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Is your portfolio ready for the new EPC regulations?


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The government aim to become net carbon neutral by 2050 will only be achieved if the housing sector does its part.

With the increasing focus on the green properties in the Private Rental Sector (PRS), expectation is that the government will introduce a minimum EPC rating of C in the buy-to-let market. New tenancies will potentially be affected in 2025 and existing tenancies affected in 2028.

The average EPC rating in England & Wales is currently D and the average energy score is 60.

Follow the steps below to check your property.

  • Step one

    The Government website provides an EPC checking facility. Providing you have had an EPC carried out in the last 10 years you can check what rating each of your properties were:

    Find an energy performance certificate at www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate

    This is free information available to all.

  • Step two

    For those properties which are D rated and below the Government website provides further advice on what improvements you should make to achieve a C rating, along with the estimated costs.

    Some of the top works which can benefit, and an estimate of costs are:

    • Installing energy efficient lightbulbs: £35
    • Loft insulation: £100 - £300
    • Cavity Wall Insulation: £500 - £1500
    • Upgrading boiler with new condensing boiler: £2000 - £3500
    • Double glazing/draft exclusion of single glazing, doors and letter boxes

  • Step three

    Once you have an idea of total costs, we can assess your portfolio and discuss the most cost-effective route of raising the money through refinancing, bridging and/or second charges.

    The Buy to Let Direct Sales team can review your whole portfolio with you and create a plan to meet your needs. We will be your point of contact throughout and even diarise and contact you at the right time for each proposed transaction.

    Properties already EPC C or above

    We have a great range of ‘Green Mortgages’ aimed at those properties which are already EPC ready. These Green Mortgages can save you money with better rates and fees than lenders standard ranges.

Benefits

Improving your properties EPC rating will lower bills, which will make your property more desirable to new tenants and keep existing tenants in situ. With the cost of energy rising, it is expected that many people will face difficulties paying their energy bills, which could have a knock-on effect on paying rent. Keeping the tenants bills down will hopefully avoid this.

The younger generation have a greater awareness of sustainability and who can say whether this will become an important factor when deciding what property to rent.

EPC requirements will eventually filter through to residential property, with the proposed timescale currently being 2035. Getting your property EPC C rating will also improve saleability and ensure the value of the property remains strong.

This website aims to give you general information. It is not advice, nor can it take account of your own particular circumstances. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate some forms of mortgages.

Buy-to-Let Direct Limited: registered in England no. 06664758 : Regus House, Malthouse Avenue, Cardiff Gate Business Park, Mid Glamorgan, Cardiff, CF23 8RU. Buy-to-Let Direct is an Appointed Representative of The Business Mortgage Company Services Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (No. 302764) to transact regulated mortgages and registered as a Consumer buy to let arranger. The FCA does not regulate some investment mortgage contracts.