EPCs not yet influencing buyers

The Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) contained within Home information packs (Hips) are not yet putting buyers off from a purchase, irrespective of how poor they adjudge a seller's property to be in terms of energy efficiency, Legal & General has suggested.

However, the firm adds that over time homeowners will be more inclined to make the necessary renovation efforts in order to boost their rating.

Homes are currently graded on an A-G scale, with the typical home receiving an E grade, according to recent figures from the Department of Communities and Local Government.

But this average is based on the fact that EPCs are currently only mandatory for larger homes, and may change once Hips are implemented across the entire property market.

"The rollout of Hips has been pretty smooth so far and more people are becoming familiar with providing and using the packs," advised Legal & General director of housing Stephen Smith.

"Over time buyers will be likely to implement some of the energy-saving recommendations as they make improvements to their home [...] Green grants for energy saving improvements are available to many homeowners," Mr Smith added.

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