Do I need an EPC?

If you plan on selling your home in Great Dunmow, you are legally required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) in place. The EPC must be included in the marketing of the property, and if the property is marketed without an EPC, the agent is liable to a fine.

Therefore, it is on our interests to ensure you have an EPC in place.

You need to have an EPC in place when selling your home

However, you will also find that an EPC helps you connect with likely buyers. If your home is in better condition than other homes in the local area, it will stand out for all the right reasons. There is also a growing number of mortgage products aimed at properties which have a higher EPC rating.

If buying a home with a better EPC rating helps buyers find a more affordable mortgage, you will see a switch in buyer behaviour.

A study carried out on behalf of Foundation Home Loans, which spoke to more than 300 people, suggests 67% of homeowners and would-be homeowners believe “a lower mortgage rate based on their property’s EPC rating would be an appealing element”.

• 48% of respondents said they would consider upgrading their EPC to access a better mortgage solution, it is was able to pay for itself in five years

• 5% of respondents said they would consider upgrading their EPC to access a better mortgage solution, it is was able to pay for itself in fifteen years

• 24% of respondents said they would consider upgrading their EPC regardless of its impact on their mortgage

What do the specialists say?

George Gee, Commercial Director at Foundation Home Loans, said: “There’s no doubting we’re going to be seeing a much greater Government focus on the UK’s housing stock, how its energy efficiency ratings can be improved, and how that might help the UK meet its carbon emission targets. To that end, there appears to be a far greater appreciation of energy efficiency within the home from individuals, and it’s positive to see two-thirds of all those polled saying a mortgage product with rates based on EPC ratings would be an appealing part of the overall product mix.”

George Gee continued by saying; “At the same time, with such incentives in place, more people are likely to consider improving the energy efficiency of their properties and it’s therefore important we have product availability that can support those improvements, whether for owner-occupiers or landlords. Our range of Green ABC products has been designed to support those who are either wanting to improve their existing property or are purchasing investment properties that meet the very highest ratings. As an industry, we need to continue to keep this front and centre, and ensure we can offer advisers and their clients these ‘Green’ options, which can provide a significant cost-saving for borrowers.”

Contact Intercounty for all your Great Dunmow property market needs

For all property market enquiries in Great Dunmow, please feel free to call us on 01371 878322 or why not email us at dunmow@intercounty.co.uk. With considerable experience in the local housing market, and free valuation services, we look forward to helping you make an informed decision when you move in or around Great Dunmow.