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The following is cut and pasted from a West London Property Forum

"Green Properties Sell Faster and Are Worth More"
'Carbon appeal' set to replace 'kerb appeal' when it comes to swaying buyers

Buyers are willing to pay an average of £3,350 more for a green home.

New research from the Energy Saving Trust reveals that energy efficient homes could be a vital driver to keeping the property market moving, with 'carbon appeal' set to replace 'kerb appeal' when it comes to swaying buyers. The study reveals that half of UK homeowners believe homes with greener features are easier to sell in the current market and 53% of all householders say they would be willing to pay extra for them.

The research reveals however, that estate agents could be under-selling the value of greener homes through a lack of information.

Despite the fact that householders are willing to pay on average £3,350 more for a 'green' home, almost half (49%) feel that estate agents don't put enough value on a home's green features and 56 per cent feel that estate agents don't know enough about energy efficiency performance. There is a clear appetite for clearer information however, as two-thirds (66%) of householders would like more guidance from estate agents on the likely running costs of a home.

For more on this subject, click here to access a copy of the "Hidden Value Guide" and find out how energy-saving features can add value to your home.

HIP Regulations suspended--21st May 2010

EPC RULES:

In order to ensure that people selling their homes continue to make an EPC available to prospective buyers, the Government has also laid before Parliament the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 which introduce a number of new requirements including:

a) a new duty on the seller to ensure that an EPC has been commissioned before marketing of the property commences where no such certificate is already available

b) an EPC has been commissioned when a DEA has been instructed to prepare the EPC and the EPC has either been paid for or has given a clear undertaking to pay for it

c) a new duty on the person acting on behalf of the seller to be satisfied that an EPC has been commissioned before commencing marketing

d) a new duty on both the seller and a person acting on their behalf to make reasonable efforts to secure an EPC within 28 days

e) all of the new duties carry fixed penalties where somebody fails in the duty conferred on them by the new regulations

HOLIDAY LETS now to require an EPC

FROM 30th June 2011, holiday let properties (previously exempt) will be required to have an EPC. The certificate must be in place prior to advertising the holiday let. A few Q&A from the Gov't (CLG) are copied below. Obviously, Chris will be able to supply these EPC.

Q. How does this requirement affect properties in "Holiday Villages" where holiday makers rent individual 'chalets' - as these properties have no individual addresses?

A. In this case, it would depend if the accommodation being let is subject to the building regulations. If it is, then an EPC is required. If not, an EPC will not be needed

Q. Will this new guidance be retrospective or will it be a requirement only for those properties let after 30 June 2011?

A. It will not be retrospective, it will only apply to properties rented out after that date

Q. How long does an Agent have to complete the EPCs on their holiday let portfolios? Must all of these properties have an EPC by 30 June 2011?

A. The owner, not the Agent, will be responsible for obtaining the EPC. From July,

the agent will need to attach the EPC to the written particulars where one is available

Q. Whose responsibility is it to ensure the EPC is produced? The agent or the homeowner?

A. The owner of the property is responsible

Q. If the property owner pays all of the utility bills, does it still need an EPC?

A. Yes

Q. Is a static, permanently fixed 'Park-Home' exempt?

A. An EPC is only required for a building or part of building which has 4 walls, a roof and an energy conditioned interior that is subject to the Building Regulations. A park home is not subject to the Building Regulations, so is exempt

Q. What is the trigger point for obtaining an EPC?
A. The owner or managing agent of the holiday let must obtain an EPC at or before the point when a property is first rented out, if they intend to rent out the property for a combined period of 4 months or more (ie where the total number of days rental in a 12-month period amounts to 4 months or more).
Q. Can I lodge an EPC for a Holiday Let before the new guidance comes into force?

A. Yes