Energy efficiency could be linked to mortgagesA rise in the importance of energy efficient housing could soon see mortgages related to how eco-friendly a home is, the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC) has said.

This means that those considering selling their home in a few years' time should give due consideration to how 'green' their property is, the council has suggested.

NHIC has pointed to the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) contained within Home information packs (Hips) as evidence that such factors are now playing a more important role within the housing market.

"We are going to reach a stage, and it's not too far away now - within the next couple of years, where mortgages and getting a mortgage on a house will tie in with how efficient the house is," predicted NHIC technical consultant Andrew Leech.

"Anyone who has an inefficient house and is thinking of selling in a couple of years time maybe ought to think about whether their house is efficient; do they have the right size boiler, have they got an insulated loft, if they have cavity walls, do they have them insulated?

"The EPC in the Hips will give you a rating on this and it will be seen by the prospective buyer. It is something you will have to take in to consideration," Mr Leech confirmed.