Frequently Asked Questions
1. I don’t believe all the “hype” about Global Warming - it’s just a scare story stirred up by Politicians who want a Bandwagon to jump on isn’t it?
Whatever your own view on the Global Warming debate, it is an incontrovertible fact that we are coming to the end of the easily accessible supplies of Fossil Fuels. Future production will exploit deposits in ever more hostile environments - which will lead inevitably to much higher Oil and Gas prices. We are not yet in the position to exploit “Alternative” energy supplies fully and the Nuclear debate continues to rage. There is only one logical conclusion...ENERGY PRICES WILL RISE IN THE LONG TERM! Surely it makes sense to ensure that our housing stock is as energy efficient as possible and to introduce a culture of energy efficiency into mainstream British life.
1. What is the timetable for implementing EPC’s?
Home Information Packs became mandatory for nearly all residential property sales with effect from14th December 2007
Properties in the residential rental sector will require an EPC the first time that they are let to new tenants after 1st October 2008. In the rental sector, an EPC will have a life of 10 years.
2. Who is responsible for obtaining an Energy Performance Certificate?
For buildings that are to be sold, the building’s owner will be responsible for ensuring a certificate is available; this should be shown, on request, to any prospective purchaser, and should in any case be provided by the owner to an intending purchaser before a contract for sale is made. In reality, the most likely scenario is that the Estate Agent securing the instruction to sell a property will initiate the production of the Home Information Pack - which will include the EPC. However, there is nothing to prevent the seller putting together their own HIP.
3. What buildings will be exempt from providing Energy Performance Certificates?
The Government intends to review whether there may be some buildings where Energy Performance Certificates will not be required. No exemptions have yet been agreed, but examples of potential exemptions might include: places of worship, temporary buildings and very small buildings.
4. Will the implementation of EPBD be different between homes and commercial buildings?
The Directive itself makes no distinction between the two. There will need to be some practical differences – for example the methodology for certification will need to be different to reflect differences in the way in which homes and commercial property are built and used, but wherever possible differences will be minimised. The Government have already developed a detailed approach for the Energy Performance Certificate that forms part of the Home Information Pack for the marketed sales of dwellings. Wherever relevant, this will form the model that will be applied in other sectors, such as private rented dwellings, social housing and commercial buildings.
5. How much will Energy Performance Certificates cost?
As at 15th April 2008, the cost of an EPC from Holloway Inspections is £75 plus vat for properties up to and including five bedrooms. Larger, very unusual and/or multiple properties are by individual negotiation.
6. How long will it take to perform an energy assessment?
The time taken to perform an energy assessment will vary according to the size and nature of the property. It is predicted that it will take about the same time as performing a housing valuation report. As a guide, we expect the on-site survey of a small terraced/semi-detached house to take approximately 60 - 90 mins - with a further 30 - 45 mins off-site work to process and verify the data and lodge the EPC on the Government database.
7. I have agreed to sell my house to my Son, do I need an EPC?
Yes. The EU Directive requires that Energy Performance Certificates will need to be provided for all buildings when they are constructed, sold or rented out. A new Energy Performance Certificate will be required for the Home Information Pack.
8. What happens if my home gets a low rating?
This simply indicates your home could be more energy efficient. During the inspection a number of recommendations to improve the energy efficiency will be identified. Implementation of these could not only increase your rating and reduce carbon emissions but also save money on energy bills. It us up to you whether you implement the recommendations or not.
9. Will Energy Performance Certificates be required for rented accommodation?
Yes. The EU Directive requires that Energy Performance Certificates will need to be provided for all buildings when they are constructed, sold or rented out. All residential rental properties will require an EPC the first time that they are let to a new tenant after 1st October 2008.
10. What are the benefits to me as a Landlord?
The energy rating can help rent out your property. It indicates to a prospective buyer or tenant how energy efficient the property is. It should also provide information that may help to reduce the running costs.
