An Post Money joined the government-backed SBCI Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme on 20 February 2025, bringing fixed-rate options to homeowners seeking both energy upgrades and general improvements. The scheme runs through 31 December 2026, which means timing matters if you want to lock in favourable terms.

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Max Loan Amount: €75,000 · Min Loan Amount: €5,000 · Typical APR (Home Improvement): 6.9% · Typical APR (Energy Upgrade): 3.75% · Repayment Term: 1-10 years

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • An Post joined SBCI scheme on 20 February 2025 (An Post Media)
  • Fixed rates from 3.69% (3.75% APR) available (An Post)
  • Loans from €5,000 to €75,000 per property (SBCI Official)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact current rates beyond the 3.69% starting rate may vary by loan size
  • Whether An Post offers general renovation loans outside the SBCI scheme
  • Post-2026 scheme extensions or replacement options
3Timeline signal
  • Scheme ends 31 December 2026 unless fully allocated earlier (SBCI Official)
  • PTSB rate reductions announced 15 January 2026 (PTSB)
4What’s next
  • Apply through SEAI-registered One Stop Shop for energy upgrades
  • Compare fixed vs variable rates across participating lenders
  • Submit BER assessment as part of eligibility process
Field Value
Provider An Post Money
Loan Range €5,000 – €75,000
APR Range 3.75% – 6.9%
Purpose Home improvements and energy upgrades
Approval Online application

Can I borrow money to renovate?

Homeowners in Ireland have several avenues to finance renovations, but the most favourable terms currently come through the SBCI Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme. An Post Money joined this government-backed programme in February 2025, offering fixed-rate loans that contrast with the variable rates available from traditional banks.

Age and income requirements

The SBCI scheme does not specify an upper age cap, making it accessible to older homeowners who might face restrictions elsewhere. Applicants must meet standard lending criteria including income verification and creditworthiness assessment. The scheme remains open to both new and existing customers at participating lenders including An Post, PTSB, AIB, and Bank of Ireland.

Property ownership rules

Properties must be located in the Republic of Ireland and cannot be holiday homes or short-term lets. Mixed-use properties do not qualify under the scheme. The property owner must apply, and the loan is secured against the property owner’s eligibility rather than the property itself.

Credit check process

All participating lenders conduct standard credit assessments as part of the application process. Unlike some grant programmes, the SBCI loan scheme requires borrowers to pass each lender’s individual credit criteria. The scheme is backed by the European Investment Fund, European Investment Bank, and Ireland’s Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment.

The upshot

Homeowners aged 70 and above should not automatically assume they qualify—lenders assess applications individually, and income or existing debt can affect outcomes regardless of age.

What is the maximum renovation loan?

The SBCI Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme sets clear caps on borrowing, though the exact amount you can access depends on whether your project qualifies as a standard improvement or an energy upgrade. An Post offers fixed-rate loans under this scheme with different limits than the variable-rate products from banks.

Loan limits for standard improvements

Under An Post’s fixed-rate offering, loans are available up to €30,000 for general home improvements. For example, borrowing €5,000 over one year at 8.4% APR would cost €5,648.85 in total repayments. These rates apply to renovations that may not meet the full energy upgrade criteria.

Higher limits for energy upgrades

The SBCI scheme allows borrowing from €5,000 to €75,000 per property for qualifying energy upgrades. The maximum total across all properties is €225,000 per borrower, covering up to three homes. At least 75% of the loan must be directed toward energy improvement works after any SEAI grant deduction.

Per property caps

Each property can receive one active SBCI loan at a time, though multiple loans are permitted if the combined total does not exceed the overall limits. Qualifying works include insulation, heat pump installation, and solar thermal panels. Up to 25% of the loan can cover ancillary expenses such as redecorating, provided the primary work meets energy improvement thresholds.

The table below shows how the four participating lenders compare across rate types, APRs, and loan ranges.

Lender Rate Type Example APR Min Loan Max Loan
An Post Money Fixed 3.75% €5,000 €75,000
PTSB Variable 2.99% €5,000 €75,000
AIB Variable 3.55% €5,000 €75,000
Bank of Ireland Variable 3.00% €5,000 €75,000

Four lenders currently participate in the SBCI scheme, with An Post standing apart as the only provider offering fixed rates. PTSB announced the market-leading 2.99% variable rate in January 2026 after reducing its existing rates by up to 0.56%.

Is the home renovation scheme still available?

