Let buyers borrow more on greener homes, urges report

Making energy ratings a factor in mortgage offers could let people borrow up to 11,500 more, says Lenders group

Homebuyers could take out bigger mortgages if the energy ratings of properties were factored into the lending criteria of banks and building societies, government-funded research has found.

Although estate agents are legally bound to display energy performance certificates (EPCs) in property listings, few buying decisions hinge on energy bill costs and the efficiency of a home is not considered in affordability calculations by lenders.