Don’t get caught out by changes to energy rules

We are proud of being experts on the local property market in Chiswick and West London. We are equally proud of keeping a focused eye on any changes to laws and legislation which may affect our clients. One such change has been the recent Government decision, which will come into effect on April 1, 2018, to require private rental properties to meet a minimum level of energy efficiency.

The move relates to Energy Performance Certificates (EPC). In layperson’s terms, EPCs rate the energy efficiency of a property from A to G (A being the most energy efficient).

They also contain recommendations on where you could make improvements.

The government plan is to ensure all EPC rated properties on the rental market are a least an E. This means it will be unlawful to rent out properties with an F or G rating.

I’ve already had several discussions with landlords about what this will mean for them. One thing is certain: people purchasing buy to let properties will need to factor in any extra costs this change could bring.

The costs could be big enough to scupper any deal so be warned.

If you have a Buy to Let property or are thinking of investing in one please give us a call and we can explain more about the proposed changes.

Thanks for reading.

Mark,

Want to rent out your property, to the RIGHT TENANTS? Call me on 020 8994 5000 or email: mfrancis@express-property.co.uk for honest, expert and friendly advice.