Buyers to benefit as energy-efficient approach opens door to green mortgages in 2021

- 12 Jan 21

Home buyers wanting to reduce their impact on climate change in 2021 can buy a housebuilder’s new-build properties in the knowledge that they are investing in an energy-efficient home that qualifies for a new green mortgage discount. Vistry Group – which builds homes under the Bovis and Linden brands – achieves high band energy ratings by ensuring in-built energy efficiency is there for the life of the home through a fabric-first approach. This has led to all but one of their house types having an Energy Performance Certificate rating of A or B – meaning home owners could be eligible for high street lenders’ green mortgages and possible cashback. Graham Prothero, chief operating officer, said: “Vistry’s sustainability drive is at the top of our company agenda and we are currently working hard right across the group to ensure we are driving this forward by considering the sites we buy and how we build homes and communities. “Vistry builds with a fabric-first approach so we can focus on insulation and longevity when constructing energy-efficient homes. This allows us to help protect the environment and contribute to cost savings over a property’s lifetime, while meeting criteria that allows home buyers to apply for a green mortgage and the incentives that brings.” Vistry's fabric-first approach ensures the design of homes and careful material selection reduces the need for heating and therefore lowers bills. The properties make the most of natural sunlight using well-placed openings and shadings. Green mortgages reward home owners for buying an energy efficient home by offering a reduced rate on certain fixed rate mortgages. A home's EPC rating will depend on the amount of energy it uses and the level of carbon dioxide emissions. The house is placed on a scale ranging from A to G, with A being the most efficient and with the cheapest fuel bills. The rating is valid for 10 years.