Happy New Year to our clients and readers, but unfortunately we need to start the year with something that is currently at an all-time high in the area for homeowners. The end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023 has seen a bombardment of scammers targeting homeowners in the Northwest with fraudulent offers on green energy solutions or insulation, claiming that they will boost property value for those looking at how to sell a house in the new year and cashing in on the cost-of-living crisis.
Targeted
The number of scams has reached epidemic proportions and it will increase even more throughout 2023 as fraudsters become even more sophisticated when targeting victims.
Homeowners are experiencing more cons linked to offers of green energy solutions and insulation using creative marketing that implies it is with government backing – including scrappage schemes for boilers and grants available. Most of these take the form of discounts on already inflated prices.
Treat with Suspicion
Homeowners are also seeing an increase in unsolicited texts and emails that need to be treated with suspicion, as scammers try to rope in those looking to save money in spiralling energy costs. Trading standards have passed warning that households being offered fake green home improvements have doubled during the Winter, with fraudsters targeting homeowners looking to make their home’s property value increase by becoming green.
Homeowners have also been targeted with scam offers of bogus grants for solar panels, loft insulation, spray foam, double and triple glazing and new boilers. Homeowners have been feeling the pressure to incorporate green improvements to get higher interest and above asking price from those wanting to buy property in Stockport.
With the government’s drive to phase out gas boilers and install 600,000 heat pumps by 2028, the shortage of accredited engineers to install them has opened up a large opportunity for fraudsters to capitalise on the demand from homeowners during a cost-of-living crisis.
As it stands, a third of homeowners in the UK have been targeted so far by home improvement criminals. This makes it very important that you consult with your estate agent Stockport on any ‘special offers’ or grants that you are being offered to be sure of validity and to protect your home.
Outlook for the Future
Whilst it has been a rough year for the housing market and a lot of people want to secure a house before the new year, the property market is always cyclical, able to dip and rise in succession. The first rule of real estate has always been that houses always go up in value and opportunity will always come around.
The team at Joules estate agents ask our clients and readers to be aware of any offer coming through phone calls and email and to contact us should they have any concerns about them.
