Energy Performance Certificate for Domestic Properties
Energy Performance Certificates have become effective from 1 December 2008. The introduction of the Single Survey will require all domestic properties which are sold or marketed after 1st December 2008 to have an EPC in place at the commencement of marketing activities.
Any residential property, not subject of a Home Report , will however require an EPC in place at the point of the first sale or letting of the property after the 4th of January 2009.
The Scottish Government introduced the Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) to comply with the Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2008.
An EPC is a Certificate which states the energy efficiency of a building based on the standardised way in which a building is used. The Certificate is based upon the efficiency of the building and not the way it is used. CO2 ratings are showing in bands from A-G with A being the least polluting. The performance of the measured building is benchmarked against current Building Standards and recommended cost effective improvements.
The cost effective improvements within the EPC will reduce the carbon omissions generated, save energy and make buildings more attractive to prospective buyers or tenants. A building can be made more energy efficient by improving the heating system, insulation or air conditioning system.
Home owners are responsible for ensuring that an Energy Performance Certificate is made available. Failure to provide an EPC means you may be liable for a fine (£200 per complaint). A Residential EPC is valid for 10 years unless major modifications to the building have been made within this timeframe.
The chairman of the National Landlords’ Association advises landlords to get their EPCs sorted out as quickly as possible so that they are ahead of the game when it comes to re-letting a property.
Graham + Sibbald understand that both the European Union and the Scottish Parliament are currently considering additional measures and requirements to be introduced as part of the EPC Legislation. Graham + Sibbald will keep you updated of any changes in the Regulations.
Graham + Sibbald is an approved Organisation by the RICS, with qualified Energy Assessors to provide Energy Performance Certificates for both the commercial and residential sector.
If you would like to discuss EPCs further or obtain an EPC quotation or if you are unsure about whether an EPC is required then please call your local GS office (see contacts).
Click here to visit Graham + Sibbald's Home Report Website.
Latest News
GS Residential review for January 2012
31/01/2012GS Residential review for January 2012
Following a relatively bleak December the residential market has again picked up its pace with many new properties coming to the market throughout January.
In turn, selling agents are reporting increased enquiry levels and viewings, undoubtedly helped by the milder winter weather being experienced so far this year. Additionally a large number of Replacement Home Report instructions have been received, indicating older stock is continuing to sell. Despite the relatively depressed wider national and global economies, it would appear that Aberdeen and the surrounding Shire commuting towns continue to buck the trend somewhat.
Darroch Robertson, Associate, Aberdeen Office
The start of a new year is always unpredictable. However, we have seen a good level of Home Report instructions in January. I do believe it makes sense to bring a home to the market early in the year to take advantage of any prospective purchasers out there. We have also undertaken a similar number of Replacement Home Reports, an indication that properties that have been on the market are now selling or going under offer. Whilst not dismissing the challenging market we will be operating in, I have an optimistic outlook for the year ahead.
Graeme Lusk, Associate, Kilmarnock Office
Photo: Darroch Robertson, Aberdeen Office
GS Residential Review for December 2011
20/12/2011GS Residential Review for December 2011
The market in December is very much as we expected, with reduced activity levels, indeed very much reduced numbers of new vendors taking their property to the market, however this is very typical of a normal December. I await with interest the New Year, as whilst I do not expect a sudden rush of new vendors, I would expect to see people starting to come out of the Festive period with thoughts of selling, and would anticipate a slight upturn during end of January into February and March 2012, when compared to the last 3 months.
Craig Henderson, Partner, Glasgow office
Approaching the end of 2011, as expected the residential market has cooled somewhat with the number of properties coming to the market in the last month greatly reduced. This however has allowed existing stock to become more exposed and as a result we have noticed an increase in the number of Replacement Home Reports being instructed, indicating these have now sold. Agents are also advising levels of enquiries remain reasonable with an increase in the number of people enquiring about going on the market in the New Year. Let’s hope for milder weather over the coming weeks to maintain interest and increased activity in 2012.
Darroch Robertson, Associate, Aberdeen
Latest Case Studies
Crossbasket Castle
Graham + Sibbald provided pre-purchase valuation advise in August 2003, and thereafter provided a report to submit to the funders. We also offered our input with regards to the proposed redevelopment scheme, including advice on product mix, style and size and provided updates in terms of values dependant on what scheme is progressed. The client has now owned the property for 2 years, and a children's day nursery is operating in part of the castle.
- Department:
- Residential
- Partners:
- Craig Henderson
