How do the government expect us to afford to achieve EPC C rating? 

How do the government expect us to afford to achieve EPC C rating? 

0:03 AM, 20th July 2023, About 10 months ago 30

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Hello, I own a couple of semi-detached properties on a housing estate built in the mid-70s all of which have an EPC rating of D. All properties have modern double glazing, adequate loft insulation, LED lights, and a modern combi gas boiler with TRVs on radiators. To achieve a C it would require cavity wall fill or solar panels which would cost me a year’s rent.

All the other houses on the estate like mine are band D, how do the government expect us to afford to achieve a band C rating?

I am selling up Shelter and the government doesn’t care about you sell, sell, sell whilst you can.

Thanks,

Russell


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Comments

Keith Williams

9:42 AM, 20th July 2023, About 10 months ago

Just been in the same position but found cavity wall is not too expensive. 1930s house with 65mm cavities cost us £1034 for polystyrene beads. Now comfortably grade C and almost grade B. Put rent up £60 p.m. and paid for in 18 months.

Jeff L

9:45 AM, 20th July 2023, About 10 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Keith Williams at 20/07/2023 - 09:42
Now just wait for the damp issues to start,.

John

9:48 AM, 20th July 2023, About 10 months ago

Yes the walls are the big one to have big epc points. This is where most heat is lost (people think it’s the roof but that’s no 2).

Fill the cavity and you will be good to go. It is not that expensive. Maybe £1500.

We will need to achieve epc B most likely in the 2030’s as this train is not gunna stop.

All houses in the land will be affected by the epc C rating so again keep this in mind. 2030’s will be when the screw is tightened on everyone, not just landlords.

All my houses achieve a C and it has been painless to get here. Lots of grants over the years for free wall insulation and boilers etc. solar will be the next step so start saving, but I imagine there will be grants available.

So it is not all doom and gloom. Work closely with an assessor and get him to run different insulation levels for you in the different parts of the property. You might not need some measures if certain easier measures are increased (loft to 400mm will get a few more points).

Steve Masters

9:52 AM, 20th July 2023, About 10 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Keith Williams at 20/07/2023 - 09:42
About 15 years ago I had cavity wall insulation at my own home, a 1950's built detached house that just would not get up to comfortable temperature on cold winter days. I can't remember the cost or the impact on EPC rating but afterwards the house was able to get up temperature, even on the coldest days. It worked for me.

JaSam

9:58 AM, 20th July 2023, About 10 months ago

This whole “C” thing is a shambles and I’m personally sick of hearing about it. Just ignore it until there is actually official clarity / legalisation.

Duncan Horncastle

10:03 AM, 20th July 2023, About 10 months ago

Problem I have is although my properties have cavities the outside skin is partially made of stone which is all different thicknesses so the cavity can vary from 20 to 75 mm so no installers will touch it. Manage to get latest to a C with 25mm insulated plasterboard but wasn’t occupied. Waiting to see what new rules are when published and see how it all fits in, as wont be able to get tenant out to refurbish a potentially illegal property.

Fiona Wilks

10:03 AM, 20th July 2023, About 10 months ago

many 1930s homes do not have a cavity wall...1 property we had was lagged, combi boiler, double glazed, low energy lights etc....EPC D. told to get to C, needed to take up and lag the concrete floor, and to clad the building. Costs quoted were unrealistic... property sold.
But my thoughts are...when the privately owned homes need to become a C, how will the new owners do this with this one?

Whiteskifreak Surrey

10:16 AM, 20th July 2023, About 10 months ago

Will the same legislation apply to council houses? Or it is just a private landlord who is suffering, so tenants can save about £100 a year?

Reluctant Landlord

10:24 AM, 20th July 2023, About 10 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Fiona Wilks at 20/07/2023 - 10:03
potentially if they remortgage they will get worse rates than if the property were a higher EPC rating?

There are some banks now giving slightly preferential rates I believe if you have a higher EPC rating.

Of course it wont affect those who own outright...until they come to sell - then there is another potential catch if they suddenly announce you cant sell at less than X rating.
There will be more sales of homes not reaching C rating at auctions instead and temp exemptions being applied for by those new owners for 6 months while they achieve whatever rating standard is applied.

Reluctant Landlord

10:25 AM, 20th July 2023, About 10 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Whiteskifreak Surrey at 20/07/2023 - 10:16
I doubt it, as per usual...

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