Housing Loan in Balai Berde
- CHLP REALTY
- 13 minutes ago
- 9 min read
Looking for a housing loan in Balai Berde? You're in the right place. This blog is your complete guide to this green, affordable financing option—especially if you're keen to buy a resilient home that's eco-friendly and wallet‑friendly.

What is BALAI BERDE?
Acronyms and Meaning
BALAI stands for Building Adequate, Livable, Affordable, and Inclusive Filipino Communities, a housing initiative aimed at delivering accessible and sustainable housing solutions.
BERDE stands for Building Eligible Resilient Dwelling for Everyone, representing the green, resilient extension of the BALAI program.
Key Features Balai Berde & Objectives:
Green Housing Financing:
Designed to make green and climate-resilient housing more affordable and accessible, especially to low-income sectors. Developers and banks can sell mortgage receivables from EDGE-certified (green) housing projects to the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC), enabling more liquidity and financing support.
Affordable Rates with Subsidy:
Offers loans up to ₱3 million (or up to 100% of appraised property value), with interest rates between 3% to 6% fixed over 5 to 30 years. Marginalized borrowers (Decile 1–6) benefit from further interest subsidies—0.5% to 1% for the first 10 years.
Green Building Certification via EDGE:
Requires at least a 20% improvement in energy efficiency, water use, and embodied energy in materials compared to baseline standards, validated by IFC’s EDGE system. This ensures transparent green standards.
Green Bonds & Sustainable Financing:
Funding for BALAI BERDE loans comes from green bonds that comply with the ASEAN Green Bond Standards. Proceeds are used exclusively for eligible green housing projects.
Award-Winning Impact:
BALAI BERDE won the Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) Award (Public Policies category) at the Asia‑Pacific Housing Forum, and was among the top finalists in its innovation category.

Why Balai Berde Matters?
For Developers & Banks:
Encourages more green housing developments by providing a secure pathway to liquidity and financing through a recognized and sustainable housing program.
For Homebuyers:
Offers access to affordable, resilient, eco-friendly homes with reduced utility costs and long-term financial sustainability.
For the Environment & Community:
Promotes climate action, disaster resilience, and improved living conditions, supporting SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities).

What Is a Housing Loan in Balai Berde?
Property: A Housing Loan in Balai Berde applies to EDGE-certified green homes—including residential lots, house-and-lots, 3-bedroom units, farm lots, or commercial lots—as long as the building meets the green standards.
Intent: You're looking to get a loan, avail financing, or secure green home funding.
Location: Any area in the Philippines where EDGE certification is possible is eligible. Your home could be near schools, markets, churches, hospitals, malls, etc.
Balai Berde stands for Building Adequate, Livable, Affordable, Inclusive Filipino Communities – Building Eligible Resilient Dwellings for Everyone.
Backed by the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC), it provides affordable, green housing finance solutions.
✅You can get a green housing loan up to ₱3 million or 100% of appraised value, with fixed interest rates from 3% to 6% over 5 to 30 years.
✅Also, if you belong to low-income groups (*Decile 1–6 by PSA), you may get an interest subsidy of 0.5% to 1% for the first 10 years.

What is Decile 1–6 in Balai Berde?
In the Philippines, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) groups families into income deciles—10 equal groups (deciles) ranked by household income, from poorest to richest.
Decile 1 = the poorest 10% of families
Decile 10 = the richest 10% of families
So, Decile 1–6 refers to the lower-income 60% of households in the country.
These are considered marginalized or low- to middle-income families.

Why It Matters in Balai Berde?
The Balai Berde Housing Loan Program gives interest subsidies (0.5%–1% discount on interest for the first 10 years) to borrowers who fall under Decile 1–6.
👉 This is to make sure that lower-income families—who are usually most in need of affordable housing—can access and sustain payments for a green, climate-resilient home.

Example of Application in Balai Berde.
A family earning ₱18,000/month falls under PSA Decile 3.
If they apply for a Housing Loan in Balai Berde, they can get:
Loan interest of 3%–6% fixed (depending on loan terms)
Plus 0.5% to 1% subsidy for the first 10 years, reducing their effective rate.

