
- Submit your loan application
- Complete your upgrades
- Schedule your post-retrofit evaluation
- Request final funding
- Begin your 10-year repayment
- Reliable, Long-Term Support
FAQs
Who is eligible for the Canada Greener Homes Loan?
To be eligible, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, own your home, and it must be your primary residence. You must also complete a pre-retrofit energy evaluation.
How much can I borrow through the loan?
You can borrow between $5,000 and $40,000, interest-free, with a 10-year repayment term.
Can I get money upfront to pay a contractor deposit?
Yes, up to 15% of your loan can be advanced upfront, or 25% if you live in a northern or off-grid community.
What if I live in a northern or off-grid community?
You may qualify for enhanced funding (30% more per measure), and can access a higher upfront advance of 25% for contractor deposits.
What types of upgrades are eligible for the loan?
Can I apply if I’ve already started my retrofit work?
No. You must not start any work before submitting your loan application. Work started early is not eligible for funding.
Do Indigenous homeowners have different requirements?
Yes. Indigenous applicants can register multiple homes, and the homes do not need to be primary residences. Additional supports are available.
What documents do I need to apply?
You’ll need photo ID, income verification (e.g., pay stub), quotes from contractors, your pre-retrofit evaluation file number, and a property tax bill.
Ready to Make Your Home Greener?
Get interest-free financing of up to $40,000 to upgrade your home, reduce your energy bills, and increase comfort year-round. Whether you live in a city, a remote community, or a multi-unit home, we’ll help guide you through the process.
