Nearly half of all homeowners in the Netherlands are postponing sustainability improvements due to a lack of clarity regarding government policy. A study by ING, which surveyed more than 1,500 people, found that most respondents believe the government is not doing enough to encourage these changes.
The research highlights that while cost savings, increased comfort, and environmental benefits are the primary reasons for upgrading homes, several barriers remain. High upfront costs, long payback periods, and inconsistent government regulations are causing many to delay investing.
ING specifically pointed to the abolition of the netting scheme (salderingsregeling) as a major obstacle. This scheme currently allows households to offset the electricity they generate against their own consumption. According to the bank, almost one in two homeowners would install solar panels immediately if the scheme were fully restored.
Data from the study shows that 63 per cent of participants feel the government should do more to support the transition to greener housing. Tom Degen, Director of Housing at ING, suggested that the authorities could speed up the process by setting clearer objectives. He noted that making more homes sustainable would lead to a triple win for owners: higher property values, lower energy bills, and improved living conditions.
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