Zephyr Homeloans, the specialist buy-to-let (BTL) lender owned by Computershare, has launched a number of new products as part of a range redesign aimed at supporting greater energy efficiency in the UK private rental sector.
Zephyr said its new EPC Deal products offer reduced rates of 10 basis points (bps) for standard properties, as well as for houses in multiple occupancy (HMOs) and multi-unit freehold blocks (MUFBs) that have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of A to C, with rates for a two-year, standard property product starting at 2.54% for a 65% loan to value (LTV) and 2.79% for a five-year standard property product at 65% LTV.
The company said it had also reduced rates on some products in its range for new build and flats above commercial property for properties rated A to C, as well as D to E, by an average 45 bps.
A recent survey by The Deposit Protection Service (The DPS) – which is also part of Computershare – revealed that just over half (52%) of landlords are aware of Government proposals that all new lettings on privately-rented homes should meet EPC-C rating by 2025 and that existing lettings should meet the standard by 2028.
EPC ratings range from A to G on all UK properties, with A being the most efficient and G being the least.
The current minimum energy efficiency standard for rented property is E, unless the landlord has a valid exemption.
Paul Fryers, managing director at Zephyr Homeloans, said: “Our brokers are reporting increased interest from landlords in mortgage products that reflect the Government’s proposals to improve the energy efficiency of properties across the UK.
“Zephyr’s EPC Deal underlines our focus on innovation, competitiveness and ability to respond to customers’ needs in a fast-moving specialist BTL market.”
Zephyr also said brokers provide evidence of a property’s EPC rating as part of the loan verification or underwriting process.
Zephyr Homeloans is a trading name of Topaz Finance Limited, a part of the Computershare Loan Services division of the Computershare group.
