Homes to have energy ratings

[brian]

Almost seems like an odd move:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5078200.stm

Every house sold in England and Wales will be given an energy efficiency rating like those found on electrical goods, the government will announce.

The Energy Performance Certificate will be part of the new Home Information Packs being introduced next June.

The reports, prepared by an independent inspector, will give houses an A to G rating, with A being the best.

They will show energy efficiency and the impact of a house on the environment in terms of carbon dioxide.

Is having such an energy rating actually going to be a concern for either buyers or sellers?

Or is it simply going to be a pointless addition to the paperwork on the property market?

[John]

I think it will only have limited effects on potential buyers, perhaps even negligable. As much as I'm concerned for the environment and saving on fuel bills, if I liked a house and it was within my budget I would buy it regardless of this energy rating.

It seems like another certificate to be dished out by a man with a clipboard and another form to be filled in by the buyer. Instead of pushing this kind of thing at us, the Government should be making an effort on all fronts if it wishes to reduce CO2 emissions, and that includes buying John Prescott a Hydrogen powered Smart Car.

[brian]

Lol! Now that's an interesting point.

As for energy ratings - I agree - I can't see it effecting an purchasing decision. After all, you can always do a house up a little later on such issues where required. I think the major energy-saving concerns are issues such as double-glazing and loft insulation, and you don;t need a star rating for them.

[OneofaKind]

If the energy rating is supposed to affect house prices doesnt that invariably mean that older houses become more expensive since they don't have energy efficiency built into them

[tickeverybox]

The Energy Report will be a simple tick box form to be completed by an approved inspector. The inspector will determine whether the property has cavity insulation; loft insulation; hot water cylinder lagging, type of light bulbs etc.

They will then effectively 'mark' the property efficiency and give advice on whether the rating can be improved - and with a guide on running costs for the new occupier.

Of course some property's will come off worse than others just by the traditional construction employed at the time of build eg. lath and plaster timber framed 17century cottage is unlikey to benefir from cavity wall insulation! But, you will buy the house anyway if that is what you want.

[juol7]

Originally Posted by OneofaKind

If the energy rating is supposed to affect house prices doesnt that invariably mean that older houses become more expensive since they don't have energy efficiency built into them

Exactly, because redoing a house's electrical wiring will definitely be costly and time consuming.