Making Mortgages Accessible: Housing Affordability and the EU Green Deal with Geert Van Kerckhoven from Oper

Fintech Files: Insights on TECH by BCG Platinion

How can technology make homeownership more accessible while supporting Europe's climate goals? In this episode, we sit down with Geert Van Kerckhoven, co-founder of Oper, to explore the challenges of housing affordability in Europe and the impact of the EU Green Deal on mortgages. Geert discusses how technology can empower banks and loan advisors to better serve clients, helping more people navigate the complex process of buying a home while promoting energy-efficient renovations.

Discussion Highlights:

• The Emotional Journey of Buying a Home: Geert discusses the anxiety and complexity involved in the mortgage process, even for industry experts. He shares personal stories about how daunting it can be to understand all the terms and ensure affordability when purchasing a property.
• Housing Affordability Challenges: With rising interest rates and stricter regulations following the financial crisis, first-time homebuyers are finding it increasingly difficult to afford homes. Geert highlights how affordability issues are impacting lower and middle-class families across Europe, emphasizing the need for both public and private sector solutions.
• Impact of the EU Green Deal on Housing: The EU's ambitious climate targets under the Green Deal require significant reductions in carbon emissions, which means renovating millions of homes to be more energy-efficient. Geert explains how this adds additional costs for homebuyers, as some banks won't approve mortgages unless buyers commit to costly renovations, further complicating affordability.
• Combining Mortgages with Energy Efficiency Improvements: Geert discusses how financing energy-efficient renovations alongside mortgages can help reduce long-term costs for homeowners. By investing in improvements like heat pumps or solar panels, borrowers can lower their energy expenses and increase property values, aligning financial and environmental goals.
• The Role of Financial Education: Emphasizing the importance of financial literacy, Geert talks about how understanding concepts like compound interest and long-term planning can empower individuals to make better decisions regarding homeownership and wealth building. He highlights the need for better financial education to help people navigate the complexities of mortgages and investments.

About Fintech Files:

Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion as we explore the cutting-edge trends disrupting Fintech today. From NeoBanks to Digital Banking, we delve into the dynamic landscape of financial technology through insightful conversations with global disruptors. We’ll uncover the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech and examine their impact on the financial world. Our episodes break down complex topics, with guests explaining everything in a way even their grandmas could understand. We focus on real-world examples, making financial technology relatable and accessible to both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Meet the Hosts:

Hosted by Nora Hocke, a manager at BCG Platinion in Munich, and Annika Melchert, a principal currently based in the Middle East, our hosts bring expertise in tech transformations, platform architecture, and digital innovation. With a wealth of experience working with leading Fintechs, they offer unique insights into the evolving financial landscape. Joining them is Bianca Lopes, an entrepreneur and economist from Brazil, now based in Denmark, with a background in digital identity and biometrics. Having supported over 40 financial institutions and 8 governments, Bianca’s work reshapes technology, reimagines identity, and drives innovation.

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