Is Every Property Eligible for a Housing Loan in Balai Berde?
Not automatically.
To be eligible:
The property must be part of a project that’s certified by EDGE, ensuring at least 20% efficiency in energy, water, and embodied materials compared to baseline.
The loan must not exceed ₱3 million or 100% of appraised value.
The property must be offered through a housing originator (developer or bank) participating in Balai Berde, whose mortgage receivables are purchased by NHMFC.
So yes, your property can qualify—provided it's EDGE‑certified green and within the loan limits, and you go through an accredited Balai Berde originator.

What is EDGE?
EDGE stands for Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies.It is a green building certification system developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group.
The main goal of EDGE is to make it easy, affordable, and practical for developers, homeowners, and banks to build and finance eco-friendly buildings. It’s designed specifically for emerging markets like the Philippines, where affordability and sustainability both matter.

What is EDGE Certification?
An EDGE Certification is proof that a housing project or building has met at least a 20% reduction in three key areas compared to standard buildings:
Energy Efficiency – e.g., efficient lighting, better insulation, solar water heaters.
Water Efficiency – e.g., low-flow faucets and toilets, rainwater harvesting.
Embodied Energy in Materials – e.g., eco-friendly construction materials that require less energy to produce.
👉 To qualify, a project must achieve 20% savings in each of the three categories (not just overall).
Certification is carried out by independent accredited auditors who verify design and construction data using the EDGE software tool.
Once verified, the building (or housing project) gets an official EDGE certificate.

What Are EDGE-Certified Projects?
EDGE-Certified Projects are real estate developments—whether residential, commercial, or institutional—that have achieved the required sustainability benchmarks.
In the context of Balai Berde housing loans, only properties that are part of EDGE-certified projects can be financed under this program.
Examples of EDGE-Certified Projects include:
Housing developments with green features (like energy-saving roofs, water-saving fixtures, eco-friendly blocks).
Condominiums with centralized energy-efficient systems and water-efficient plumbing.
Townhouses and subdivisions designed with sustainable materials and water recycling systems.

Why EDGE Matters for Homebuyers?
✅ Lower Utility Bills
– Because the home uses less energy and water, monthly expenses go down.
✅ Future-Proof Investment
– Homes meet international green standards, increasing long-term value.
✅ Eligibility for Balai Berde Housing Loan
– EDGE certification is a requirement if you want to apply.
✅ Environmental Impact
– Every EDGE-certified project reduces carbon footprint, helping fight climate change.

Housing Loan in Balai Berde vs. Pag-IBIG Financing vs. Bank Financing
When buying a house and lot, residential lot, or condo, choosing the right financing is just as important as the property itself.
Let’s compare Housing Loan in Balai Berde, Pag-IBIG Financing, and Bank Financing, so you can decide what works best for you.
✅What is a Housing Loan in Balai Berde?
A Housing Loan in Balai Berde is a green financing program of the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC).
Designed for EDGE-certified projects (eco-friendly homes).
Loan amount: up to ₱3 million or 100% of appraised value.
Interest rate: 3% to 6% fixed for 5–30 years.
Subsidy: Borrowers in Decile 1–6 (low–middle income) get an extra 0.5% to 1% subsidy for the first 10 years.
Focus: Affordable + Sustainable – not just shelter, but a green, resilient home.
✅What is Pag-IBIG Financing?
Pag-IBIG Fund (HDMF) is the most popular housing loan program for Filipinos.
Loan amount: up to ₱6 million.
Interest rate: 3% to 10%, depending on income bracket and chosen program (Affordable Housing vs. Regular Housing).
Term: Up to 30 years.
Advantage: Easier to qualify, especially for employed members with monthly contributions.
Focus: Widest reach for Filipinos, even those earning minimum wage (Pag-IBIG Affordable Housing Loan).
✅What is Bank Financing?
Offered by private banks in the Philippines.
Loan amount: Can go above ₱6 million (ideal for higher-value properties).
Interest rate: Usually 6% to 9% fixed for 1–5 years, then repricing every few years.
Term: 5–20 years (some banks extend up to 25 years).
Advantage: Faster approval, higher loanable amounts, and options for high-end buyers.
Focus: Flexibility and larger loan amounts—best for premium properties and clients with stable high incomes.

