Bank homes in on energy

Barclays has launched what it claims is Britain’s first green mortgage.

The lender is offering preferential rates for borrowers who take out a home loan on a new property which has an A or B energy rating from five leading house builders, including Barratt and Redrow.

The two and five-year fixed-rate deals are a bit less than Barclays’ standard mortgages. But borrowers should still compare the market to see if another deal suits them better.