UK’s Initiative
In line with European Union (EU) Directive of 4 Jan 2003, the UK government is ‘leading the way’ on combating global climate change, putting in place specific steps to change attitudes by raising awareness and ensuring that buildings standards place a high emphasis on minimising energy consumption.
One of the requirements of the EU Directive, is the introduction of energy performance certificate (EPC) that must be made available whenever a building is constructed, rented or sold. A requirement for EPCs will soon be made compulsory for domestic rented and flatshare properties from 1 Oct 2008. The Housing Act 2004 in turn provides the legislation which requires that a mandatory Home Information Pack (HIP) is put together on all properties in the UK that comes to the market be made available to potential buyers of the property.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
The EPC is a comprehensive energy report with the main aim of encouraging buyers and sellers to improve the energy efficiency of the property.
The EPC provides a summary of the energy performance of the property, in relation to features of construction, heating and hot water. It records in a clear unambiguous format, how energy efficient the home is in terms of fuel costs on a scale from A - G. The most efficient homes, which should have the lowest fuel bills – are in Band A. The Certificate also explains, on a scale of A – G, about the impact the home has on the environment. Better-rated homes should have less impact through carbon dioxide (CO2) emission. Using colour charts, the EPC records the current rating and compares this with the rating at which the owner or tenant should aim.
In addition, the EPC also includes tailored recommendations on ways to improve the home’s energy efficiency and the potential energy efficiency of the property if the measures are implemented. The EPC must be carried out only by qualified inspectors who are members of an approved accreditation scheme.
Our Service
Share-A-Flat now offers EPC and HIP services.
Our pricing for an independent EPC ranges from £90 + VAT to £120 + VAT although this can be negotiated for bulk instructions.
Share-A-Flat also offers a complete Home Information Pack Service for £300 + VAT (freehold properties) and £350 + VAT (leasehold, share of freehold and commonhold properties) which includes a hard and electronic copy of the pack.
We offer a straigtforward service and fees are payable upon electronic or hard copy delivery of the EPC or Home Information Pack.
Email us at info@share-a-flat.co.uk for further information or click on our registration website http://saf.hipservices.com/ to order your EPC or HIP.