Landlords say government’s EPC C target by 2030 is ‘impossible’

Landlords say government’s EPC C target by 2030 is ‘impossible’

9:32 AM, 29th August 2024, About 3 months ago 42

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As the UK government pushes ahead with its plan to require all rental properties to achieve an EPC rating of C by 2030, a growing number of landlords are sounding the alarm.

According to a survey by Landwood Group, a staggering 95% of respondents believe the target is impossible to meet.

And, it says, it is seeing a surge in landlords wanting to auction their properties – these include single homes and large portfolios.

The firm of national chartered surveyors and auctioneers warns that the energy performance certificate proposals are unrealistic but could also damage the private rented sector (PRS).

With some of the oldest housing stock in Europe, the UK’s landlords face significant challenges in upgrading their properties to meet the new standard.

‘So-called ‘green’ initiative’

Mark Bailey, a partner at Landwood Group, said: “This so-called ‘green’ initiative might look good on paper, but it’s built on shaky foundations.

“The focus on improving modern social housing, overlooks the vast majority of Britain’s private rental properties which are ageing and would require significant, costly upgrades to meet the EPC C standard.”

He adds: “For many, achieving this rating is not just challenging; it’s nearly impossible without substantial financial investment.

“Previously, government subsidies helped with upgrades like heat pumps and insulation.

“Now, landlords have little choice but to sell or raise rents to cover these high costs.”

Landlords are forced out of the market

Mr Baily continued: “The consequences for renters are clear. As landlords are forced out of the market, tenants will face fewer housing options and higher rental prices.

“Energy efficiency is certainly important, especially in light of rising energy costs.

“But what use is energy efficiency if people can’t afford a place to live?”

He adds: “The government needs to address the housing crisis before imposing such stringent requirements.

“As it stands, this policy risks doing more harm than good.”


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Rookie Landlord

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8:33 AM, 31st August 2024, About 3 months ago

Reply to the comment left by JeggNegg at 29/08/2024 - 12:20
I'm told infra red is not currently considered in EPC rating. However I fitted some a fewmonths ago. I'm waiting for winter to see if they benefit my tenants asmuch as the hype suggests.

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8:40 AM, 31st August 2024, About 3 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Cider Drinker at 29/08/2024 - 12:47
I'm not sure what you say about storage heaters is correct. However I agree with what you say regarding EPC rating. I own a small house that had an EPC rating of E, however the carbon emmissions are much lower than the average house. A large part of the rating is because the house is fully electric and electricity is more expensive than gas.

BW

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9:08 AM, 31st August 2024, About 3 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Rookie Landlord at 31/08/2024 - 08:33
I know people that have installed them and said they're great, but not reflected in current EPCs, best to wait for the update due and then the EPC should reflect it better. Current EPC methodology doesn't like electric heating really.

BW

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9:12 AM, 31st August 2024, About 3 months ago

Reply to the comment left by JeggNegg at 29/08/2024 - 12:20
Yes pretty much still the same, waiting for the next version to be released, was due early this year!

Northampton Landlord

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10:44 AM, 31st August 2024, About 3 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Imout Ofhere at 29/08/2024 - 14:07
I have looked at 27 different EPCs.
All over the place.
Inconsistent does not cover it.
Properties that we have built and used the same appliances, B in 2018 are now D in 2023.

We have two 1879 flats that the tenant's will loose their homes in 2029, thanks to Ed Milliband.
I will be forced to either line the flats with insulation (no cavities in the walls) or demolish and rebuild.
No LHA tenants as their rents are restricted to the bottom 30% of rents in the BRA ( Broad Rental Area).

Another smart move by politicians who understand nothing and are unaware of the market they seek to regulated.

JeggNegg

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0:37 AM, 1st September 2024, About 3 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Rookie Landlord at 31/08/2024 - 08:33
Hi R L.Thank you for your c moment re electric heating. I have 2 tenants in Cornwall, ( where there is no mains gas) who don’t use the night storage heaters. I provided infra red heaters which they last winter, and they carried out their own running cost checks. They found the cost of heating their flats was cheaper and more control-able . I am sure it was not a scientific survey.

JeggNegg

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0:39 AM, 1st September 2024, About 3 months ago

Reply to the comment left by BW at 31/08/2024 - 09:12
Hi R L.Thank you for your c moment re electric heating. I have 2 tenants in Cornwall, ( where there is no mains gas) who don’t use the night storage heaters. I provided infra red heaters which they last winter, and they carried out their own running cost checks. They found the cost of heating their flats was cheaper and more control-able . I am sure it was not a scientific survey.

Cider Drinker

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10:34 AM, 1st September 2024, About 3 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Rookie Landlord at 31/08/2024 - 08:40
My mother had ‘old-style’ night storage heaters (bought in 2008). They simply heat up the bricks over night and release the heat during the day. There is some crude control over the speed at which they release their stored heat but it isn’t particularly effective. As mother is home all day, the heaters keep her mid-terraced home toasty warm all day and all night.

The property is EPC Rated E (41) but could achieve EPC Rating D if only it had been assumed that cavity wall insulation was fitted. Clearly, the huge scars on the external wall of the property that were made when cavity wall insulation (rock wool) was injected back in the 1980s were not evidence enough.

Modern night storage heaters require two electrical supplies so the house would need rewiring, especially as there are no heaters upstairs. However, the greatest expense would be the £10k to £13k that the new heaters would cost.

Gas could be fitted. Just getting a gas supply would cost £2,500 and then there’s £5k to fit the system plus redecorating.

Aged in her mid-80s, she ain’t keen.

SCP

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19:45 PM, 4th September 2024, About 3 months ago

Reply to the comment left by John MacAlevey at 29/08/2024 - 09:44
You are certainly mistaken about India.
I suspect an enormous knowledge gap in your case.
I too was like you. I spent all the covid period learning about India.
If you continue in your ignorance, and if you own tech shares, you will not know what will hit you after the US Election in 2025 onwards.
There will be a financial reset. Majority of the "deep state" is in favour, but just wants to know what its role will be.
Pending resolution, some are trying regime change in the case of Modiji, because he is not corrupt and will not bend to their will.
We are talking about green energy. India's investment in green hydrogen and plans to build pipelines to Singapore and Saudi Arabia will open your eyes.
I am not talking about "crude," but about gas. We have this in abundance. Why can't we use it at a reasonable price?
Forget Russia, why the sanctions on Venezuela and Iran?
Later, nuclear power and green hydrogen will rule.

SCP

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19:55 PM, 4th September 2024, About 3 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Cider Drinker at 29/08/2024 - 11:11
Agreed. Lift the sanctions on Venezuela, Iran and work towards peace in Ukraine, and use Russian gas.

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