Net Zero Loan Program

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Net Zero homes are energy efficient homes that produce as much or more energy than they will use. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development supports the construction of Net Zero homes throughout Maryland.​

Net Zero home features ​may include advanced energy efficient design and technology, renewable energy resources, and a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) rating of 50 or lower.

Net Zero Financing Available

  • Low interest construction loan (available to builders, developers or owners building in Maryland)
  • Loan enhancements for private construction loan

Eligible Projects

  • New construction or deep energy retrofits of an existing home.
  • Must reach low energy status with HERS (Home Energy Rating System) rating of 50 or lower.
  • Properly zoned for residential use.
  • Must be constructed or rehabilitated in accordance with the applicable Local, State and Federal building codes.

Eligible Applicants

Qualified to do business in Maryland and have the legal capacity and all necessary authorization to incur the obligation of the loan. Applicants must demonstrate credit worthiness and repayment ability acceptable to the department and demonstrate the ability to complete the project.

Application

Application Status: Open

Application Period Opens: April 16, 2025

Application Period Closes: We are accepting applications until available funds are committed.

Application Procedures

  1. Complete the Energy Efficient Homes Construction Loan (Net Zero) Program paper application form.
  2. Review the list of required documentation​. The Department may ask for additional documents, if needed.
  3. Submit the completed application by email to: MultifamilyEnergy.dhcd@maryland.gov and make sure to CC: Thomas.Walz@maryland.gov.

Construction Loan Details

The following table shows the available interest rates:

HERS ScoreMarket rate​> 50% of units @ or below 60% Area Median Income (AMI)
0-153%2%
16-354%3%
​36-505%4%
  • Closing Fees:
    • Administration Fee: 1% of total loan
    • Appraisal Fee: $290 (subject to change)
    • Title Fees will be decided by and due to Title Company
    • Additional service fees may apply based on loan terms
  • Loan to Value (LTV):
    • Up to 90%
  • Loan Enhancement:
    • The​ Net Zero program can provide loan enhancements to applicants interested in securing a loan from a private lender.
  • Terms of the construction loan include a typical 12 Month construction period and 12 month loan repayment period for projects that are for sale.

These are the rates and terms as of April 16, 2025​ and are subject to change.

Contact Information

Program Contact: Thomas Walz
Email: Thomas.Walz@maryland.gov

Energy Efficiency Programs News

Retrieving Data

Stay Informed and Subscribe for Updates

To sign up for updates or to access your subscriber preferences, please enter your contact information below.

Return to top of page​