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Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are not influencing people when buying a new home, research from Consumer Focus has revealed.
Sellers and landlords are legally obliged to provide information on the energy efficiency of a property, rating a home from A to G and providing recommendations on home improvements.
However, the research found that four in five homebuyers are not influenced by EPCs in the purchasing decision and the same number have not acted on the recommendations for retrofits.
“Too many landlords and estate agents are getting away with selling and renting properties to people who have no idea how much heat their new home will leak,” commented Liz Laine, energy expert at the campaign group.
“If prospective buyers and tenants could easily compare how much their energy bills are likely to be in different properties, they could negotiate a price based on their new home’s energy efficiency.”
It suggests that EPCs will be vital for the Green Deal to be successful as they will help consumers access the loans and see if a loan is already attached to a property.
Posted by Emily Thomas
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