What is LEG-UP?
LEG-UP (Linking Energy-efficient Green Upgrades with Private Investments) is an innovative European project designed to bridge the gap between homeownership, energy efficiency, and accessible financing. Coordinated by Onesto, LEG-UP focuses on low-income first-time buyers, ensuring they have both the financial means and the necessary support to renovate energy-intensive homes.
Through integrated financing solutions, LEG-UP combines mortgage lending with structured renovation support. Buyers receive financial assistance alongside expert renovation guidance from One-Stop Shops (OSS), ensuring homes meet modern energy efficiency standards. This approach not only reduces energy poverty but also contributes to the EU’s climate neutrality targets.
How Does LEG-UP Work?
- Social Mortgage Lending: Affordable mortgage loans provided by a social lender to support homeownership.
- Blended Finance & Warehousing: Loans are transferred to a warehouse, attracting a mix of public and private financing.
- Energy-Efficient Renovations: Buyers are guided through renovation programs supported by One-Stop Shops, ensuring high-quality improvements.
- Securitization for Long-Term Financing: Once a sufficient loan volume is reached and quality standards are met, the assets are securitized, allowing long-term funding from private investors.
Pilot Projects in Belgium & Spain
LEG-UP will first be tested in Flanders and Spain, working closely with OSS partners to refine the financing model. Once proven successful, the project will be scaled up across Europe, aligning with EU regulations and supporting climate-resilient housing.
Why LEG-UP Matters?
- Empowers low-income first-time buyers to access affordable financing and renovate their homes.
- Tackles energy poverty by ensuring homes are energy-efficient and affordable.
- Mobilizes over €2 billion in private investments over six years, demonstrating a scalable and sustainable financial model.
- Accelerates the transition to a climate-neutral Europe, meeting 2050 sustainability targets.
Join the Movement!
LEG-UP is built on collaboration. Financial institutions, energy experts, social organizations, and policymakers all play a role in shaping a sustainable housing future. Together, we can drive systemic change and create an inclusive green housing market.
Download the official press release here