When your conversion works are complete and you provide us with the required evidence,  we will either apply the C-Change sustainable homes discount or C-Change energy improvements discount, depending on the discount your project qualifies for.

For us to apply the C-Change sustainable homes discount, you need to provide an Energy Standard certificate and Architect or Building Control certificate. We will apply the applicable C-Change sustainable homes discount to our Standard Variable Rate from the date we receive evidence that the work has been completed and the Energy Standard rating required has been achieved.

For us to apply the C-Change energy improvements discount, please supply us with invoices for qualifying works.  We will apply the applicable C-Change energy improvements discount to our Standard Variable Rate from the date we receive the required invoices.

How we work out your Variable Mortgage Rate:
Standard Variable Rate (SVR) minus C-Change Discount = Variable Mortgage Rate

The C-Change energy improvement scheme offers a discount of 1% on funds borrowed for qualifying energy measure installations (listed in the table below) and is applied once work is completed and evidenced by invoices. Please note the discount is applied to funds borrowed for energy improvement measures only and our Standard Variable Mortgage Rate will apply to the rest of the mortgage.

For example, if you borrow £150,000 and £50,000 is used for energy improvements, once all work is completed and evidenced, we would apply a 1% discount from our Standard Variable Rate to the £50,000 used for energy improvements and our Standard Variable Rate would apply to the rest of the mortgage.

Residential mortgage valuation fees

Please note these valuation fees apply to residential and buy-to-let applications and include VAT.

In all other instances, the fee required will be determined on a case-by-case basis and depends on the nature of the property.

A more detailed inspection, such as a Homebuyers Report can often be provided by the same valuer at a fee to be negotiated. Please advise on this point when submitting your application.

Application Fee

A non-refundable mortgage application fee of £300 is payable in addition to a mortgage valuation fee.

Early repayment charge

An early repayment charge may be payable if you repay all or part of your mortgage within the first two years.

Our services, fees, tariffs and charges

The Society reserves the right to amend existing services and charges, or to introduce new ones.

Any change to charges will only reflect the increased operational costs of providing the service. You will always be notified before any changes are implemented.

For further details and tariff information please see Our rates and charges leaflet.

Does Ecology require planning permission for my conversion project?

Yes. We need at least outline planning permission to start the application process and detailed planning permission before the mortgage is released.

What information do I need to progress a mortgage application?

You’ll need to have a specific property conversion in mind which needs to be supported by detailed plans, including a breakdown of material and labour costs and an indication of the Energy Standard you are converting to.

What deposit do I need for my conversion project?

You need a 20% minimum deposit to buy the property and a further 15% – 20% of total conversion costs to start your project.

Do I still need a deposit for my conversion if I already own the property and have planning permission?

No, you don’t always need a deposit; we can lend based on the value of your property to start the conversion, providing you already own the property and it’s mortgage-free. Also, we can help you repay any outstanding finance on the property if you need it.

Do borrowers who are planning to convert their property need to show how they plan to improve the property’s energy efficiency?

Any project we support needs to show planning details of the proposed conversion with an indication of the Energy Standard you are converting to, and how the project costs are expected to be funded with savings and mortgage finance. We don’t just lend to purchase the property.

How long do I have to complete the conversion?

Subject to planning constraints, we allow a maximum of 2 years for you to complete the conversion, although we encourage you to complete earlier to benefit from our C-Change discount (C-Change sustainable homes or C-change energy improvement). The applicable discount is applied to our Standard Variable Rate when we receive evidence that the work has been completed and the Energy Standard rating required has been achieved.

Do you offer stage payments for a conversion?

Yes, although the Ecology conversion mortgage does not release payments at set construction milestone stages. We release funds as and when the conversion progresses and release up to a percentage of the increased value of the property.

Can I have an interest-only mortgage during the conversion phase?

We offer an interest-only mortgage only when you have a qualifying repayment vehicle to support this for example an established ISA, endowment policies or Pension Plan.

Does Ecology require a particular build warranty on completion of my conversion?

A build warranty is not a mandatory lending requirement of our mortgage and we are happy with a Building Regulation Completion Certificate. However, if you wish to take out a build warranty for the completion of the property then this is acceptable to the Society.

Does the conversion property have to be my main residence?

Yes, although we do offer a buy-to-let mortgage. Please bear in mind that we don’t offer mortgages for second homes, holiday homes or homes classed as mobile planning.