Propertymark has updated its member guidance to support agents to improve the energy performance of properties and funding streams available. Titled Energy efficiency: Preparing the PRS for the future, the new document provides guidance for agents to work with landlords and households to improve energy efficiency as well as the various funding avenues available.
This issue is important because the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee reported in 2022 that the UK’s residential and commercial buildings produce 25 per cent of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The professional body’s updated guidance provides 11 things that agents can do to try and improve the energy efficiency of property including checking the age and errors on an Energy Performance Certificate, managing improvement works, taking advantage of quick wins and installing a smart meter. It’s also worth remembering that until 31 March 2027, energy-saving materials are taxed at a zero rate of VAT.
FUNDING AVAILABLE
In England, there is a lot of funding available to help landlords and homeowners transition towards cleaner emissions, such as the Home Upgrade Grant that issues grant-funded energy efficiency improvements in low-income households, and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme that gives eligible households a grant of up to £7,500 to install heat pumps.
Privately rented Welsh households can access the Welsh Government Warm Homes Nest Scheme to make energy efficiency improvements, and those vulnerable to fuel poverty are entitled to assistance from the Welsh Government’s Eco Flex scheme that can help them install a new central heating system and other improvements.
SAVE MONEY
Properties across England, Wales, and Scotland can save money on their energy bills via the Great British Insulation Scheme, as well as the Energy Company Obligation whereby medium and larger energy suppliers fund the installation of energy efficiency measures in households.
Private rented sector landlords in Scotland can borrow up to £15,000 for energy efficiency improvements via the Private Rented Sector Landlord Loan, and the Scottish Government is also offering help to homeowners and tenants finding it hard to heat their home via the Warmer Homes Scotland Programme.
NORTHERN IRELAND
Finally, in Northern Ireland, low-income households can gain help tackling fuel poverty through the Affordable Warmth Scheme, and households can benefit from energy efficiency improvements through the Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme.
Timothy Douglas, PropertymarkTimothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark, says: “Reducing carbon emissions from buildings is vital for the climate, and it will also help reduce energy bills.
“Propertymark supports moves to create more energy efficient homes, but we know that letting agents are concerned that landlords and households cannot meet energy efficiency targets and reduce emissions without incentives.
“There needs to be more of a focus on long-term goals rather than one-off targets. Propertymark’s updated member guidance is designed to help landlords and households gain access to the funding they need and plan ahead to make energy efficiency improvements.”
