Study Finds More Energy Efficient Homes Command a Premium Price From House Buyers

The Green Deal could be set for a boost after a government study found improving the energy efficiency of a home could increase its value.

Research by the Department of Energy and Climate Change on over 300,000 homes found that improving the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of a house could add up to £41,808 to its value.

The increase in value was different depending on the location of the property. Properties in the North-east with a EPC rating of G could expected to see price increases of 38% if improved to an A or B rating. Properties in London could expect to see a 12% price increase for the same improvement.

Energy minister Greg Barker said the study was evidence of the “huge potential rewards” of taking-up energy efficiency.

He added: “The Green Deal is helping more people make these types of home improvements, reducing high upfront costs and letting people pay for some the cost through the savings on their bills. The Green Deal is a great option for anyone wanting to improve the look, feel and potentially the value of their home.”

John Alker, director of policy at the UK Green Building Council, said the study provided “evidence that the retrofit industry has been craving for a long time”.

He added: “It also provides a timely boost for the Green Deal, which will bring down the upfront cost of a retrofit package for those who choose to use it.”

James Brooks, director at Brooks Estate Agents, said energy efficiency was become a serious concern for house buyers.

He added: “With fuel bills continuing to rise, buyers are becoming more and more conscious about the energy efficiency of their prospective new homes and are willing to invest more in a property now if they know it will cost them less to run in the future.”

Urban Energy

We are an innovative organisation specialising in the financing, design and installation of economical and environmentally sound green energy solutions for homes and businesses in the South West.

We only install products that lead the way within the renewable energy industry and that are renowned for their high quality and ecologically sound production. This reflects our own high standards and quality assurance.

We understand that introducing a renewable energy system i.e solar panels, to either your home or business is an investment that lasts for many years. With our in-house installation team and electrical division, it is our promise to you the customer, that your satisfaction and peace of mind throughout this period is our number one priority.

The Granary, Phillips Lane, Stratford-sub-Castle, Salisbury SP1 3YR
Tel: 0800 2321624
Email: info@urbanenergy.org.uk

Energy Performance Certificate

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC):

An EPC is an energy efficiency assessment of your home or business dwelling; all properties require one when they are built, sold or rented. Like appliances, they are rated from A to G with 'A' being the highest level of efficiency. They contain information about the current performance of your property and give you a rank based on this. They also make recommendations about measures you could introduce to make your home more efficient, reduce your carbon emissions and boost your rating. D is the average rating for houses in the UK; it is estimated that around 50% of houses are below this level.

In the main, your EPC rating will be based on a few key factors:

•              When your property was built.

•              Whether the property is insulated and to what degree.

•              How modern the heating system is and what fuel is used.

•              The property's ventilation characteristics.

Why you need one:

From 20 March 2012, the Feed-in Tariff rules require level 'D' Energy Performance Certificates.

From April, customers installing solar PV will be required to produce an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of a minimum of level D in order to claim the full feed-in tariff rate of 21p/kWh. Those who do not supply this as part of their FIT application will receive a lower tariff (9p/kWh) for the full duration of the tariff lifetime.

How to get one:

Urban Energy have fully trained EPC assessors. We offer an EPC survey as part of our installation package, however should you require just the EPC assessment; we are able to provide you with this service for a fee of £65.00.

                              

How is the assessment carried out:

During the assessment you can make it easier for your assessor by telling him about any energy saving measures you have installed. If you have had cavity insulation it's not always easy to see without knowing it's there and it could mean you get a lower rating than you deserve.

It is also worth noting that, in some cases, installing a solar PV or solar thermal system will boost your rate enough to raise your EPC level to a D. We will let you know if this is the case for your property. It should be noted that a property must already have an EPC rating of D or above to achieve the higher tariff for PV installations.

Urban Energy

Urban Energy has earned a reputation as the south’s leading renewable energy specialist. This has been achieved by ensuring that from the initial point of client contact we offer 1st class customer service and care.

We only install products that lead the way within the renewable energy industry and that are renowned for their high quality and ecologically sound production. This reflects our own high standards and quality assurance.

Our experienced surveyors can carry out a free, no obligation survey of your house or business that can help you save thousands of £’s per annum. We have our own fully qualified installers, electricians and plumbers who oversee every aspect of every installation.

We understand that introducing a renewable energy system to either your home or business is an investment that lasts for many years. With our in-house electrical and plumbing division it is our promise to you the customer that your satisfaction and peace of mind throughout this period is our number one priority.

Eco Barn Showroom now open: 10.00 – 5.00 Monday to Friday and 10.00 – 4.00 Saturday

Call us on: 0800 232 1624 or 01722 335 322
Email us at: info@urbanenergy.org.uk