Minimum EPC requirements scrapped

In England, almost all properties are required to have a current EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) before they can be sold. Estate agents must display the EPC rating whenever they market the property. If an EPC is required we can organise this on your behalf.

Recent plans to make it mandatory for rented properties on the Wirral and across England to attain an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least ‘C’ have been retracted.

On October 5th, 2023, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak declared a significant alteration in the national energy efficiency goals. What was initially set out to push the UK closer to its Net Zero emissions target by 2050, the updated strategies signify a shift away from more rigid protocols.

Landlords were previously expected to improve their property’s EPC rating to a ‘C’ minimum by 2025 for newly signed tenancies, and by 2028 for existing ones.

For us at Liam Gretton Estate Agents, experts in the Wirral housing market, there were real concerns about how this would affect the private rental sector, especially on the Wirral Peninsula.

Landlords on the Wirral were already confronting stricter regulations and diminishing returns. The previous proposal could have seen many exiting the market due to increasing costs, leading to reduced available properties and potentially escalating rental prices during a time of economic strain.

The recent changes mean landlords in Wirral and beyond can now rest easier, free from the immediate pressure of expensive renovations and the penalties that might have followed any failures to comply. Instead, there’s a collaborative push encouraging both landlords and homeowners to adopt energy efficiency measures voluntarily.

However, with a general election impending, the private rental sector in Wirral remains vigilant. The Labour party still advocates for robust changes in the realm of energy efficiency. Depending on the election’s outcome, the Wirral housing market might see these proposals revisited.

At Liam Gretton Estate Agents we believe in a phased and balanced approach to energy performance. It’s essential to strike a balance between setting achievable goals and providing ample support for landlords. We support enhancing the energy efficiency of homes across the Wirral, however caution is key. If landlords are pressured out of the market, this could inadvertently cause rents to rise, threatening the sector’s stability.

The Wirral property market is constantly evolving, and we understand the need for sustainability that benefits both landlords and tenants.

Stay engaged with us for more updates, as we keep a close eye on Wirral’s ever-changing property landscape.