Buy an efficient home
Purchase a property that already meets a lender’s energy efficiency criteria.
SUSTAINABLE LIVING
Green home loans in Brisbane.
Lower energy bills.
Possibly a lower rate, too.
Green home loans help you buy, build or upgrade an energy-efficient home, and some lenders reward it with discounted rates. Whether it’s solar, a heat-pump hot water system or a higher star rating, we compare green loan options across our lender panel. Personal guidance from Ausfirst Lending Group’s mortgage brokers in Brisbane and on the Sunshine Coast.
Excellent · 35 Google reviews
A home that costs less to run.Let’s find the loan to match.
GREENupgrades,
sharper rates.
sharper rates.
40+Lenders on our panel
30+ yearsRichard’s broking experience
$0Broker fee for home loans
Local careBrisbane & Sunshine Coast
WHAT ARE GREEN HOME LOANS?
Finance that rewards
energy efficiency.
Green home loans support energy-efficient homes and upgrades, cutting a property’s environmental impact while saving you money. Depending on the lender, they come with fixed, variable or package options.
Build sustainably
Finance a new build designed to a high star rating with renewable energy.
Upgrade your home
Add solar, batteries, insulation or efficient hot water to your existing home.
Not sure your home or project qualifies? Criteria vary widely between lenders. We’ll check which apply to you.
Start with a free chatTHE BENEFITS
Good for your budget,
and your home.
A green home loan can deliver value to you as a homeowner and to the environment.
Discounted interest rates
Some lenders offer lower rates for eligible energy-efficient homes and upgrades.
Lower energy bills
Better insulation, efficient windows and solar can reduce running costs over time.
Comfort and air quality
Steadier indoor temperatures, better ventilation and fewer harmful materials.
Buyer appeal
Demand for efficient homes is growing, which may support value when you sell.
A QUICK COMPARISON
Standard loan, or green loan?
| What you compare | Standard loan | Green loan |
|---|---|---|
| Interest rate | Standard | Discount for eligible homes |
| Eligibility | Standard criteria | Plus energy criteria |
| Lender choice | Wide | Fewer lenders |
| Documents | Standard | Plus ratings or quotes |
Green loan products, discounts and criteria vary by lender and can change.
Compare my optionsKNOW YOUR NUMBERS
Can the savings
cover the upgrade?
For an energy upgrade like solar or a battery, compare the repayment on the borrowing with what you expect to save on bills. Rebates can shorten the payback further.
We help you structure the borrowing so repayments and savings line up as closely as possible.
- Upgrade cost after any rebates
- Expected annual bill savings
- Green loan rate and term
- Your overall borrowing capacity
YOUR UPGRADE, AT A GLANCE
Will your savings pay it back?
$1k$100k
Simple payback6.3 years
Monthly repayment$226
Monthly bill savings$200
Illustration only. Assumes principal and interest repayments over the term and steady bill savings. Actual savings depend on your usage, tariffs and system. Excludes fees and maintenance.
Check my actual optionsELIGIBILITY DIFFERS BY LENDER
What counts as
“green”?
There’s no single standard. Each lender sets its own criteria for which homes and upgrades qualify for a green loan or discount.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS
Star ratings or eligible upgrades.
For new builds and purchases, many lenders look for a high NatHERS rating, commonly 7 stars or more. Some also accept other certifications, such as a Residential Efficiency Scorecard.
For upgrade loans, lenders usually fund specific items like solar, batteries or efficient hot water, with quotes or plans showing the eco-features.
Extra support may apply
Federal and Queensland programs can help with solar, batteries and efficiency upgrades. They change often, so check what’s current before you buy.
What to weigh up
Stricter criteria, fewer participating lenders and possibly higher upfront costs to meet the standards. The discount should outweigh any trade-offs.
Green loan criteria, discounts and government incentives vary and can change. Confirm current details before you apply.
Let’s check what qualifies. We’ll match your home or project to lenders whose green criteria fit.
Check my next stepsELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
What lenders assess
for a green loan.
Green loans combine standard lending criteria with energy efficiency requirements.
