Homes Matter proposes New Eco-Initiative to the Energy Efficiency and Home Information Pack Industries

September 09, 2008 - Press Dispensary - Homes Matter (http://www.homesmatter.co.uk ), an online estate agent, has submitted a proposal to the energy and home information pack industries, recommending that they work together to improve the energy efficiency of homes and help reform the home selling and buying process.

Under the terms of the proposal, a NewCo would be established by the industries to provide sellers with a low cost package of estate agency related services, if they agree to implement measures - such as loft and cavity wall insulation - recommended in energy performance certificates (EPCs). In so doing, sellers would save thousands in fees to help offset lower price expectations in the current market, and improve the value and saleability of their homes.

Buyers would benefit from moving into a new, ‘green’ home with lower energy bills, and would receive a welcome pack of energy savings offers; they might also qualify for a ‘green’ mortgage, a council tax rebate and a low cost energy supply tariff. The total package could be worth around £1,500 and would particularly help first time buyers.

The NewCo would work in partnership with Energy Savings Trust’s ‘Green Homes’ service, National Energy Action and others on a social enterprise basis, so profits could be gift-aided to environmental projects. It would also work with local authorities to help them meet their obligations in the private housing sector under HECA / National Indicator 186 and to compliment the Decent Homes and Warm Front schemes.

Nigel Farren of Homes Matter says: “Over 750,000 EPCs have been issued to date but few sellers, if any, have acted upon them because there are no financial incentives to do so. In 2009, around one million more EPCs will be issued and our proposal would help stop these also becoming only worth the paper they are written on.”

He adds: “By providing low cost estate agency related services in return for installing energy efficiency measures, the NewCo would deliver real incentives for sellers to take action on EPCs. Most sellers are also buyers so if they can be incentivised to install measures, they will do the same on their purchase, doubling up the ‘greening’ of homes. Sellers will also get payback for implementing measures upon completion of their sale … and if they don't sell, they will themselves benefit from lower energy bills.”

The NewCo's offer is expected to have great emotional appeal for sellers at a time when many estate agents are increasing sellers’ financial burden by increasing fees and adding a margin to home information packs.

Farren continues: “Doing nothing is not an option to the industries. The NewCo would explain to sellers how improving the energy efficiency of their homes and providing a home condition report will attract buyers - and help the environment.”

To encourage estate agents to become involved, a shared property listing service would be established whereby agents are paid a fee if they find buyers. The Newco would also provide new income opportunities for retailers, mortgage brokers and IFAs.

Farren concludes: "Nationwide rollout could be relatively quick and easy using Energy Savings Trust’s existing infrastructure of locally based energy advice centres, installers, domestic energy assessors and home inspectors. There would be no problem in recruiting experienced estate agency staff because thousands of them are looking for new jobs.

"The proposal has the support of consumers, businesses, trade associations and environmental lobby groups. All that is needed is commitment from the two industries to provide resources and the political will to make it happen. I trust this will be forthcoming for the sake of both homeowners and the environment.”

- Ends -

Homes Matter's mission is to make the home selling and buying process greener, cheaper, quicker and less stressful. Working with their partners, it will provide low cost estate agency, home information pack, home condition report, conveyancing, mortgage and energy efficiency installation services to help homeowners save money and improve the value and saleability of their homes.

For further information, please contact:
Nigel Farren, founder, Homes Matter
Tel: 01727 857487
Email:
Site: www.homesmatter.co.uk