A few thoughts on EPCs.......

Our operations director, James Tiller has been reflecting on some of the EPC regulations that will be affecting landlords from 2025 when the minimum rating for rented properties will be increased to C band -

"Despite best efforts to educate, many landlords are blissfully unaware of what their property’s energy rating is, and some of them will be in for a shock when they will be left unable to rent them in a few years time without expensive improvements.

I have been speaking to some that are aware, but often these people are the clued up landlords whose properties are already a C band, but what will happen to those that aren’t? Many may choose to exit the market, further reducing the availability of stock in the private rental sector, but in doing so they may well have properties to sell with lower energy ratings than those in the PRS.

With energy costs rising as they are this may mean that their otherwise desirable properties may well reduce in value against those rated C or above (we are seeing this with mortgage rates currently as they switch on to this).

Unless costs for improvement prove worthwhile for investors, then reduced property prices may see first time buyers buying low energy rated properties and paying just as much as they would in rented accommodation (when combined with bills) for a home lacking energy efficiency!

Lots to ponder and lots to try and fix before we get this right!"

For further information on EPC's we have recorded videos on our Youtube channel -

You can also find out your property's EPC rating by clicking here.