WHAT IS AN Energy Performance Certificate? | What You Need to Know | Simon Zutshi

[@iamlittlelegs]

I personally wouldn't have cavity wall insulation even though it improves the EPC. I've seen many properties where it's caused damp issues. The air gap in the cavity is there for a reason and filling it with insulation allows moisture to move from the outside walls to inside.

[@mrt864]

Easy solution. Get your property EPC, if it is less than C, exit your tenants, sell the property to inexperienced first time buyers.. Future BTL investments, only buy a house with a cavity wall, and with EPC already at C. Good luck to the hard working tenants to find another place to live at comparable existing costs. It would be better for an app/ online facility to put basic information on to get a realistic idea of what your EPC would be prior to an assessor visit assuming an assessor visits the property. My reports had 'assumed' in a lot of the results.. .. An easy access list of what is on the database would be a start, plus you've not mentioned about an EPC assessment costs being redone one the recommendations have been done. I would like clarity of guarantee of getting the C rating if the recommendations were done in their entirety of the previous recommendations, or is it with interpretation of the assessor on the day. Great video BTW.

[@davidfoggett1722]

HI Nick This is David Foggett from the video with Simon. you have raised some great issues and I am sure a large amount of investors and Landlords and concerned, this is why we recorded this video to help ease you fears. If you work with a good assessor, they can help you improve you property in the best way for the EPC, getting you improved ratings by the cheapest method. unfortunately there is not a facility to enter some simple details, as all properties are different and there any many different issues with everyone, this is why each property must be assessed by a qualified assessor. regarding the easy access database, unfortunately they are vast and change all the time, and it would be dangerous if you had out dated information, an assessor will be insured if he gives you the incorrect information, or advice. hope this helps

[@stephenclark6811]

The EPC ‘process’ needs a complete overhaul as it’s not fit for purpose - and property owners also need to be able to confidently see what improvements will get the property to the finally agreed level. With increasing costs of materials and a shortage of people to do the work, if minimum band C goes ahead it’s going to be a difficult period for landlords and tenants alike.

[@propertynetworking7434]

Yes I agree Stephen

[@mirola73]

100% agree, an EPC is a rough guide at best, nothing more. It's quite flawed not taking circumstances and materials used into consideration.

[@T0pbuzz]

Does anyone have a list to this British Research Establishment (although Gov website says 'Building Research Establishment') that will help us pick the right product to improve our EPC? Plus I've read the Bill and it says all commercial rentals need to be even higher at EPC-B!

[@travelwithnatsikapuk4253]

Grateful. Can you recommend some one

[@davidfoggett1722]

Hi, this is David Foggett from the video with Simon I am base in West Oxfordshire and my company, complete inspection services cover Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties, however if you are out of this area there is a good way to find an assessor. The best way to find a good assessor is to find a local independent one, go onto the EPC register, look at some old EPC's in your area, or where the property is, and go to the bottom of the page where the assessors details are, their name and phone number on on the EPC, call them and ask for some tips on the EPC you are looking at, and see how they can help you, if they help you then you know they are a good assessor. I hope this helps

[@anthonysykes686]

Sure the suggested cap was about £3k to get upto C rating otherwise the cost outweighs the benefit in the governments eyes.

[@davidfoggett1722]

Hi, this is David Foggett from the video with Simon, this is a really good question, however the answer is quite complicated. You can personally spend as much as you want improving your property to increase the rating of your EPC, and any decent assessor can help you spend the least amount of money in the right areas. However currently you can apply for an exemption if your cost are going to exceed £3500 including VAT, but this is only by installing the recommended measures that are shown on the EPC for each individual property, but they must be added in financial order, starting with the cheapest first, going up in price, until your spend exceeds £3500, then you can apply for an exemption. however the proposal for 2025 is to set the spend limit to £10,000 per property The exemption lasts for 5 years, then you have to start the process again. I hope this helps