"While consumers are becoming increasingly conscious about the energy efficiency of their homes, for many it’s difficult to know where to start or to establish the likely costings for change."
The initiative will see the survey offered on completion, to be carried out by a third party, Vibrant Energy Matters. Customers will then be provided with an EPC, detailing the current energy efficiency rating of their property. It will also show potential levels of efficiency once changes have been made, details of where these efficiencies can be found, and suggested works (including costings and estimated long-term savings).
This latest offering comes at a time when home improvements are a major reason for funds requested by equity release consumers, amidst the recent rising costs of energy. While greater living space naturally remains a priority for most, four in five people see energy efficiency as increasingly important. Only one in three, however, are looking to make improvements to the energy efficiencies of their home and 15m properties in England and Wales are in need of changes to receive an EPC rating of C.
To receive a free Energy Performance Certificate survey, advisers will simply need to tick a box in the application form to opt-in when applying for Pure Retirement’s Classic range.
Head of product, Brendan Gilligan, said: “While consumers are becoming increasingly conscious about the energy efficiency of their homes, for many it’s difficult to know where to start or to establish the likely costings for change. Energy efficient improvements are great for the environment but also have the potential to reduce utility bills and increase property value. So, offering a free EPC to our customers on completion is our way of starting that journey for our customers, adding further value to our product and service proposition.”
