Posts filed under ‘Home Information Packs’
Home Information Packs & Energy Performance Certificates
Home Information Packs
Home Information Packs (HIP) were scrapped on 12 May 2010. However, Energy Performance Certificates are still required when selling or letting a house.
Energy Performance Certificate
Energy Performance Certificates provide a clear indication to prospective buyers or renters of the energy efficiency of a property – with ratings between A-G much like the energy efficiency labels provided on electrical goods. The most efficient homes – which should have the lowest fuel bills – are in band A. The certificates will also show how home owners can improve the energy efficiency of their new home, for example by installing double glazing, fitting loft or cavity wall insulation or investing in a condensing boiler. This rating is awarded by an accredited Energy Assessor who visits the property to collect the relevant data and creates the certificate.
Energy efficiency rating
Each Energy Performance Certificate includes an energy efficiency rating that indicates the overall efficiency rating of a home. The higher the rating, the more energy efficient it is. It also indicates the potential for improvement.
Environmental carbon dioxide (CO2 ) impact rating
The certificate also includes an environmental CO2 rating that indicates the home’s impact on the environment in terms of carbon dioxide emissions as well as the potential for improvement. The higher the rating, the less impact it has on the environment.
The average property in the UK falls within bands D-E for both ratings.
Each rating is based on the performance of the building itself and its services (such as heating and lighting), rather than the domestic appliances within it (e.g. washing machines etc). This is known as an asset rating. The certificate also takes into account the age, location, size and condition of the building when providing a rating and suggesting improvements.
The ratings on the certificate will look like this:
Sellers of newly built homes will have to provide a predicted assessment of the energy efficiency of the property, but a full Energy Performance Certificate should be provided to the buyer when the home is completed.
For further information visit the Government website.
From April 2008, owners of commercial buildings also had to provide an EPC when they buy, sell or let commercial premises.
