Education

For many years, we have financed educational real estate. We actively advise on the most appropriate form of financing for each situation and engage in dialogue with municipalities and school boards. We apply our knowledge and experience to support and contribute to initiatives that allow for a programme-based approach. With our low interest rates, we help promote accessible, high-quality, sustainable and affordable education in the Netherlands. 

Our role in education financing 

We provide financing for new construction and renovation, as well as for specific projects aimed at improving the sustainability of educational buildings. These include energy savings, renewable energy solutions, and a healthy indoor environment. We take a long-term view and support future-proof solutions. Together, we are building a more sustainable future for education. 

What types of financing do we offer? 

We offer various financing options, all based on favourable interest rates. 

Financing through the municipality 

Municipalities take out loans with us to finance the required investments. 

Financing directly by an educational institution 

Educational institutions can borrow directly from us. There are several options:

1. Municipal guarantee: This option offers the most favourable interest rates and the longest maturities — up to 50 years.
2. Guarantee from the MBO Guarantee Fund: Dutch secondary vocational education institutions (MBO colleges) can apply for a guarantee from the MBO Guarantee Fund to secure financing. The maximum term is 30 years.
3. Mortgage security: A first mortgage is established on the educational property. The institution must hold full economic and legal ownership. A valuation is required, and the maximum term is 30 years. 

Financing through a specially established entity 

In this structure, various financial flows and responsibilities are combined. Multiple educational institutions may be involved, creating efficiency gains and enabling scaling up. Over the years, we have financed several such variants in which the municipality provided a guarantee. Examples include:

• The 'Renting as an Owner' concept by Stichting Maatschappelijk Vastgoed: A management foundation develops, builds, manages and operates integrated facilities for education, childcare and healthcare. Key features include a healthy indoor climate, energy neutrality, low maintenance costs, and a long operational lifespan of 40 years.
  Read more about this approach
• The cooperative model: School boards form a cooperative and share responsibility for educational accommodation. This collaboration improves alignment with the municipality and provides economies of scale for new construction. It also facilitates more efficient use of temporary facilities by sharing buildings.
  Read more about this approach 

BNG Sustainability Fund 

The BNG Sustainability Fund provides financing for business projects that contribute to the sustainability goals of municipalities and provinces. This way, we support the transition to a future-proof, energy-neutral society.

Key features of the fund:

• Loans only under municipal guarantee
• Loan amounts from €10,000 up to €2,500,000
• Maximum term of 15 years

The fund is less suitable for new construction projects due to longer payback periods. Educational institutions can make excellent use of the fund to improve the sustainability of existing buildings.

Want to know more? Read more about the BNG Sustainability Fund.