EPC ratings, or Energy Performance Certificates, were first introduced in England and Wales back in August of 2007. This scheme summarises and thereby regulates the energy efficiency of properties and buildings. Using a rating scale from G (meaning inefficient) up to A (very efficient) these regulations not only show the efficiency of a building but also includes tips to improve the rating of your home’s energy.
As costs of living continue to increase, you need to do all you can to improve your home’s efficiency while reducing your expenses. The funds needed to improve efficiency can feel daunting and things are only going to go up as inflation affects every area of our lives. EPC requirements are becoming stricter too, as the issues of climate change influence governing bodies to enforce harsher restrictions that result in modifications to regulations and therefore it’s essential to be able to adapt to changing times.
How Much Could it Cost?
The expense involved in constantly bringing properties up to regulation standards is not a minimal one. An expert from property finance comparison site Propp confirms that expense of improving an EPC rating can be high. In fact, it could be up to an additional 10 per cent of the cost of a new property, so it needs to be something you need to start thinking about and budgeting for as soon as possible. As material costs go up in the current economic climate, these expenses are only going to go up too. If you don’t make the necessary changes, you’ll face considerable restrictions and limited opportunities when it comes to investing in or selling on the property in the future.
What Can You Do to Stay Up to Date?
With the current shortage of building materials and manual labour workers, you’re going to have to put aside quite a pretty penny to afford to keep up the date. The deadlines for EPC improvements are quickly approaching, so now is the time to start making plans. However, when everything is going up in price, how can you afford to make such drastic changes to a property? Fortunately, there are a few helpful suggestions to assist with the financial side of this situation.
Financial Help in a Time of Need
In the Chancellor’s Spring Budget, it was announced that VAT would be removed on energy saving materials. It might not seem a lot, but it will most definitely spur on your determination to make changes for the improvement of efficiency. Just 5 per cent less on items here and there will add up to make a big difference.
There are also funding options available for consumers wanting to improve their EPC rating. As you can imagine however, as deadlines edge ever nearer and costs climb ever higher, it’s worth looking into these options as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.
Furthermore, with the help of specialised property finance comparison sites, you can compare the costs of financing options. If you just need a short-term fund and are hesitant to tie yourself into any long term agreements, you might decide to go for a second charge bridging loan, or a refurbishment bridge. These may work out to be suitable option that will help you cover the immediate costs without a commitment to a lengthy contract.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, there is no choice but to try and stay relevant and up to date by working to follow regulations and making change to improve efficiency when it comes to property. It may take some time and effort on your part to research the guidelines and what you can do to meet them, but ultimately it will be for your own good. You don’t have to make these changes alone – with a little investigation you can find a reliable financing solution to help you to deal this new and developing challenge.
