A good EPC rating could boost property sales, as 61% of future buyers would be more inclined to make an offer, claims a mortgage broker.

The study by Mortgage Advice Bureau reveals that energy efficiency in the housing market is growing in importance.

Some 29% of the individuals surveyed now consider energy efficiency to be a determining factor in their decision-making process. Almost a third (31%) of individuals would be somewhat influenced to make an offer depending upon the EPC rating on a property. 

A further 17% of prospective buyers actively go out of their way to research the EPC rating when searching for a property – perhaps influenced by the rising cost of energy and energy price cap increase as we head into the winter months. 

Ben Thompson, deputy chief executive at Mortgage Advice Bureau,says: “The UK has some of the leakiest housing in Europe, and with energy performance now considered amongst the fundamental factors that buyers look for, sellers and developers should be focusing on this. 

“Incentivising buyers through green mortgages could be achieved by offering them rewards or by going even further, with support from the government to offer the potential of a Stamp Duty rebate for those who retrofit a newly bought home to a C or above. This can ultimately improve the affordability of borrowers in the long run, improve market conditions, and make a difference to net zero targets.”