Energy standards
A qualifying star rating, certification or eligible upgrade, depending on the lender.
Plans and specs
Documentation showing the eco-features, materials or systems being funded.
Credit history
A good credit history is typically required.
Income and debts
Stable income and manageable debts show you can comfortably repay.
WHAT YOU COULD FUND
Upgrades that may
qualify.
Eligible items vary by lender. These are among the most commonly funded energy-efficiency upgrades.
Solar panels and batteries
Produce and store your own power to cut grid usage.
Efficient hot water
Solar or heat-pump systems in place of electric or gas.
Insulation and glazing
Better insulation and efficient windows to hold temperature.
Water efficiency
Rainwater tanks and water-efficient fittings.
Planning a bigger renovation that includes green upgrades? We’ll look at renovation and green options together.
Explore renovation loansHOW TO APPLY
Six steps.
One team beside you.
We explain each stage, gather the energy documents lenders need and keep you informed through to settlement.
DEFINE
Set your goals
Are you building, upgrading or buying a green home?
CHECK
Confirm your eligibility
We check your home or project against lender green criteria.
COMPARE
Research lenders and options
We compare green loan terms, discounts and features across our panel.
GATHER
Prepare your documents
Proof of income, ID, energy ratings, plans or quotes.
APPLY
Submit and finalise terms
We review your application with you, lodge it and confirm final terms.
SETTLE
Start your project
Funds are released at settlement and your green project begins.
Richard LukeFounder · Ausfirst Lending Group
WHAT MAKES AUSFIRST DIFFERENT
Your values matter.
Your loan should reflect them.
You’re looked after by someone who treats your financial success as his own.
Richard brings more than 30 years of hands-on broking experience. He takes the time to understand your property plans, finances and sustainability goals before comparing green loan options from our panel.
Whether you’re buying, building or upgrading, you get clear advice on lender-specific green features, regular updates and support through to settlement.
Personal attentionOngoing loan reviews2024 Sunshine Coast Business Awards finalist
Talk to a broker
More about RichardWHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
Good people.
Great support.
ExcellentBased on 35 Google reviews
Google review
“I would describe Richard and Ausfirst Lending as friendly, insightful, prompt and diligent. A pleasure to deal with.”
Google review
“Debbie made the process of buying a new house frictionless, by providing excellent support throughout”
Google review
“I received very prompt responses to all of my questions and the team ensured that my application was processed in a timely manner. The service was brilliant!”
Excerpts from client reviews displayed on Ausfirst’s website. These reflect individual experiences.
LET’S CLEAR THINGS UP
Green loans.
Real questions.
The questions we’re asked most about green home loans. Your project matters, so we’re happy to talk through the detail.
Ask about my projectHow is a green home loan different from a regular home loan?
Green loans often come with a rate discount for eligible homes or upgrades. In return, the property or project must meet the lender’s energy efficiency criteria, such as a minimum star rating.
Do I need a 7-star NatHERS rating?
Not always. Many lenders use 7 stars or more for new builds and purchases. Upgrade loans for solar, batteries and similar items usually don’t need a whole-home rating.
What are the benefits of a green home loan?
A possible rate discount, lower energy bills, a smaller carbon footprint, a more comfortable home and potential appeal to future buyers.
Are there drawbacks to green home loans?
Stricter eligibility, fewer participating lenders and potentially higher upfront costs to meet the standards.
What interest rate options are available?
Both fixed and variable options are generally available, depending on the lender and product.
Can I add a green upgrade to my existing loan?
Often, yes. Some lenders offer a separate green split or top-up for eligible upgrades, which may carry a discounted rate.
START YOUR JOURNEY
Living eco-consciously
starts with a chat.
Tell us whether you’re buying, building or upgrading. We’ll check which green loan options and features you may qualify for.
Your home or project checked against lender criteria
Green discounts and features compared
Personal guidance from an experienced team
Visit us in Caloundra
Suite 3/74 Bulcock St, Caloundra QLD 4551
Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm
YOUR FREE GREEN LOAN CHAT
Tell us about your project.
Send our team a little about your plans.
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