Green Mortgages: Sustainable Strategies for Banks and Customers in Mexico

El Economista – Mexico City

As part of their sustainability strategies, some banks are turning towards the placement of green mortgages, which results in benefits for the environment, but also for customers, since they obtain different benefits from it.

Although, according to bank executives, this issue is at an initial stage in Mexico, the trend, as in other sectors, is heading there.

And according to this bank, buildings and construction generate 37% of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in the world, and consume 36% of energy in their construction, operation, renovation or demolition stages.

Therefore, the institution says, the challenge is to design sustainable mortgages that recognize the credit conditions, the levels of eco-technological equipment installed in the property and/or the level of sustainability of the home.

“This product has to be focused on the different aspects of the home. In a first stage, towards what is the acquisition of new housing, and this has to evolve towards used housing and assisted self-production,” highlights Margain Pitman.

Hsbc offer

In this sense, since last Friday, Hsbc México put its green mortgage loan on the marketwhich offers different benefits for those who purchase this product.

Between these, They highlight lower interest rates that can be up to 9.25%, but also without opening fees, advance payment fees and no appraisal costs.in addition to having terms of five, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years, and financing of up to 97% of the value of the home.

Likewise, preferential rates on life and damage insurance. The conditions are applicable when purchasing a new home that has Leed or Edge sustainable certificates.

“When you see the cheapest interest rates, that the insurance is cheaper, when you identify that there is no type of commission, opening prepayment, appraisal, practically the interest rate you are paying, since it is almost your Total Annual Cost. You really do see it reflected in your pocket,” Enrique Margain highlighted.

For the director of Hsbc México, an ecosystem must be created around sustainable housing that transfers benefits to all its members.: from developers to end users, including financial entities and municipal, state and federal governments.

“At Hsbc México we are committed to sustainability and the transition to zero net emissions. In support of Mexican society that wishes to make this transition“Hsbc recognizes and rewards clients who purchase homes with high levels of eco-technological equipment in the property and in its level of sustainability, which is aligned with the highest standards in the matter,” he commented.

Joins Santander’s proposal

Last July, Santander México had announced its green mortgage, which rewards customers for taking care of the planet and purchasing a home in developments with sustainable construction certification.

Among the benefits announced by the bank are also lower interest rates; discount on appraisal payment; no opening fee; lower service costs; greater capital gains in homes in the long term; competitive advantages over other properties when selling, and contribute to avoiding climate change.

For developers, this mortgage represents a competitive differentiator, among which stand out: expedite sales and/or customer attraction; reduce operating and maintenance costs; increase property value and provide recognition for the benefit they will provide to the community.

“Over the next few years we expect a significant percentage of mortgage placements to be green.”, mentioned on that occasion Antonio Artigues Fiol, executive director of retail banking at Santander México.

BBVA will continue promoting the sustainability of the sector

While, Bbva México announced last March, within the framework of the presentation of the mortgage offer to housing developers, that will continue to promote sustainability in the sector, and reported that in 2022, 1,568 homes with these characteristics will be financed, for an amount of $2.9 million.