The SBCI Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme remains active and accepting applications, though the clock is ticking. The programme is set to run until 31 December 2026 or until funds are fully allocated, whichever comes first. PTSB alone has committed €100 million in total funding to the scheme.

Current status of SBCI scheme

The scheme continues to operate through participating lenders including An Post, which joined on 20 February 2025. Loans remain available at the time of writing, subject to each lender’s terms and continued scheme funding. The SBCI confirms that works are underway to minimise administrative burden for applicants.

Home Renovation Incentive details

Beyond the SBCI loan scheme, homeowners can access additional support through SEAI grants and the Home Renovation Incentive. The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant offers up to €70,000 for qualifying works. SEAI Energy Upgrades provide further funding for insulation, heating, and renewable energy installations through their registered One Stop Shop network.

Application deadlines

No formal deadline exists beyond 31 December 2026, but early application is advisable given potential funding depletion. An Post processes applications online with phone support available for queries. Decisions can be issued quickly for complete applications, though the SEAI assessment and One Stop Shop coordination adds time to the overall process.

What to watch

BER assessment costs apply even if your loan application is declined, so confirm eligibility with your lender before proceeding with the full assessment process.

What are An Post home renovation loan requirements?

Meeting An Post’s eligibility criteria involves satisfying both the lender’s standard requirements and the SBCI scheme rules. Understanding these upfront prevents wasted time on applications that may not proceed to approval.

Documentation needed

Applicants must provide proof of identity, address, and income. For energy upgrade loans, a Home Energy Summary Report from an SEAI-registered One Stop Shop is mandatory. Property documentation confirming ownership and current BER rating also forms part of the submission.

Eligibility criteria

  • Irish residency and valid identification
  • Property located in Republic of Ireland
  • Property must not be a holiday home or short-term let
  • For energy upgrades: SEAI grant eligibility and One Stop Shop engagement
  • Minimum 20% BER improvement required for energy loans
  • Creditworthiness assessment by An Post

Approval timeline

An Post offers online application with instant decisions possible for straightforward cases. Energy upgrade loans require additional coordination with SEAI-registered contractors, which extends the timeline. SBCI conducts ongoing eligibility monitoring using SEAI data, so borrowers must maintain qualifying standards throughout the loan term.

How do I apply for An Post home renovation loan?

Applying through An Post involves a combination of online submission and, for energy upgrades, coordination with approved contractors. The process differs depending on whether you’re pursuing general improvements or qualifying energy works.

Online application steps

  • Visit anpost.com/Money/Loans and select the SBCI Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme
  • Complete the online application form with personal and property details
  • Upload required documentation including identification and income proof
  • For energy upgrades: obtain Home Energy Summary Report from SEAI One Stop Shop
  • Submit and await decision notification

Contact options

An Post provides phone support for loan enquiries, though specific phone numbers are best confirmed on their website. Online application remains the primary channel, with email and in-branch options available for existing customers requiring additional assistance.

Calculator and login

The An Post website includes loan calculators to estimate monthly repayments based on amount, term, and applicable rate. An Post Money account holders can log in to track existing applications, while new applicants create an account during the submission process.

The trade-off

An Post’s fixed rates offer certainty that variable products cannot match, but borrowers with strong credit may find PTSB’s 2.99% variable rate cheaper overall—provided they’re willing to accept rate fluctuation risk.

Upsides

  • Fixed rates provide repayment certainty throughout the loan term
  • No upper age cap specified in SBCI scheme rules
  • Up to €75,000 available per property for qualifying upgrades
  • 25% of loan can cover non-energy works like redecorating
  • Scheme backed by government and European investment bodies
  • Multiple lenders compete, keeping rates competitive

Downsides

  • Energy upgrade loans require SEAI grant application and One Stop Shop engagement
  • BER assessment costs apply even if loan is subsequently declined
  • Property restrictions exclude holiday homes, short-term lets, and mixed-use properties
  • Scheme ends 31 December 2026 or when funds deplete
  • Credit checks mean approval is not guaranteed
  • An Post’s starting rate of 3.75% APR exceeds PTSB’s market-leading 2.99%

Application steps

For most Irish homeowners, the path to an An Post SBCI loan follows a predictable sequence. Energy upgrade applicants face additional stages compared to those seeking general improvement financing.

