Green homes

A significant part of the green agenda is to ensure that properties are adequately insulated. A surveyors' trade body has recently highlighted the fact that there could be upwards of 250,000 homes with spray foam insulation in the loft which could render the properties difficult to sell or mortgage. The problem relates to the type of insulation used in the loft called 'closed cell spray foam'. This product is sprayed into the loft and solidifies. It can add additional weight to supporting roof timbers and can cause problems with moisture in the roof void. For this reason, many high street lenders are not willing to lend money against properties with this type of insulation.

A further twist in this tale is the fact that the problematic spray foam was included on a list of acceptable insulation under the government's Green Homes Grant. The scheme closed in March 2021, but many homeowners took advantage of the grant to enable them to claim back a significant proportion of energy-saving work carried out to their property.

Anyone who is selling or buying a property which may be affected should consider taking specialist legal advice at the outset of the transaction. Whilst the conveyancing lawyer will not give advice about the physical structure of the property, they will be able to check the Energy Performance Certificate and/or the Property Information Form supplied by the seller to establish early on whether a grant has been issued in relation to the property and whether or not insulation work has been carried out in recent years. A conveyancing lawyer will also be able to recommend a reputable surveyor who could assist a seller or buyer to identify whether there is a problem, which could save a considerable amount of time and money.

Surveyors are at pains to point out that the problematic loft insulation should not be confused with cavity wall insulation. This is a serious issue which could derail a sale or purchase which should, for the benefit of parties involved, be identified as early as possible in a conveyancing transaction.

To discuss this or any other property matter, contact us.