Propertymark underscores need for retrofitting program with longer-term funding

Current funds "a drop in the ocean"

Propertymark underscores need for retrofitting program with longer-term funding

As the UK government began implementing its three-year Boiler Upgrade Scheme, an organisation of estate agents said a national retrofitting program backed up by longer-term funding is needed to really drive forward plans to make UK homes more energy efficient.

Propertymark stressed that unless landlords and homeowners are given sustained financial incentives, it is unlikely any real progress will be made in helping them to cut carbon emissions and reduce energy bills.

“The property sector needs a national retrofitting program that’s linked to realistic and achievable targets and dedicated, long-term grants that take into account the age, condition, and size of properties,” Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns for Propertymark, said.

Douglas noted that while funds are now coming in, the support is not enough considering how expensive it is to make homes more energy efficient.

“The UK’s housing stock is among the least energy efficient in Europe so the challenge to retrofit is huge. Pockets of funding are starting to emerge but are a drop in the ocean compared to what is needed,” he said.

The government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers £5,000 grants to property owners in England and Wales towards the cost of an air source heat pump, £6,000 for a ground source heat pump, and £5,000 for a biomass boiler for properties in rural locations and those not connected to the gas grid.

Read more: Govt offers £5,000 subsidies on heat pumps.

This is part of a £3.9 billion plan to provide 90,000 pumps to reduce carbon emissions from heating buildings. As a result of this investment, the government hopes to see no new gas boilers sold after 2035.

It is estimated that there are 25 million homes in the UK currently heated by gas boilers.

The scheme is being introduced alongside the new 0% VAT rate on selected energy efficiency materials and grants available to low-income households through some local authorities.