It’s been nearly 10 years since EPC’s or Energy Performance Certificates became a legal requirement for selling or letting a property. Originally as part of a Home Information Pack (HIPs), they cover domestic properties with four or more bedrooms. Over time they have been extended to cover smaller homes.
An EPC is a certificate showing how energy efficient your property is. Your home will be given a grade of between A and G, with A being the highest (the most efficient).
There are some exempted properties, namely:
- listed or officially protected and the minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter it.
- a temporary building only going to be used for 2 years or less.
- used as a place of worship or for other religious activities.
- an industrial site, workshop or non-residential agricultural building that doesn’t use much energy.
- a detached building with a total floor space under 50 square metres.
- due to be demolished by the seller or landlord and they have all the relevant planning and conservation consents.
- it’s due to be sold or rented out with vacant possession.
- it’s suitable for demolition and the site could be redeveloped.
- the buyer or tenant has applied for planning permission to demolish it
- If you have a brand-new home, it’s likely to have a high rating, while older homes tend to have lower ratings of around D or E.
The theory is that the better the rating your property gets, the more attractive it should be to a buyer or tenant, as it indicates lower energy bills and reduced costs.
There is a small fee paid by the homeowner but the good news is, that the EPC is transferable and valid for 10 years. As the EPC is required before marketing your home, (or at least must be ordered), this is something that Waymark can do for you as part of our service.
It helps to take some simple steps before having your EPC. Lending sources factor in the running costs of a property when completing their affordability checks during the mortgage application process. Using low energy lightbulbs, having roof and cavity wall insulation, and use of renewable technologies will help your home to be an energy efficient and affordable one.
For further advice on EPC’s and any other aspect of buying or selling your home, please phone 01367 820070 or send an email to Ed and Jenny at enquiries@waymarkproperty.co.uk
