EPC Results

Seems like the housing market is beginning to move a little again, so I have been out and about assessing some properties. It's worth pointing out a couple, just to highlight some things.

Let's think about a relatively new flat, in a purpose built block. Good double glazing, flat's abouve and below. Not much room to do anything here, recent building regulations will mean that the structure of the block is well insulated already. As expected this returns a good rating of Band C, with some option to move up to Band B, by uprating the CH boiler - probably not worth it until the boiler needs changing.

The second property is an older chalet bungalow, where the owner is passionate about energy saving - very refreshing - here there is plenty scope, increase loft insulation, upgrade to double glazing, possibly cavity wall insulation (although this should always be subject to a full survey to ensure no likely problems with damp). But if this property is up for sale, why would / should the current owner make that investment?

That's the conundrum. I don't believe a significant number of buyers are reading IN DETAIL the EPC reports provided by the seller, they may see the graphs in the estate agent's particulars, but won't dig deeper. If there is a big gap between the two sets of arrows on the graph, then that means there is big potential to improve things, and if you are a buyer, looking at this content MIGHT give you leverage in your negotiations.

My professional responsibility is to the seller of the property, they pay the bills, but the people who stand to gain most from my survey are the potential buyer. So any buyers out there, if you need help to interpret an EPC report or want some advice on it's content, please get in touch, I'd be delighted to offer some consultancy to help - the great thing about the EPC report is that it is very formulaic, so even if I don't produce a specific report, it's very easy for me to interpret any report.

With the recent demise of HIPs, of course more change to get more buyer engagement in the EPC process is highly unlikely in the near future. I guess I'm just happy to see a bit of movement in the market again.

Surrey Energy Consultants is a small independant consultancy working in Surrey and SW London, if you think we can help, please give us a call.