2022 has seen a huge crisis in relation to the cost of energy to consumers. That coupled with recent changes in legislation in respect of energy efficiency requirements of rental properties being required to meet a minimum EPC Rating of C or above as of 2025, has left millions of residential homeowners and landlords thinking about energy matters in their property and preparing for the future.

So, what can be done if you own a property?

It is always a good idea and also legally required if renting or selling a property, to have a valid EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) for your property. This will advise you of the property’s current rating as well as its potential rating subject to works and improvements. You can then approach a competent professional to give you advice on possible works and improvements to help reduce this based on the EPC but also considering factors like budget, disruption and invasiveness of improvements, timescales and other considerations. The Government are also heavily investing in creating more sustainable and environmentally friendly improvements for households and if you meet certain criteria, homeowners may also be able to obtain non-repayable funding for improvements to items such as heating systems, insulation etc. Things you may wish to consider in relation to energy efficient improvements to your property:

• What difference will any considered improvements have on the energy efficiency of the property
• What is the longevity and maintenance associated with proposed improvements
• What are the costs of the works and what savings may be associated with the improvements
• Whether any form of consents is required for any physical improvement works (Planning Permission, Building Regulations, Party Wall, Listed Building etc)
• The logistics of the works required for suggested improvements including timescales, invasiveness etc.
• Considering/pre-emptying changes for the future, are there any new innovative suggestions that could be considered?

Energy efficiency and sustainability is not only something that existing property owners may wish to think about but also when you are considering purchasing a property. Our Level 3 Home Surveys include an energy matters section which gives you our advice based on any available EPC for the property but also possible improvements and suggestions.

At Cockrams we can offer professional advice in relation to energy matters, not only in relation to existing buildings and surveys, but when assisting clients with proposed works to their property, our experienced project team can discuss your requirements in relation to energy efficiency considerations/possibilities for designs, applications, specifications etc.