Scott Taylor-Barr, financial adviser at Barnsdale Financial Management, agreed the government was likely to increase pressure on home improvements as it strives to hit its net-zero targets.
A way to make it work, he said, was through more effective initiatives that ensure having a good EPC rating means the mortgage is lower, and through tax cuts that are given when buying energy-efficient homes.
Luke Loveridge, founder and CEO at Propflo, said he has spoken to lenders representing 90 per cent of the mortgage market this year, "and many are preparing to offer more generous retrofit mortgages including blended rates with low or zero per cent loans used for making your home more energy efficient."
But high interest rates could still put a spanner in the works, especially for landlords, said Christian Duncan, managing director at Manchester Mortgage Centre, who said: "I don't believe it's beneficial for landlords to consider this with the ever-increasing interest rates.
"I do however believe if you're in your forever home looking to future-proof your property to become 'green' and save money in the long run on energy prices is beneficial if you can stand the upfront costs."
Imran Khan, co-founder & CEO at PropertyLoop, agreed. "The truth is, landlords are battling to keep their heads above water, and investing in green upgrades offers no tangible returns," he said.
"Rent prices don't inflate because your property has solar panels or superior insulation. Moreover, most tenants don't set such criteria as prerequisites for renting.
"It's a case of landlord pragmatism vs environmental idealism, and right now, survival instincts take precedence."
carmen.reichman@ft.com
