Disappointment as new funding for upgrading to net zero excludes landlords

Disappointment as new funding for upgrading to net zero excludes landlords

0:01 AM, 29th October 2024, About 2 weeks ago 2

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A new scheme to help upgrade housing stock in Wales doesn’t include help for landlords.

The Welsh government has launched a £70 million initiative to upgrade housing stock to support the country’s drive towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2025, but this does not include properties in the private rented sector.

Propertymark has slammed the decision to exclude landlords from the scheme as “disappointing”.

Disappointing to see that it doesn’t extend to landlords

The scheme offers interest-free loans between £1,000 and £25,000, with up to 10-year repayment terms with an initial 6-month ‘repayment holiday’ to ensure the benefits of the improvements can be seen before payments begin.

A Propertymark spokesperson said: “Whilst it is encouraging to see that grants provided under the scheme can be used to carry out a range of improvements encompassing heating, power generation and improving the fabric of a building, it is disappointing to see that it doesn’t extend to private landlords.

“Frustrating given the wide array of schemes already excluding landlords and targeting low-income households such as the existing ECO 4 and Nest grant schemes.”

The spokesperson adds: “In addition to excluding landlords, the Scheme does not cover newly built homes (those built within the last six months) and listed buildings that require special permissions due to being in conservation areas, which, given the variety and often historical nature of Welsh housing stock is a missed opportunity.”

Extend the scheme to landlords in due course

However, Propertymark says they have been in touch with the provider of the scheme, who hinted they may extend the scheme to landlords in the future.

A Propertymark spokesperson said: “Without providing private landlords with incentives and access to sustained funding, it is unlikely that private rented sector energy-efficiency targets and a reduction in emissions across the property sector will be met.

“Development Bank Wales who administer the Green Homes Wales Scheme have told Propertymark that they may consider extending the scheme to landlords in due course.”


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11:10 AM, 29th October 2024, About 2 weeks ago

So not only does it exclude landlords, but landlords probably pay more tax than the general public.
Meaning they are forced to pay for something they legally cannot use.

GlanACC

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16:29 PM, 29th October 2024, About A week ago

The scheme doesn't cover newly built homes, and nor should it. Any new home built within the last 2 years should be EPC C at least

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