Getting Smart with EPC’s
There was talk that Landlords in Wales would need their properties at a C level for EPCs for new tenancies in 2025, but thankfully this has not come in just yet. The current minimum level is E. Here at Fresh we will keep a close eye on this and update when we hear more.
However, just because the bar has not yet been lifted our advice to landlords is to be ahead of the curve and see if you can put in place some easy wins. See some questions and answers as follows: –
How are EPC ratings calculated?
They are graded alphabetically from A to G. As I say E is the current minimum standard. This most landlords will know. However, what they may not know is that sitting behind these grades is a points system. See below: –
GRADE A – Points 92 – 100
GRADE B – Points 81 – 91
GRADE C – Points 69 – 80
This is important information to know because if your current rating is only a couple of points below the next highest band you may be able to make a small adjustment/investment to put your property into the next band.
What are some Easy Wins that I can make?
If your property is on the edge of a higher band then you should consider the following, which may be small investments, but can get you the points you need: –
- Hot Water Cylinder Thermostat adds +2.4 points
- Hot Water Cylinder Insulation adds +1.7 points
- Installing Low Energy Lighting adds +1.1 points
What are some Surprises?
You may think that fitting your rental property with a biomass boiler would be a big winner on points. However, that will only give you + 12 points where a standard condensing boiler gives you + 23 points. Therefore, keep you powder dry on that investment.
Other good point Gains?
As I look through the various reports on this subject, you should look at insulation as another great way to win points. Double glazed windows are an obvious one but can be expensive. An easy one is loft insulation (+4.9) or if you have a room in a loft and have insulation fitted in the slopes of the ceiling and in the walls, you can pick up 9.91 points.
Hope this helps.
The Fresh Lettings Team
Need Advice on your Rental Property? Please get in touch with us by calling 01792 464757 (Option 2) or email us at office@freshsales.co.uk
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