As we grow older, our priorities change. The home that was once perfect for raising a family may now seem too big, too expensive to maintain, or simply not suited to our changing needs. For many homeowners aged over 55, a Lifetime Mortgage can offer a solution to these challenges, unlocking the value of their property to provide a cash lump sum or regular income stream.
But while a Lifetime Mortgage can be a useful tool for later life planning, it’s not always the right option for everyone. That’s why it’s important to work with a Later Life Lending expert advisor who can help you explore all the options available and make an informed decision based on your individual circumstances.
One factor that’s becoming increasingly important for many older homeowners is energy efficiency. As concerns about climate change and rising energy costs continue to grow, more and more people are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on their bills. And for those considering a Lifetime Mortgage, improving energy efficiency can also help to increase the value of their property and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
That’s where Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) come in. An EPC is a rating system that measures the energy efficiency of a property, from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It takes into account factors such as insulation, heating systems, and lighting, and provides recommendations for how to improve the property’s energy efficiency.
While EPCs have been mandatory for all homes in the UK since 2008, many homeowners may not have considered their EPC rating or how it could impact their later life planning. However, with the help of the Later Life Lending market, this is starting to change.
More2Life, a leading equity release provider, recently announced a partnership with Vibrant Energy Matters (VEM) to provide free EPC reports to all customers who take out an equity release plan with them. This move highlights the growing importance of energy efficiency in the Later Life Lending market, and how it can benefit both homeowners and lenders.
So why might older generations want to look at getting an EPC report? Here are just a few reasons:
Save money on energy bills
As we age, our incomes may become more limited, so finding ways to reduce our household expenses can be a significant concern. Improving the energy efficiency of your home can help you save money on your energy bills, freeing up funds for other expenses or improving your quality of life.
For example, upgrading your heating system or insulation could significantly reduce the amount of energy you need to heat your home, which could translate to significant savings over time.
Reduce your carbon footprint
Many people are concerned about the impact of climate change and want to do their part to reduce their carbon footprint. Improving the energy efficiency of your home is one way to make a tangible difference and reduce your environmental impact.
By upgrading your home’s insulation or heating systems, you can reduce the amount of energy you consume, which in turn reduces the amount of carbon emissions associated with your home.
Increase the value of your property
If you’re considering a Lifetime Mortgage, the value of your property will be a significant factor in determining how much you can borrow. Improving the energy efficiency of your home can help to increase its value and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
Many buyers are now looking for homes that are energy-efficient, as they can save money on their energy bills and reduce their environmental impact. By improving your EPC rating, you could make your home more appealing to these buyers and potentially increase its value.
Stay comfortable in your home
As we age, our bodies may become more sensitive to changes in temperature, which can make it harder to stay comfortable in our homes. Improving your home’s insulation or heating systems can help to regulate the temperature and create a more comfortable living environment, which can be especially important as we age.
By reducing draughts and improving insulation, you can create a warmer, cosier home that’s easier to live in. This can help to reduce the risk of health problems associated with cold, damp living conditions, such as respiratory illnesses and arthritis.
Future-proof your home
If you’re planning to stay in your home as you grow older, it’s important to ensure that your home is suited to your changing needs. Improving your home’s energy efficiency can be a key part of this process, as it can help to make your home more comfortable, affordable, and sustainable.
By investing in energy-efficient upgrades, such as smart heating systems or renewable energy sources, you can future-proof your home and ensure that it remains a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable place to live for years to come.
How Later Life Lenders are helping
While improving energy efficiency can offer many benefits for older homeowners, it can also be a costly and complex process. That’s where Later Life Lenders can play a valuable role, by offering a Lifetime Mortgage that can help to finance these upgrades.
For example, More2Life’s partnership with VEM provides free EPC reports to all customers who take out an a Lifetime Mortgage with them. This can help customers to identify areas where they can improve their home’s energy efficiency, and work with VEM to find the best solutions for their needs.
Other Later Life Lenders are also exploring ways to help homeowners improve their home’s energy efficiency, such as offering discounted rates on energy-efficient upgrades or providing guidance on how to access government grants and incentives.
By working with a Later Life Lending advisor who understands the Later Life Lending market, homeowners can explore all the options available and make an informed decision based on their individual needs and circumstances.
Conclusion
As we age, our priorities and needs change, and our homes may no longer be suited to our lifestyle or financial circumstances. A Lifetime Mortgage can offer a solution to these challenges, allowing older homeowners to unlock the value of their property and access a cash lump sum or regular income stream.
However, as concerns about energy efficiency and sustainability continue to grow, many older homeowners are also looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint, save money on their bills, and improve the value of their property. By getting an EPC report and exploring ways to improve their home’s energy efficiency, homeowners can achieve these goals and create a more comfortable, sustainable, and enjoyable living environment.
With the help of Later Life Lenders like More2Life and Vibrant Energy Matters, it’s becoming easier for homeowners to access the advice and support they need to make the most of their home and plan for the future. By working with an Later Life Lender advisor, homeowners can explore all the options available and make an informed decision that meets their individual needs and circumstances.
To get started, simply visit our Later Life Lending Enquiry page and fill out the form. One of our advisers will be in touch shortly to schedule a consultation at a time that suits you.
Find out more about Later Life Lending and contact our Later Life Lending team here.
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