Eco Projects Eco Improvement Grants

Date Published:

29/05/2008

More on the Grants

The offers are funded by energy suppliers and other partners, with their investment in 'green grants' increasing to £2.5 billion over the next three years from April 2008, compared to £1 billion over the last three years.

EPCs have been introduced as part of HIPs, and now cover all homes with three or more bedrooms. The certificates will give consumers energy ratings for homes of A-G, similar to consumer friendly fridge ratings.

A snapshot of leading estate agents shows that most will offer a HIP for around £300 to £350 plus VAT - £200 to £250 of which is already paid for in the current system.

Some estate agents will be offering them for free or as part of their ordinary fees.

The introduction of HIPs is already leading to search prices coming down for consumers, with nearly fifty local authorities having already reduced what they charge consumers for searches, in some cases by more than £100.

Increased competition and transparency as result of HIPs is expected to reduce costs further.

The government will monitor HIPs closely to ensure the benefits are being passed on to the consumer, with a new consumer panel being set up as part of a wider programme of action to make the home buying and selling process work in the interests of consumers.