Your Home, Made Better.
Low-interest financing for your home renovations.
What BetterHomes Dufferin Offers
BetterHomes Dufferin provides low-interest loans to help homeowners complete eligible home renovations.
Key Benefits
- Up to $40,000 financing
- 2.5% fixed interest rate(0% for income-qualified households)
- Loans are tied to the property, not the homeowner
- Repayment through property taxes
- Terms up to 20 years
- Upfront financing
- Incentives for saving energy
Incentives available
You may be eligible for up to $10,000 in incentives that reduces the cost of borrowing and the total loan amount you repay.
Incentives are based on household income and overall project scope. They are applied after your renovations are complete and are deducted from your loan balance.
You may also be eligible for incentives from other external programs. Talk to your retrofit coach to find out more.
Who can apply?
Most homeowners qualify. To be eligible, you must:
Own a home in Dufferin County
Be up to date on property taxes
Home must provide a full-time primary residence, for you or someone else
Detached, semi-detached, townhomes, duplexes, triplexes all qualify
Under certain conditions, landlords may also be eligible.
Questions about eligibility? Contact us or complete the “Get Started” form to set up a call with a retrofit coach.
Eligible upgrades
Renovation eligibility criteria
Your home must achieve at least a 25% reduction in energy use. Typically a $20,000 to $30,000 investment is needed, but actual costs will vary depending on the current condition of your home.
At least 80% of project costs must be for energy efficiency. 20% of project costs may be used for other eligible upgrades.
Appliances, cosmetic upgrades, routine maintenance, or upgrades that you have already completed are not eligible for financing.
Your energy coach will ensure that your planned upgrades qualify for the program and are the best choice for your home.
List of Eligible Upgrades
Energy efficiency upgrades include:
Attics, basements, windows, walls
- attic, walls, foundation, and basement insulation
- air barriers
- window, skylights and exterior door replacements
- air-sealing and weather stripping
Water heating
- electric or heat pump water heaters
- drain water heat recovery systems
- solar hot water systems
Lighting
- permanently affixed lighting
- lighting controls
Solar panels, batteries and EV chargers
- rooftop or ground mounted solar photovoltaic systems
- battery storage devices
Heating, cooling, ventilation
- thermostats and controllers
- energy or heat recovery ventilators
- air source and ground source heat pumps
- heat distribution systems
- duct sealing, fans
- associated electrical equipment, as required
Other Eligible Upgrades:
Water efficiency
- low-flow fixtures
Flood prevention
- back-flow prevention valves
- sump pumps
- basement waterproofing
- permeable pavement
Health and safety
- grab bars, railings
- ramps, doorway widening, level thresholds
- non-slip flooring
- walk-in showers
- mould mitigation
- asbestos removal
Electrical upgrades and EV charging
- electrical wiring and panel upgrades
- electrical and load management equipment
- electric vehicle charging stations
Permits and assessments
- energy assessment (EnerGuide) costs
- building permit costs
Want an upgrade that isn’t on the list above? It may still be eligible.
How it works
Check eligibility
Get approved
Plan your renovation with a retrofit coach
Complete your upgrades
Repay over time through property taxes
Upfront Financing. Loans stay with the property if you sell.
Frequently asked questions
Eligibility
Am I eligible to apply?
Most homeowners qualify. You may be eligible if you:
- Own a home in Dufferin County
- Live in the home year-round as your primary residence
- Are up to date on property taxes
Eligible home types include detached and semi-detached homes, townhomes, duplexes, and triplexes.
Not sure? Get started with eligibility check or contact us for confirmation.
How long does eligibility approval take?
Eligibility assessments are typically processed within 10 business days after you apply.
Can landlords apply?
In some cases, yes. Eligibility depends on the property and tenancy arrangement. Contact us to learn more.
Costs and financing
How much financing is available?
- BetterHomes Dufferin offers up to $40,000 in low-interest financing.
- The minimum total project value is $15,000, with a minimum loan amount of $5,000.
- Most homeowners invest between $20,000 and $30,000 to meet program criteria.
What is the interest rate?
- The standard interest rate is 2.5% fixed for the full loan term.
- Income-qualified households may be eligible for an incentive to offset the cost of borrowing.
How do incentives work?
Incentives reduce the amount you repay on your loan.
After your project is complete, any incentives you qualify for are applied to your loan balance. For example, if your project costs $30,000 and you qualify for $8,500 in incentives, you only repay $21,500.
Your Retrofit Coach will help identify the incentives you may qualify for, including external programs.
Are there any upfront costs?
Most participants need to cover the cost of the initial energy assessment ($500-$700) before being approved for financing.
Participants receive an initial disbursement of up to 50% of approved project costs to help cover contractor deposits and early expenses.
Alternatives are available for income qualified households where upfront costs are a barrier. Please discuss this with your Retrofit Coach.
How do I repay the loan?
Loan repayments are made through your property tax bill. Payments follow your municipality’s regular tax schedule.
How long do I have to repay the loan?
You can choose a repayment term of 10, 15, or 20 years. Longer terms reduce annual payments but increase total interest paid.
Can I repay the loan early?
Yes. You can repay the full loan balance at any time without penalty.
Upgrades and contractors
What upgrades are eligible?
Eligible upgrades focus on improving home comfort, efficiency, and safety. These include:
- Heating and cooling systems
- Insulation and air sealing
- Water heating and renewables
- Electrical, safety, and accessibility upgrades
At least 80% of project costs must be for eligible upgrades. Your Retrofit Coach will confirm eligibility before you commit.
Can I choose my own contractor?
Yes. You can choose your own contractor. Some renovations need to be done by a certified tradesperson. Your Retrofit Coach can help review quotes and confirm eligibility.
Do I need a building permit?
Depending on what renovations you are planning, you may need a building permit. Your loan approval does not replace the need for a building permit. Visit www.dufferincounty.ca/building-services for more information.
Can I finance upgrades I’ve already started or completed?
No. Only upgrades completed after you are approved and have signed your Property Owner Agreement are eligible for financing.
Program details and timing
When can my renovation start?
You can begin your renovation once you have a fully executed Property Owner Agreement in place.
How long do I have to complete my upgrades?
You have up to 12 months from the date of your Property Owner Agreement to complete your approved upgrades.
What happens if my project changes?
If your project scope changes or costs increase, contact your Retrofit Coach as soon as possible. Minor cost increases may be eligible, subject to available funding.
What happens if I don’t complete all the planned work?
Only completed work with submitted receipts can be financed. If changes affect eligibility requirements, your Retrofit Coach will help you adjust your plan.
What does it mean that the loan is tied to the property?
The loan is attached to your property, not your personal credit. If you sell your home, the remaining loan balance transfers to the new owner along with the benefits of the upgrades.