Which is Better?
Choose Housing Loan in Balai Berde if you want:
✅ Affordable fixed interest rates
✅ Extra subsidy if you belong to Decile 1–6
✅ A home that’s green-certified, lowering future water/electric bills
Choose Pag-IBIG Financing if you want:
✅ Longer terms (up to 30 yrs)
✅ Loan amounts up to ₱6M
✅ Nationwide access for members, including OFWs
Choose Bank Financing if you want:
✅ Larger loan amounts for premium houses or condos
✅ Faster approval (for those with strong income docs)
✅ Flexible repayment structures
👉 In short: All three are good—but they fit different buyers.
Balai Berde = Best for eco-friendly, affordable homes
Pag-IBIG = Best for majority of Filipino workers
Bank = Best for higher-end properties

How to Avail a Housing Loan in Balai Berde?
Step 1 – Check for EDGE-Certified Projects
Ask your developer or bank: Are their housing units EDGE‑certified? This is a mandatory condition.
Step 2 – Confirm Balai Berde Participation
Verify that the developer or lender is part of NHMFC’s Balai Berde program. This means your loan receivables can be purchased and securitized.
Step 3 – Get Loan Prequalification
Submit your income documents, credit info, etc., to determine the loan amount, term (5–30 years), and applicable interest rate (3%–6%) plus any interest subsidy if you qualify.
Step 4 – Finalize Loan and EDGE Certification
Once prequalified, complete the loan application and ensure the property has received EDGE certification to meet green standards.
Step 5 – Loan Purchase & Green Bond Funding
NHMFC purchases the loan receivables, funded via green bonds compliant with ASEAN Green Bond Standards. This enables developers to offer more eco-friendly homes.
Step 6 – Enjoy Your Green Home
Move in and benefit from long-term lower utility bills thanks to energy- and water-efficient design, plus stable, affordable payments.

The Law and IRR — Legal Foundations of Balai Berde.
The Balai Berde program operates under the authority of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) via Republic Act No. 11201 (the DHSUD Act).
Its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) provide the practical details of programs like Balai Berde.
Additionally, the proposed Enhanced National Shelter Program Act (House Bill No. 2783, July 2025) continues to strengthen the housing finance system, including NHMFC’s role in securitization and liquidity support.

Why get a Housing Loan in Balai Berde?
Affordable fixed interest (3%–6%), plus subsidy if eligible
5–30 year repayment terms
Loan covers up to ₱3 million or 100% of appraised value
Invest in green, resilient homes that save energy and water
Boost developer liquidity and encourage rise of sustainable housing

If your family belongs to the poorer half to middle-income groups (Decile 1–6) based on PSA income brackets, you qualify for interest subsidies under Balai Berde Housing Loan—making your green home financing even more affordable.
FAQ - BALAI BERDE
Q: Can I use it for a house near a school, hospital, or mall?
A: Yes—as long as the property is EDGE‑certified and within program requirements, location doesn't restrict eligibility.
Q: What if my purchase price exceeds ₱3 million?
A: Only the portion up to ₱3 million or 100% appraised value is eligible. Excess must be financed separately.
Q: Do I need to be in Decile 1–6 to qualify?
A: No—you can still qualify for the loan. The decile classification just affects whether you get the interest subsidy.
Q: Is there any benefit beyond reduced interest?
A: Absolutely—green homes yield lower utility costs and contribute to sustainability goals like SDG 11.
Q: Is EDGE certification expensive?
A: For developers, there are costs for certification and audits. For homebuyers, the cost is usually built into the property—but the long-term savings on utilities offset this.
Q: Can any project be EDGE certified?
A: Yes, as long as it meets the 20% efficiency requirement in energy, water, and materials, and passes independent audit.
Q: Who issues EDGE certification in the Philippines?
A: IFC partners with accredited local and international certifiers who verify compliance using the EDGE platform.
Q: Do I need to apply separately to be classified under Decile 1–6?
A: No. The bank or NHMFC will automatically evaluate your income level during loan processing.
Q: Can higher-income households (Decile 7–10) still apply for Balai Berde housing loans?
A: Yes. They can still avail of the loan up to ₱3M, but without the extra interest subsidy.
Q: Where can I check the exact income cut-offs for each decile?
A: From the PSA’s Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES), which is published every 3 years. Banks and NHMFC use this as reference.
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