Energy renovation loans slow down in the first quarter of 2026
19 May 2026 - 4 min Reading time
Febelfin has taken a closer look at consumer credit for renovation purposes and energy-saving investments in the first quarter of 2026. Around 8,400 consumer loans for energy-saving investments were granted. This represents an increase of 1.7% in volume and 0.8% in value compared with 2025. In addition, lending for vehicle purchases paused during the same period, although financing of “green” vehicles continues to rise.
Limited increase in renovation loans and energy-saving investments
In total, just over 19,400 new consumer loans for renovation were granted in the first quarter of 2026, representing an increase of 5.5% compared with the same period in 2025. These loans cover both general renovation works and investments in energy-saving measures. Consumer credit for other purposes increased by 5.4% in number but declined by 9% in value compared with the first quarter of 2025.
All consumer loans granted for specific purposes that do not belong to the categories ‘Vehicles’ and ‘Property’ (e.g. travel, school fees, etc.)
The growth in the number of renovation loans is a positive signal for the renewal of the Belgian property stock. Mortgage loans for the purchase and/or renovation of a property are not included in these figures.
By contrast, loans for energy-saving purposes, such as the installation of a heat pump, solar panels or additional insulation, are slowing down. Only a limited increase was observed: +1.7% in number and +0.8% in value compared with the same period last year.
This modest growth is taking place in a context that is fairly comparable to that of the 2022 energy crisis. However, compared with the same period in 2022, there is a clear decrease of -20.8% in number and -37.6% in value.
To better understand this comparison, it is important to look back at 2022, when the war between Russia and Ukraine led to a peak in loans for energy-saving purposes in the final quarter of the year. A similar trend could be expected if tensions in the Middle East persist and continue to influence energy prices during the winter periods.
Share of consumer credit for sustainable mobility increases
The first quarter of 2026 shows a pause in consumer credit intended for vehicle purchases. Nearly 34,600 loans were granted for second-hand vehicles, compared with 37,300 for new vehicles. This represents a decrease of -0.7% in number for new vehicles and -2% for second-hand vehicles compared with the same period in 2025.
Within sustainable mobility, the share of financed “green” vehicles continues to increase. In the first quarter of 2026, more than 2,900 loans were granted for the purchase of a new “eco-friendly” vehicle, while just under 1,500 loans were granted for second-hand vehicles in the same category. This corresponds to an increase of 19.3% in number for new vehicles and 182.4% for second-hand vehicles.
The data on consumer loans for the purchase of “green” vehicles in the first quarter of 2026 should be interpreted with caution. This period is partly influenced by the coexistence of two CO₂ emission standards.
As of 1 January 2026, the new standard defines an ecological vehicle as one emitting 0 grams of CO₂. However, during the first quarter, some car loans may have been made available even though the loan application and vehicle order were submitted at the end of 2025 under the previous standard. This explains why the figures for the first quarter of 2026 include vehicles falling under two different emission standards.
Until 31 December 2025, the emissions standard was 50 g CO₂/km. From 1 January 2026, this standard has been reduced to 0 g CO₂/km.
“Rising energy prices due to conflicts in the Middle East, uncertainties surrounding subsidy systems and consumer confidence are weighing on credit markets, both for renovation and vehicles. However, the increase in financing for ‘green’ vehicles continues and provides an encouraging signal for the transition towards sustainable mobility.”
