Standard Life Home Finance has announced a new EPC scheme to encourage consumers to make their homes more sustainable.

Upon completion of their Horizon or Horizon Interest Reward lifetime mortgage, customers will receive an offer to book a free EPC through Vibrant Energy Matters. If their property subsequently receives an EPC A rating, they will receive a £1,000 cashback gift. Customers whose property rates EPC B will receive £500.

If a customer already has a valid EPC certificate from the past five years for properties aged 10 years or older, or at any time for properties aged less than 10 years, they will still be eligible to receive the cashback for any A or B ratings.

The proposition will launch on Horizon and Horizon Interest Reward plans, via any whole of market adviser registered with Standard Life Home Finance.

In cases where the lifetime mortgage funds are being used to purchase a new home, customers will be eligible for cashback from an existing EPC certificate but not for a free EPC evaluation.

Sanjay Gadhia, head of sales at Standard Life Home Finance, said: “In recent years we’ve seen green mortgages, sustainable housing and EPC considerations rise rapidly up the agenda for homeowners, so we’re excited to be offering free EPCs to our customers. People have experienced serious shocks to their bills in recent years, from the gas price shock in 2022 to the energy price cap expected to fall by 7%, so having a good EPC rating is not only important for the climate but for our customers’ wallets too.

“Providing a lump sum in cashback to the most sustainable and energy-efficient properties will provide a financial incentive for customers with lower EPC ratings to invest in their property. Not to mention that the funds released with a lifetime mortgage can allow home owners to make refurbishments resulting in a greener home with lower energy bills. Customers considering this as an option should always consult an adviser for support.”