The Low Carbon Homes Scheme was introduced in Northern Ireland on 1 April 2010. This is a rate relief scheme which applies to new houses completed between 1 April 2010 and 31 March 2012. The scheme will close to new submissions on 31 March 2012.

Full rate relief is available for up to two years to:

• the first occupier of a new low carbon home. 

   Full rate relief is available for up to five years to:

• the first occupier of a new zero carbon home.

Completed applications for either scheme must be received by 31 March 2012.

To qualify for this rate relief, your new house must comply with strict levels of acceptable carbon emission and heat loss rates and you must have applied for planning permission for the dwelling by 1 April 2011.

If your new house qualifies as a low carbon or zero carbon home, an accredited assessor will give you a zero or low carbon certificate when issuing your Energy Performance Certificate.

Contact Land & Property Services to apply for this scheme or to find out more about obtaining rate relief on your low carbon or zero carbon house. More information about this scheme can be found in the Low Carbon Homes Scheme leaflet.