As the Government launches its new Warm Homes Loan Scheme, Lendology welcomes the move to make energy-saving technologies more affordable, but highlights the importance of finance that supports the wider needs of homeowners and their properties.
The Government’s new Warm Homes Loan Scheme is a welcome step towards helping households invest in technologies such as solar panels, battery storage and heat pumps. But for many homeowners, creating a warmer, healthier home can begin with something more fundamental: fixing a leaking roof, replacing draughty windows or carrying out essential repairs.
Responsible lending specialist Lendology CIC believes the announcement presents an opportunity to look more broadly at how home improvements are financed, recognising that a property’s needs do not always fit neatly into a list of eligible energy-saving measures.
Emma Lower, Chief Executive of Lendology CIC, said:
“Every home is different, and so is every homeowner’s situation. For one household, installing solar panels might be the right next step. For another, it could be repairing a roof, replacing windows or addressing problems that have made their home difficult to heat.
“We need to look at the whole home and understand what people actually need. It’s about helping homeowners make improvements that will make a meaningful difference to their everyday lives, not simply financing individual installations.
“Are we financing the measures we want homeowners to install, or are we financing the improvements their homes actually need? I think that’s an important question as we look at how to make Britain’s homes safer, warmer and healthier.”
Building on the Government’s ambition
The Government’s Warm Homes Loan Scheme will help homeowners spread the cost of eligible low-carbon technologies through Government-supported loans with reduced interest rates.
Lendology welcomes the initiative as an important addition to the home improvement finance market, while highlighting the need for complementary lending solutions that can support essential repairs and wider improvements.
Emma continued:
“The Government’s commitment to making energy-efficient improvements more affordable is a really positive step. But installing new technology is not always the first priority for a homeowner.
“Access to the right finance can make an enormous difference, particularly when people need to undertake several improvements to make their property safe, comfortable and affordable to run.”
Twenty years of putting homeowners first
Since 2005, Lendology has worked with local authorities to provide responsible home improvement finance, helping homeowners access funding for repairs, adaptations and energy-efficiency improvements.
Over that period, Lendology has facilitated £33 million in lending, supporting homeowners who may struggle to access suitable finance through mainstream lenders.
Its people-first approach focuses on understanding individual circumstances, assessing affordability and helping customers access appropriate lending solutions.
Emma has also contributed to discussions informing the development of the national Warm Homes Loan Scheme, sharing practical insights from Lendology’s experience of delivering affordable home improvement finance through local authority partnerships.
Helping more homeowners improve their homes
Lendology continues to deliver locally funded home improvement loan schemes in partnership with local authorities. Depending on individual scheme criteria, these can support a broader range of improvements, from energy efficiency measures to essential repairs and wider property improvements.
Lendology was approved to participate in the national Warm Homes Loan Scheme but is not among the lenders offering loans at launch. Future participation will depend on securing a suitable funding partnership to provide lending capital.
Emma concluded:
“Improving Britain’s homes requires more than one scheme or one type of finance. It’s about understanding the property, the homeowner’s circumstances and finding a responsible way forward.
“Through our local authority partnerships, we’ve seen what that approach can achieve. We welcome the Government’s ambition and look forward to playing our part in helping more people create safer, warmer and healthier homes.”
