Think tank backs new energy efficiency regulations

The Energy Performance Certificate rating is set to become more important for homeowners. The Conservative think tank Bright Blue has proposed that properties should be required to meet a minimum energy efficiency standard before sale.

The think tank has also proposed regulations to ensure that building professionals are responsible for improving the overall energy efficiency when making property renovations. Funding would be available such as “Help to Improve” loans and ISAs to encourage home owners to reduce their property’s health consumption.

Approximately one half of properties in the UK are band D. Boosting this rating to a band C can add £16,000 on average to the home’s value. In particular, EPC assessors, and eventual buyers look for double glazing, condensing boilers and good insulation (cavity, roof and cylinder).

In the renting sector, from April 2018, Landlords will be required to bring their homes up to at least band E before offering the property to rent.