What a cracking idea... these guys offer reductions on mortgage rates the lower/more energy efficient your home is.
They also appear to support self builders.

Thought this maybe of interest to anyone looking to finance a self build?

(I am not affiliated in any way, but hope to use them on a number of fronts!)

I think its a good idea. So don't mind making others aware. Just wanted cover my @rse!

Quite!

Go on, Chris, tell us!

They've been doing it for a long time now!

I fail to see how the risk (judged by the interest rate) for an 'ECO/Green/Low Carbon" home is lower for the occupants than a similar sized place that is ordinary. I suspect that it is just am invitation to treat rather than a genuine offer if all other things are equal.

Used to be involved in risk management and credit scoring for loans and whilst there may be no sound reason, it will probably be built into the credit scoring that the profile of someone buying an energy efficient house is likely to be a better risk. There is also value, the property is likely to be more saleable/hold value and therefore be a better risk.

Posted By: SteamyTeaI fail to see how the risk (judged by the interest rate) for an 'ECO/Green/Low Carbon" home is lower for the occupants than a similar sized place that is ordinary.

They should be spending less on fuel so have more left to pay the mortgage.

I think the market place favours traditional buildings not out of the ordinary ones, and I fail to see how the type of building you live in affects your future career.
What rates are they offering? Are they really cheaper over the normal 25 to 30 year period? Do they require a very large deposit?

"If you're building or buying an eco-home, our sustainable homes discount could offer a discount of up to 1.25% from our Standard Variable Rate (4.90% - the overall cost for comparison is 5.1% APR). "

Compared to:
http://www.moneysupermarket.com/mortgages/?source=GOO-2913B1ED&p=0&keywords=mortgage+ratesExact&ef_id=fFJQFpt8dbwAABuB:20120730143436:s

Where it goes from 2.99% (APR 4.8%) to 2.85% (APR 5.5%)

They lend about 2.5 times income and you seem to need somewhere between 15 to 50% deposit.

So as I said earlier, an invitation to treat.

They are a lender who you can speak with who understand what they are talking about when you phone them and speak about your build, you speak with an underwriter who has looked in detail at your plans/finances, not just a person whose sole job it is to answer phones - they aren't a mainstream lender and don't pretend to be. Not many people interested in lending if you want to self build anything that isn't strictly brick/block or timber frame.

Their interest rate isn't linked to BoE base rate or anything else - they pay interest on their savings with the money lent out on their mortgages - proper building society.

(speaking as one who hopes to be taking advantage of this discount once a house is up with a shiny new "A" SAP cert )