INFONAVIT Green Mortgage: What It Covers and How to Use It

If you're about to apply for an INFONAVIT loan, you've probably heard the terms "green mortgage" or "eco-technologies." It isn't a separate loan, but an additional amount built into your traditional mortgage to install devices that reduce water, electricity and gas consumption in your home. In this guide we explain, in plain terms, what it covers, who can qualify and how the additional payment is calculated.

What the INFONAVIT green mortgage is

The green mortgage is an additional amount that INFONAVIT adds to your mortgage loan to finance the installation of eco-technologies in the home you're buying or building. The core idea is simple: by reducing water, gas and electricity consumption, the monthly savings those devices generate help offset, in whole or in part, the extra payment that this additional amount adds to your monthly installment.

It is not a separate loan or a procedure independent of the usual mortgage process: it is folded into the same loan you are already arranging, whether for a new home, a pre-owned home or, in some schemes, self-built housing. The exact amount granted varies with the value of the home, the geographic zone and the eco-technology package chosen, so it's worth checking INFONAVIT's official simulator for your particular case.

Which eco-technologies it covers

The eco-technology package is usually grouped into categories based on the type of savings they generate. Although the exact offering can vary by developer and region, these are the most common categories the program has historically included:

The specific package offered to you will depend on whether you buy a new home (where the developer has already installed the eco-technologies) or apply for the amount to install them yourself in a pre-owned home or a renovation project. It's a good idea to ask for the exact list of included devices in writing before signing.

Requirements to access it

In general terms, to access the green mortgage you need to meet the same basic requirements as any INFONAVIT loan, plus a few conditions specific to the green component:

• Have enough points in INFONAVIT's pre-qualification system and have your loan approved or in process.
• The home (new or pre-owned) must be able to incorporate the eco-technologies in the chosen package, depending on its location and construction characteristics.
• Accept the additional amount within the total loan balance, which slightly increases your monthly payment compared with a loan without this component.
• For new homes, verify that the developer is certified to install the eco-technologies in accordance with current regulations.
• For pre-owned or self-built homes, work with authorized providers who can document the installation of the devices.

Because the maximum available amount and the eligibility criteria are adjusted periodically, it's always wise to verify the current conditions on the INFONAVIT portal before committing to a specific amount.

How to apply

The process for including the green mortgage is usually built into the normal flow of your loan, not handled as a separate procedure. In broad strokes, the usual path is this:

1. Pre-qualify for your mortgage loan on the INFONAVIT portal or app, as you normally would.
2. When you select the home, ask the developer or seller whether the property includes or can incorporate eligible eco-technologies.
3. Check in the simulator the additional amount you would be eligible for and how it affects your total monthly payment.
4. Confirm your acceptance of the green component during the formalization of the loan, together with the rest of the mortgage paperwork.
5. For pre-owned or self-built homes, coordinate with an authorized provider to install the devices and document the installation.

Advantages and points to consider

Like any financial decision within your mortgage, the green mortgage has positive aspects and others worth weighing carefully before accepting it.

• Pro: it can translate into real savings on your utility bills over the medium term, while also adding value and comfort to the home.
• Pro: it makes eco-technologies accessible that, if purchased separately, would require a larger out-of-pocket payment.
• Consider: the additional amount is added to your total debt, so your monthly payment and the total cost of the loan go up, not just the term.
• Consider: actual savings depend on your consumption habits and on local water, electricity and gas rates, which can vary quite a bit between regions.
• Consider: it's worth checking the quality and warranty of the installed devices, especially if the developer is the one installing them.

If you're comparing different financing options before deciding, it may also help to read our comparison of mortgage loans and the step-by-step guide to applying for a mortgage loan, where we go deeper into other factors that affect the total cost of your financing.

Frequently asked questions

Is the green mortgage mandatory when applying for an INFONAVIT loan?

No, it is generally an optional component that you can accept or decline within your loan. It's advisable to analyze whether the expected savings on utilities justify the additional amount in your monthly payment before accepting it.

Does the green mortgage amount increase the total cost of the loan?

Yes. Because it is added to the loan balance, it increases both the monthly payment and the total amount financed. The program's expectation is that savings on water, electricity and gas will offset some or all of that increase over time, although the exact outcome varies from case to case.

Can I use the green mortgage on a pre-owned home?

In many schemes it is possible, as long as the corresponding eco-technologies are installed through authorized providers and the program's current requirements are met. It's worth confirming availability specifically for pre-owned homes when you apply for your loan.

How do I know whether the utility savings will really offset the extra payment?

There is no universal guarantee, since it depends on your consumption habits, the size of your household and local rates. The best approach is to ask for a comparative estimate before signing and, if possible, to consult the experience of other buyers in similar developments.