87. Green Deal scheme

The Green Deal scheme was a government initiative in the United Kingdom aimed at improving the energy efficiency of properties. It provided loans to homeowners to finance energy-efficient improvements, such as insulation, heating upgrades, and renewable energy installations, with the repayments made through the property's electricity bill. 

Participation in the Green Deal scheme 

Homeowners who participated in the Green Deal scheme would have had energy-efficient improvements installed in their properties using Green Deal finance. These improvements would have been carried out by accredited Green Deal installers. 

Relevant documentation 

If you participated in the Green Deal scheme, you should have documentation related to the energy-efficient improvements installed under the scheme. This documentation may include a Green Deal Advice Report, which outlines recommended improvements, as well as a Green Deal Plan, which details the financing arrangement and repayment terms. 

Identifying Green Deal-financed installations 

To determine if any installations in the property have been financed under the Green Deal scheme, you can review your property records, past agreements, or communicate with previous homeowners. If the property participated in the scheme, information about Green Deal-financed installations should be available. This information is crucial for potential buyers to understand the ongoing financial arrangements related to the property's energy-efficient upgrades. 

Providing details about Green Deal-financed installations 

You should provide information about specific installations that were financed under the Green Deal scheme and their impact on the property's energy efficiency. This transparency ensures that potential buyers have a comprehensive understanding of the property's energy-related history and ongoing commitments. Details should include the type of installations, their effectiveness in improving energy efficiency, and any remaining financial obligations associated with the Green Deal. 

Supplying electricity bill information 

You might be asked to provide a copy of your latest electricity bill as part of the property transaction. This request is usually made to ascertain the property's recent energy consumption, which can provide insight into its energy efficiency. Sharing this information assists potential buyers in assessing ongoing energy costs associated with the property. 

Impact on property sale 

The presence of a Green Deal plan on a property could potentially impact its sale in several ways: 

• Financial Obligations: Prospective buyers need to be aware of any outstanding Green Deal repayments attached to the property. These repayments are made through the electricity bill, and the obligation to repay the loan remains with the property, not the individual who took out the Green Deal finance. Buyers should be informed of the repayment terms and the impact on their ongoing energy bills. 
• Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient improvements installed under the Green Deal scheme may enhance the property's energy efficiency and reduce energy bills, which could be attractive to potential buyers concerned about environmental sustainability and running costs. 
• Transferability: It is essential to check whether the Green Deal plan is transferable to the new owner upon the sale of the property. In some cases, the seller may need to repay the outstanding balance of the Green Deal loan upon completion of the sale, while others may allow for the transfer of the plan to the new owner. 

Obtaining documentation 

If you are unsure whether your property is part of the Green Deal scheme or if you need access to relevant documentation, you can contact the Green Deal Finance Company or the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) for assistance. They can provide information about any Green Deal plans associated with your property and guidance on obtaining the relevant documentation.