Boost Your Home’s Value with a Government-Backed Energy Grant

If you’re a UK homeowner or tenant, you may be eligible for the government-backed ECO4 scheme, designed to improve energy efficiency and lower your household bills. This home energy grant not only helps reduce your carbon footprint but can also significantly increase your property’s value. At Energy Advice Helpline, we’re here to guide you through the benefits of this scheme and how to take advantage of it.

What is the ECO4 Scheme?

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government-backed home energy grant aimed at improving energy efficiency in homes across the UK. By upgrading properties with energy-efficient measures, the programme contributes to lowering energy bills and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The home energy grant covers a wide range of energy-saving upgrades, including:

• Loft and cavity wall insulation
• Boiler upgrades or replacements
• Installation of heat pumps
• Solar panel installations

These measures are both provided and installed completely free of charge for households that qualify.

What Can Energy Advice Helpline Do For You?

At Energy Advice Helpline, we specialise in helping UK households navigate energy-saving grants and schemes like ECO4. Our expert advisors provide:

• Free, impartial advice
• Help with eligibility checks and applications
• Guidance through every step of the process

As a not-for-profit organisation, our primary focus is on providing support to those in need. Using our service is free of charge, and you can reach our support team via phone or live chat with any questions. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions about your energy bills by providing free and impartial advice.

How A Government-Backed Energy Grant Can Boost Your Property’s Value

Energy efficiency is a key factor for potential buyers or tenants in today’s property market. Homes with higher Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings are not only more attractive to prospective buyers but often command higher prices. This is due to multiple reasons:

1. Improved Energy Efficiency

Upgrades such as better insulation and modern heating systems enhance your home’s energy efficiency, increasing its EPC rating. This can result in a significant boost in value.

2. Increased Market Value

Studies have shown that energy-efficient homes often sell for more. According to research by the UK Government, homes with an EPC rating of C or above can command a premium of up to 14% compared to homes rated D or lower. Specific measures under the ECO4 scheme can also have a notable impact:

• Loft and Cavity Wall Insulation: Insulation can increase a property’s value by up to 10%, as they significantly reduce heating costs, saving buyers on household bills.

• Boiler Upgrades or Replacements: A modern, efficient boiler can add around 4-5% to a property’s value, according to Zoopla, as it ensures reliable and cost-effective heating throughout the year, and means buyers won’t have to replace the boiler when moving in.

• Heat Pumps: Heat pumps can add up to 8% to a property’s value due to their high energy efficiency and alignment with future energy standards.

• Solar Panels: Solar panels can boost a property’s value by as much as 6%, according to research from Barclays, as they appeal to buyers seeking long-term savings and sustainability.

3. Reduced Household Running Costs

Energy-efficient homes are cheaper to run, a major selling point for budget-conscious buyers. With energy costs continuing to rise, buyers are increasingly prioritising homes that promise lower utility bills.

4. Enhanced Market Appeal

Eco-friendly homes align with growing environmental awareness, making them more desirable. Rightmove data reveals that homes marketed with energy-efficient features receive significantly more interest from potential buyers.

5. Future-Proofing Your Property

As the UK government tightens energy efficiency regulations, homes with high EPC ratings are better positioned to meet future requirements. This ensures that your property remains competitive in the market for years to come.

Market Statistics for UK Homes

The average house price in the UK is currently around £287,000, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Research indicates that improving your home’s EPC rating from a D to a C can add an estimated £8,000-£12,000 to its market value. In some regions, the increase can be even higher due to strong demand for energy-efficient properties.

Who Qualifies for ECO4?

There are a range of ways you could be eligible for a government-backed home energy grant. This could be based on income, or if you have an ongoing health condition. The easiest way to check if you’re eligible is by using our eligibility checker below. It only takes 30 seconds!