Clarity on Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Regulations

Leading personalities from the UK property industry have called for greater clarity regarding new Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) regulations. Industry experts believe the government must provide the property sector with clear guidance on how and when these changes will take place if it intends to reform EPC regulations according to deadlines decided earlier.

When are the new EPC regulations coming into effect?

This discussion comes on the heels of a suggestion by the housing secretary, Michael Gove, to relax the timeline for the new EPC regulations, citing the undue pressure they place on tenants-increasingly-love-corporate-landlords'>landlords. Subsequently, the government has acknowledged the need for fundamental reform of EPCs. It is a sign of their recognition that adhering to certain properties' guidelines may not be practical.

Industry professionals have also drawn attention to the potential financial burden of the EPC decision on tenants-increasingly-love-corporate-landlords'>landlords, especially those with older period properties. They may have to invest substantial sums to meet the energy efficiency targets and seek clarity on any forthcoming reforms. There is already a visible shortage of rental properties in the marketplace as tenants-increasingly-love-corporate-landlords'>landlords start to sell up, fearing an uncertain future. Combined with the increase in energy prices because of the war in Ukraine, there is a real threat that rents will continue to rise to cover some costs of the EPC improvements being forced upon private tenants-increasingly-love-corporate-landlords'>landlords.

Undoubtedly, the need to enhance property energy efficiency is a serious issue. However, the growing demand for certainty in the industry regarding the timing and specifics of these changes is certainly felt by all the stakeholders. tenants-increasingly-love-corporate-landlords'>Landlords expect a financial support package to aid improvements in the private rental sector, but they are still d if there is one in the offing. Meanwhile, the owner-occupied housing sector currently lacks any minimum energy efficiency requirements.

Many have pointed out that the proposed EPC changes appear impractical, costly, or unwanted by tenants, particularly those residing in period properties. It is perceived as unfair that private sector tenants-increasingly-love-corporate-landlords'>landlords, who often provide well-managed homes, are being held to EPC targets ahead of other housing sectors. tenants-increasingly-love-corporate-landlords'>Landlords seek properties with an EPC rating of C or higher to align with the impending government rules, avoiding lower-rated homes. A survey indicated that nearly 80 percent of tenants-increasingly-love-corporate-landlords'>landlords are aware of the proposed EPC legislation changes, compared to 65 percent in the previous year.

How much will it cost to upgrade a property to EPC grade C?

According to government estimates, EPC upgrades for rental properties could cost between 5,000 and 15,000, depending on the property, with only a third being improved for under 5,000.

Older period properties will probably require significantly more investment than newer housing stock.

That is why there is a pressing demand for more clarity on the subject. Smaller tenants-increasingly-love-corporate-landlords'>landlords with just a handful of properties may sell up. Still, those with bigger portfolios need to plan for future expenditure on the necessary improvements to increase the EPC rating of their lower-rated homes. They will have to review their portfolios to help preserve their assets in the long term. The need for clear and practical EPC regulations becomes increasingly apparent in an evolving landscape where environmental concerns intersect with economic realities. Both tenants-increasingly-love-corporate-landlords'>landlords and the housing sector eagerly await guidance to navigate these changes effectively.

What are the most popular energy efficiency improvements to improve the Performance Certificate (EPC) for a property in the UK?

If you are considering improving the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of your property, here are some popular measures that can help achieve this goal:

• 1. Insulation: Enhance insulation in walls, roof spaces, and floors to minimize heat loss. Insulating cavity walls, adding loft insulation, and insulating beneath suspended floors can significantly improve energy efficiency.
• 2. Windows and Doors: Replace single-glazed windows with double or triple glazing to reduce heat loss. Install energy-efficient doors with good insulation properties and weatherstripping to prevent drafts.
• 3. Heating System Upgrade: Replace an inefficient boiler with a modern condensing boiler. Consider installing smart heating controls, such as programmable thermostats and radiator valves, to optimise heating schedules and zone control.
• 4. Renewable Energy Sources: Install renewable energy technologies like solar panels or air source heat pumps to generate clean energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels for heating and electricity.
• 5. Lighting: Replace traditional incandescent or halogen light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. LED lighting consumes significantly less energy and has a longer lifespan.
• 6. Hot Water System: Upgrade the hot water system by installing energy-efficient cylinders and improving insulation on hot water storage tanks and pipes. Use thermostatic controls to regulate water temperature.
• 7. Ventilation: Improve ventilation systems by installing mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) units. MVHR systems recover heat from outgoing air and use it to warm incoming fresh air, reducing the need for additional heating.
• 8. Renewables and Microgeneration: Consider integrating small-scale renewable energy systems like solar thermal panels or micro wind turbines to generate electricity or heat water.
• 9. Energy-efficient Appliances: Replace old, inefficient appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers with energy-efficient models labeled with high energy efficiency ratings (e.g., A++ or higher).
• 10. Behavior and Awareness: Encourage occupants to adopt energy-saving habits, such as turning off lights when not in use, using appliances efficiently, and minimizing heat loss by closing windows and doors.

It is important to note that the effectiveness and feasibility of these measures may vary depending on the specific building, its location, and available resources. Consulting with energy professionals or obtaining a detailed energy audit can help determine the most suitable improvements for a particular building.