Looking after our clients’ environmental needs
Oct 26 2008 The Journal
NO matter which way you turn, at present the outlook continues to be gloomy for the property market. Whether it’s residential or commercial properties, transaction numbers are declining and confidence in the market seems to be at an all time low.
At Northumbrian Water Property Solutions we are also being affected by the downturn, but we are facing these challenges and are continuing to look at new products and services to provide to our clients within the North East.
One of the key challenges in the next few weeks will be the October 1st deadline after which all commercial buildings and non dwellings, including rental properties, will need an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate). The requirement for an EPC will be on buildings constructed, for sale or to let so will affect all aspects of the property market.
It is worth remembering that the lifespan of the EPC for non dwellings is 10 years and during this time the EPC can be reused when there is a change of occupancy or sale. Because of this it is advisable to obtain the EPC early and then not have to worry about the requirement for a while.
The only circumstances in which the EPC for non dwellings would have to be renewed, or a new one obtained, is when a building is modified to have more or less parts than it originally had and the modification includes the provision or extension of fixed services for heating, air conditioning or mechanical ventilation. There are also various instances where an EPC for a non dwelling is not needed. These include if a property is a place of worship, due to be demolished or the property is temporary with a planned time use of less than two years.
What the above shows is that the requirement for EPCs for non dwellings is not straightforward and there are many issues that need consideration before the 1st October.
With less than two weeks to go before the deadline it is important that plans are made to ensure compliance with the legislation, especially bearing in mind that the penalties for non compliance are likely to be 12.5% of the rateable value of the property (capped to a maximum of £5,000).
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