But Energy Performance Certificates are here to stay.
The new Government has wasted no time in cutting red tape by scrapping Home Information Packs. However one element of the pack remains, the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which rates the energy efficiency of a property.
An EPC is required by European law, costs an average of £50, and is valid for 10 years. Homeowners face a fixed penalty fine of £200 if they do not provide an EPC, which will need to be commissioned as soon as possible, but does not have to be available in order to start marketing the property.
The onus remains on the estate agent to ensure that the EPC has been ordered prior to marketing and has made ‘reasonable efforts’ to ensure that it is available within 28 days of the property coming to market. Non-compliance will once again carry fixed duty penalties.
New Housing Minister Grant Shapps: "We're showing our commitment to a greener housing market by keeping Energy Performance Certificates and making them more relevant so buyers can make informed decisions on the energy costs of their new home."
