Proposed EPC band C by 2024 for Scottish homeowners

Proposed EPC band C by 2024 for Scottish homeowners

8:42 AM, 10th February 2020, About 4 years ago 6

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Scottish Government have issued a further consultation to mandate EPC Band C on all homeowner’s properties offered for sale or which undergo major renovation by 2024, 6 years ahead of the previous target of 2030.

The current average rating in Scotland is D61, being 9 SAP Points below the proposed threshold. This is in the context of a housing stock of around 2,464,000 where 58% are Band D and lower (2017 figures). In parallel with this consultation is the changes within the PRS of minimum Band E from Apr 2020 increasing to Band D in Apr 2022 (although the legislation not yet enacted!). Yet to be confirmed is a £5000 cost cap per EPC Band (so potentially a minimum £10k compulsory spend before exemption granted). So any private landlord considering selling due to hassle and cost of upgrades to meet PRS EPC Bands is likely forced to sell at rock bottom prices!

The consultation on Band C for homeowners is proposing a definition of cost effectiveness based on life of the improvement measure – which could be tens of years and thus some potential huge expenditure. 2024 is only 4 years away, so only a short window to attempt to influence the outcome. Attach link to the consultation paper, which although quite a lengthy response form is probably the only opportunity to temper the changes.

Allan

https://www.gov.scot/publications/energy-efficient-scotland-improving-energy-efficiency-owner-occupied-homes/pages/1/


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Comments

Rennie

15:43 PM, 10th February 2020, About 4 years ago

They have got to be kidding me right? If people cared about buildings and energy costs and had the money they would be doing this already. I would guess that a lot of refurbishing is carried out by landlords and they do what they can but as they won't be paying the bills and as electric heating will take your EPC down, they won't be putting this at the top of the list.

Hello people! THIS IS YOUR STARTING POINT! Possible outcomes, more landlords leave the sector, tenants won't be able to find a place to live, people who have to won't be able to find the money to do this, houses won't get sold because it is just too onerous...…..I am sure there are plenty more.

Rennie

15:55 PM, 10th February 2020, About 4 years ago

I have just filled in the consultation questionnaire and suggested they only require an improvement of 3 points instead of a whole band, also that they give people much more time (10 years) and lots of help and information so they can do the work and comply with the law. If it must be complied with on the sale of the property it should be the buyer who pays for it as they will have the chance to find out exactly what is involved before they buy and the seller can just not sell if it is too onerous.

Jireh Homes

23:04 PM, 10th February 2020, About 4 years ago

Whilst these proposals will have very serious impact on those with properties having low EPC Band ratings, many are simply not aware. Landlords are more likely to be better informed than owner-occupiers but how many realise Band C is also the long term "ambition" for the PRS, and this requirement may come in to effect earlier than previously planned.

The more responses which disagree with the concept, time-line and penalties the slight chance there may be of mitigating the potential cost crippling impact.

AA

9:08 AM, 11th February 2020, About 4 years ago

Not realistic in the real world. Edinburgh and Glasgow are predominantly Victorian tenements , listed buildings , solid stone so they are what they are.
This climate change hysteria is all b*******. When I was growing up all we ever heard was " the big freeze" the next ice age, the world will be covered in ice. Anyone remember that ? They all keep that quiet. All these scientist couldn't find their backside with both hands in a lit room.

Jireh Homes

10:18 AM, 16th February 2020, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by AA at 11/02/2020 - 09:08
Unfortunately, Scottish Government being realistic is not likely to happen, and especially as the scale of the issues within the PRS of meeting Band E and then Band D will not be known till after this legislation is enacted. But we can but respond to the consultation and challenge the proposals.

Rennie

11:40 AM, 16th February 2020, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Jireh Homes at 16/02/2020 - 10:18
Yes, you are right and I have responded and opposed it vociferously.

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