A VET has opted for a green mortgage for his new home in Warrington to beat rising interest rates.

Mike Sanders had never considered a green mortgage before he found his dream home on Slutchers Lane.

But now he is among a ‘new breed of buyers’ who are going for green mortgages – which provide preferential terms if buyers choose an energy-efficient home.

The 42-year-old, who has lived in a flat in Manchester city centre for 12 years, intended to buy a 1930s Victorian-style home, but after comparing the energy efficiency with that of a new build, he had a ‘change of heart’.

Mike, who is now preparing to move into Countryside’s Rivers Edge development which is a short walk from the town centre, said: “I’m currently living in Manchester, where I own a flat and I’d started thinking about buying a house about three years ago but it was put on hold due to the pandemic.

“I was considering a 1930s-style house but older houses are known for not being energy efficient.

“I looked at a few developments but when I found Rivers Edge, it was exactly what I was looking for in terms of affordability and location.

“The houses still have their own character and knowing how much I’ll be able to save on bills with a new build was a key selling point.”

Mark Hadfield, managing director of Merseyside and Cheshire West Countryside, said: “Green mortgages have been available for a while, but consumers like Mike are becoming increasingly conscious of increasing interest rates and saving on household bills, whilst reducing their carbon footprint.

“As a result we are seeing a lot more interest from potential homeowners looking to cut down on energy consumption.

“We’re pleased to be welcoming Mike to our Rivers Edge development.

“It’s a site that is popular with buyers like Mike looking to relocate from cities as it offers a brilliant balance between commutability and access to green, open space.”