Low carbon homes

The Low Carbon Homes scheme is a rate relief which came into effect on 1 April 2010. It aims to encourage the building of low and zero carbon homes in Northern Ireland.

What is the Low Carbon Homes scheme?

This is a new scheme that will provide full rate relief to:

• the first occupier of a new low carbon home for up to two years
• the first occupier of a new zero carbon home for up to five years

How to qualify

A number of criteria and conditions apply for this scheme, including:

• the house must not be completed before 1 April 2010
• the scheme ends on 31 march 2013 for low carbon homes and 31 March 2016 for zero carbon homes

Other qualifying criteria and conditions can be found in the information leaflet using the link below:

•  Low carbon homes scheme (PDF 152KB) (PDF 150 KB)
• Help with PDF files

How to apply

If your home meets the necessary criteria, an accredited On Construction Domestic Energy Assessor (OCDEA) will provide you with a zero or low carbon certificate when issuing your Energy Performance Certificate.

You should then apply to Land & Property Services (LPS). You can download an application form or contact LPS and request a form.

Please use the link below to download an application form:

•  Low carbon application form and advice notes (PDF 218KB) (PDF 218 KB)

Contact details for LPS are as follows:

• phone: 101
• minicom: 1800 1101
• if you cannot access the 101 number or are calling from outside Northern Ireland you can call on 028 9151 3101

More useful links

• Energy and water saving (environment and greener living section)
• Greener living: quick guides (environment and greener living section)

In this section

• People on a low income
• Housing Benefit scheme - overview
• Rate Relief scheme - overview
• How to apply for Housing Benefit and Rate Relief
• Housing Benefit decision making and Appeals
• Help with rates for pensioners
• Lone Pensioner Allowance
• Rates Deferment Scheme
• Disabled persons allowance - rates
• Energy efficient homes