For energy upgrade loans

  1. Contact an SEAI-registered One Stop Shop to arrange a home energy assessment
  2. Receive Home Energy Summary Report confirming qualifying works
  3. Apply for applicable SEAI grants to reduce borrowing requirement
  4. Submit An Post SBCI loan application with assessment documentation
  5. Receive loan approval and drawdown funds
  6. Commission works through One Stop Shop contractors
  7. Complete post-works BER assessment to confirm 20% improvement

For general home improvements

  1. Gather identification, income, and property documentation
  2. Use An Post loan calculator to estimate repayments
  3. Submit online application at anpost.com
  4. Respond to any follow-up requests from An Post
  5. Receive decision and proceed to contract signing
  6. Receive funds and begin renovation work

What the providers say

Loans will be available up to 31 December 2026 (unless the scheme is fully allocated before then). — SBCI, Official Scheme Administrator (SBCI Official)

PTSB has today announced it is reducing variable interest rates for Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) Home Energy Upgrade Loans by up to 0.56%, including a new market-leading rate of 2.99%. — PTSB (PTSB)

An Post Money is now offering low-cost, fixed-rate loans through the government-backed SBCI Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme. — An Post, Financial Provider (An Post Media)

SBCI HEULS specifications

Five key parameters define every SBCI Home Energy Upgrade Loan under the scheme, with slight variations depending on lender and loan purpose.

Specification Value Source
Minimum loan per property €5,000 SBCI Official
Maximum loan per property €75,000 SBCI Official
Maximum total per borrower €225,000 (3 properties) SBCI Official
Minimum term 1 year SBCI Official
Maximum term 10 years SBCI Official
Minimum BER improvement 20% SBCI Official
Minimum energy spend 75% of loan SBCI Official
An Post fixed rate from 3.69% (3.75% APR) An Post
PTSB variable rate from 2.99% PTSB
Scheme end date 31 December 2026 SBCI Official
An Post joined scheme 20 February 2025 An Post Media

Summary

An Post’s entry into the SBCI Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme adds a fixed-rate option to Ireland’s renovation financing landscape. The scheme remains open until 31 December 2026, offering homeowners access to preferential borrowing rates provided they meet eligibility requirements including SEAI grant coordination for energy upgrades. Fixed-rate borrowers sacrifice potential savings from variable products like PTSB’s market-leading 2.99% but gain predictability in monthly repayments. Energy-focused homeowners should pursue the SBCI route before funding depletion, while those with purely cosmetic renovation plans may find better value through standard personal loans.

Bottom line: An Post Money offers fixed-rate loans from 3.75% APR through the SBCI scheme, making it the only lender providing repayment certainty in a market dominated by variable rates. Energy upgrade borrowers with 20% BER improvement targets should prioritise applications before the 31 December 2026 deadline, while general renovators should compare against An Post’s standard rates to determine the best value path.
Additional sources

progressivecu.ie, aib.ie, simplifinance.ie, buildme.ie, ptsb.ie

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Frequently asked questions

What is the interest rate for An Post home renovation loan?

An Post offers fixed rates starting from 3.69% (3.75% APR) under the SBCI Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme. General home improvement loans through An Post may carry different rates, with the SBCI example showing 8.4% APR for a €5,000 one-year loan.

How long does approval take?

An Post states that instant decisions are possible for straightforward applications. Energy upgrade loans require additional time for SEAI One Stop Shop coordination and BER assessments, which can extend the overall process by several weeks.

Can I use the loan for any renovation?

SBCI scheme loans must dedicate at least 75% of funds to qualifying energy improvements. Up to 25% can cover ancillary works such as redecorating. Purely cosmetic renovations without an energy component may not qualify under the SBCI scheme.

What documents are required for application?

Standard requirements include proof of identity, proof of address, income verification, and property ownership documentation. Energy upgrade applications additionally need a Home Energy Summary Report from an SEAI-registered One Stop Shop.

Is there a loan calculator available?

Yes, An Post provides an online loan calculator on its website where borrowers can input desired loan amount, term length, and applicable rate to estimate monthly repayments.

What is the phone number for An Post loans?

Specific phone numbers for An Post loan enquiries should be confirmed directly on anpost.com as contact details may change. Online application remains the primary submission channel.

Are there penalties for early repayment?

Early repayment terms vary by lender and loan type. Borrowers should review the specific loan agreement before proceeding, as SBCI scheme terms may differ from standard personal loan conditions.

For readers planning broader home improvements beyond financing, related guidance on how to childproof a house and selecting dining furniture in Ireland may prove useful during renovation planning.