Santander and Octopus Energy praised over new '£29,000' offer

Santander has launched a deal with Octopus EnergyRory Poulter11:41, 24 Jul 2026The announcement lands amid a busy period for the mortgage market(Image: Compassionate Eye Foundation/Natasha Alipour Faridani via Getty Images)Santander is changing how it works out what people can afford to borrow if they buy a new-build home that comes with a promise of no energy bills. Under a new partnership with Octopus Energy, the bank will allow eligible buyers to take on a larger mortgage because the expected cost of gas and electricity is effectively removed from the monthly outgoings picture.‌In practice, the lender says this could lift borrowing power by as much as £29,000 for those purchasing an Octopus Zero Bills property. The deal covers homes fitted with solar panels, battery storage and heat pum