Finance
When planning home improvements, especially those that make your home more sustainable, you might need different types of financing.
Whether you're looking for funds for one improvement or several, we can help you explore and understand your options. For more finance information, please click below:
Are there grants available?
There are a number of government grants available to help you pay for home energy solutions including insulation, heat pumps, and more. Our advisors and coordinators are here to guide you through the various grant options available. They can help you create a tailored solution to make the most of these grants. The grants can help you to improve your home's energy efficiency, reduce your carbon footprint, and lower your utility bills.
To find out more about the grants that are available now, click here.
Is it a good investment?
Yes, upgrading your home energy solutions is generally considered a good investment for several reasons. Firstly, it can lead to significant savings on energy bills, often ranging from 20% to 50%. This means lower monthly expenses and a faster return on your investment.
Additionally, it enhances the comfort and health of your home, improving air quality and temperature regulation. Many solutions, such as insulation, energy-efficient windows, and renewable energy systems like solar panels, can also increase your property’s value.
Moreover, investing in energy efficiency contributes to a more sustainable environment by reducing your carbon footprint, which is increasingly important to many homeowners. Overall, these solutions not only provide immediate financial benefits but also offers long-term value and comfort.
Even considering the cost of borrowing (interest and fees) upgrading your home solutions can provide financial benefits and is generally considered to be a good investment.
Speak to one of our advisors here today about how energy-efficient solutions for your home can benefit you.
Can I add the cost to my mortgage?
Yes, you can often add the costs to your mortgage, making it easier to pay for your home improvements. Many lenders offer specific mortgage products designed for energy-efficient upgrades, such as green mortgages or home improvement loans. These options allow you to borrow additional funds to cover the cost of solutions like insulation, energy-efficient windows, or solar panels. Find out more here.
The amount you can borrow with a mortgage will depend on your personal financial situation, the affordability of the repayments and any change in value of your property in the time since you took out your original mortgage. You should consider very carefully before making the decision to increase your borrowing (and increase your repayments or time to pay your mortgage) and if you are at all unsure seek financial advice.
Can I get a loan for my solution?
The availability of credit and finance options will depend on your personal situation including your existing borrowing commitments and other factors affecting the affordability of repayments. Loans are one option to consider and you can click here to find out more options that are available.
Will the work impact the value of my property?
Upgrading your home in the UK can positively impact the value of your property, especially given the growing emphasis on energy efficiency, sustainability, and government incentives. Rightmove Greener Homes Report details some findings around the impact on the value of the home.
Below you will find information on the ways energy-efficient solutions can impact your property value:
1. Increased Energy Efficiency
Higher EPC Rating: Upgrades include insulation, windows, and heating systems, which can improve your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. Homes with higher EPC ratings are more attractive to buyers, as they promise lower energy bills.
Attraction to Eco-conscious Buyers: As energy costs rise and awareness of environmental issues grows, buyers are increasingly seeking energy-efficient homes. Energy-efficiency can make your property more appealing to this demographic.
2. Compliance with Future Regulations
Meeting Standards: The UK government has set ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions, and future regulations may require homes to meet certain energy efficiency standards. Installing energy-efficient solutions in your property means it is ahead of these potential regulations, which can be a selling point.
3. Improved Comfort and Aesthetics
Modernised Living Spaces: Some solutions can include modernizing your home’s interiors and exteriors, making it more comfortable and visually appealing. These improvements can enhance buyer interest and justify a higher asking price.
Reduction in Maintenance Costs: Upgrading older systems and materials can reduce future maintenance costs, which is an attractive feature for buyers.
4. Potential Cost Offsets
Government Grants and Incentives: Programmes like the Green Homes Grant (though now closed) have been available in the past to help offset the cost. Future schemes may be introduced, making it more affordable and increasing your property’s value without a significant upfront cost.
5. Market Perception
Trend Towards Sustainability: As sustainable living becomes more important in the property market, homes that have been fitted with energy-efficient features could command a premium.
Quicker Sale: Energy-efficient homes are likely to sell faster, as buyers may prefer properties that are already aligned with future energy standards.
6. Financial Considerations
Return on Investment: While improvements involve upfront costs, the long-term savings on energy bills and the potential increase in property value can provide a good return on investment.
Potential for Reduced Demand: Conversely, if a property is not energy-efficient and requires significant work, it may be less attractive to buyers in the future, potentially lowering its value or making it harder to sell.
In summary, improving your home in the UK is likely to increase its value, especially as the market trends more toward energy efficiency and sustainability. However, the extent of the impact on property value will depend on the specific upgrades undertaken, the local property market, and future regulatory changes. Speak to one of our advisors here today about how energy-efficient solutions for your home can benefit you.
How much money will I save on my bills?
The amount of money you can save on your bills after intalling new solutions can vary widely based on several factors, including the specific upgrades you choose, your homes current energy efficiency, and local energy prices.
On average, homeowners can see savings of 20% to 50% on their energy bills after implementing energy-efficient improvements like better insulation, energy-efficient windows, and heat pumps. For example, upgrading insulation can significantly reduce heating costs, while installing solar panels can lower or even eliminate your electricity bills, depending on your energy consumption and generation.
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