30 January 2008
Landlords must improve energy efficiency in their properties in order to take full advantage of a new government scheme, buy to let lender Paragon said yesterday.
From this October, homes put on the market will be required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) - a document which measures and ranks the property's energy efficiency.
Houses and will therefore have their environmental performance easily measurable to buyers, Paragon pointed out.
Moreover, better-insulated homes are generally much easier and cheaper to heat - meaning that a high-performing EPC makes a property especially attractive to the cash-conscious consumer
Paragon advised Britain's landlords to check out the various financial aids available for boosting energy efficiency in properties they own in order to make them more attractive to potential householders.
The Landlord Energy Saving Allowance from the government, for example, allows buy to let investors to claim funding for energy efficiency improvements.
Managing director at Paragon John Heron commented: "Landlords already provide high quality rental accommodation, but if they are looking to make improvements to the energy performance of a property, now is a good opportunity.
"Fortunately, there is financial help for landlords and they should take full advantage of the grants available to them."
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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