Energy grants for housing companies 2026–2027: who qualifies, how much and how to apply?

Housing companies can apply from 28 September 2026 for energy grants for renovations that significantly improve energy efficiency. The grant can cover up to €4,000 per apartment and no more than 50 per cent of eligible costs actually incurred. Applications are processed in the order they are received.

Many people still search for this support as an ARA energy grant.In 2026, applications are handled by Varke, the Centre for State-Subsidised Housing Construction. Use only Varke's current guidance when preparing an application.

Who can receive an energy grant in 2026?

Housing companies and organisations owning state-subsidised rental or right-of-occupancy housing can apply. The grant is not intended for individual private applicants.

The renovation must improve the building's energy efficiency to the required level. The building must be in year-round residential use, and the repairs must be appropriate. It is worth checking eligibility when a company is planning, for example, replacement windows, heat recovery, additional insulation, ground-source heating, solar energy systems or heating system improvements. Eligible measures are listed in the table.

An individual measure does not automatically qualify for a grant. What matters is the project's overall effect on energy efficiency.

How much can a housing company receive?

The maximum grant is €4,000 per apartment. It is also limited to 50 per cent of eligible costs actually incurred. The final maximum is determined by the lower of these two limits.

For example, in a housing company with 30 apartments, the per-apartment ceiling totals €120,000. This does not automatically mean a €120,000 grant for a €240,000 renovation: eligible costs, energy efficiency requirements and the availability of funding also affect the decision. The grant does not cover the same share of every measure's total cost. In calculating the grant, the Centre for State-Subsidised Housing Construction considers only the eligible share of costs defined for each measure. This share ranges from 20 to 100 per cent depending on the measure. The grant is 50 per cent of that share. See the table of measures that may qualify for a grant.

How does a housing company apply for an energy grant?

1. Identify the repairs needed. Identify the building's repair needs and the energy efficiency improvements that can be combined with the project.
2. Read Varke's application guidance. Check the conditions before entering into contracts or starting work.
3. Commission E-value calculations. Varkerequires a professional to calculate the building's energy performance E-value as originally built and after the renovations.
4. Prepare a cost estimate and plans. The application needs sufficient information about the project and its costs.
5. Decide to proceed with the project. As a rule, the housing company needs a general meeting resolution that has become legally final.
6. Confirm your authority to apply. The applicant must have the right to sign for the company or the necessary Suomi.fi e-Authorisation.
7. Submit the application and attachments through Varke's online service.
   

Can a renovation that has already started receive a grant?

A limited retrospective application option is available in 2026. According to Varke, applications may be submitted until 31 December 2026 for certain planning costs incurred from 20 April 2026, and for projects where the invitation to tender was approved or the construction contract signed and construction work started no earlier than 1 June 2026.

Check the conditions of this exception in Varke's application guidance. For applications submitted on or after 1 January 2027, the repairs covered by the application must not start before the application is submitted to Varke.

Should an energy renovation be carried out because a grant is available?

A grant can improve the finances of a well-founded energy renovation, but a project should not be chosen solely because of the support. The board must also assess the building's condition, technical options, total costs, savings, service life and effects on residents.

A sound decision should also withstand a situation where the grant is smaller than expected or is not awarded.

Frequently asked questions about energy grants

When do applications open?

Applications open on 28 September 2026 and are processed in the order they are received.

Is this the same as an ARA grant?

Applicants often use the name ARA energy grant, but in 2026 the grant is administered by Varke.

Must the renovation be approved before applying?

Yes. The housing company must have a legally final decision to proceed with the project, generally a general meeting resolution.

Is the grant paid before the renovation?

Payment is applied for separately after the repairs. It is made in a single instalment once the conditions have been met.