Energy Performance Certificates for listed buildings, explained

Are you aware the rules round Vitality Efficiency Certificates for listed buildings? There are 4,000 listed buildings within the UK. Most have been constructed earlier than 1900, so they’re unlikely to be very power environment friendly. However since EPCs have been launched, the final understanding is that listed buildings are exempt.

Nonetheless, lately the federal government has been driving an agenda for elevated power effectivity of properties as a step to combat local weather change. One of many key initiatives was Minimal Vitality Effectivity Requirements (MEES), launched in 2018, which focuses on the personal rental sector.

One of many foremost areas of confusion is round how laws will be utilized to listed buildings and properties in conservation areas. Confusion that we hope to clear up for you proper right here.

What’s an EPC?

An Vitality Efficiency Certificates (EPC) is a doc that highlights the power effectivity of the property. It makes use of a EPC rankings system with A being essentially the most environment friendly ranking and G being the least environment friendly ranking. Buildings being constructed, purchased, or bought require a sound EPC. Nonetheless, there are some exceptions, comparable to listed buildings.

Nicholas Grey, Gross sales & Advertising Director at Native Land, says: ‘Some properties are naturally far more energy-efficient than others. New properties, for instance, are designed to a lot greater power requirements than previously – so getting the EPC ranking of a interval property as much as the identical commonplace might be far more tough and costly.’

Picture credit score: Future PLC/Polly Eltes

Does a listed constructing require an EPC?

Previously, listed buildings have been exempt from the federal government’s necessities to have an Vitality Efficiency Certificates (EPC) if the property is being let or bought.

Minimal Vitality Effectivity Requirements (MEES) have been launched in 2018 and now require any property that’s being let to have an EPC ranking of E or above. The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Native Authorities up to date their steerage on this problem stating that listed buildings are exempt from the requirement ‘insofar as compliance with sure minimal power efficiency necessities would unacceptably alter their character or look’.

Are properties in Conservation Areas exempt from having an EPC?

In the case of EPCs, buildings in Conservation Areas have the identical exemption guidelines as listed buildings. It’s value noting that Conservation Areas have completely different ranges of planning controls, relying on whether or not they’re affected by particular controls. Generally known as Article 4 Instructions, these controls could prohibit work you may usually do with out planning permission.

To seek out out if Article 4 applies to your property, contact your native planning authority.

Picture credit score: Future PLC/ Polly Eltes

What different properties are exempt from having an EPC?

Different properties which can be exempt from having an EPC, embrace:

• Residential buildings meant for use lower than 4 months a yr
• Vacation lodging rented out for lower than 4 months per yr
• Some buildings which can be resulting from be demolished
• Industrial websites, workshops, and non-residential agricultural buildings that don’t use quite a lot of power
• Locations of worship
• Short-term buildings that might be used for lower than two years
• Standalone buildings with lower than 50 sq. metres of ground area

What does an EPC exemption really imply?

These rules state {that a} landlord of a listed constructing might be exempt from this requirement if the minimal power efficiency necessities would ‘unacceptably alter’ the constructing.

Landlords dealing with this problem can apply for an EPC exemption underneath some particular necessities of the rules. If permitted, the exemption is legitimate for 5 years.

There’s a problem in balancing the power effectivity with the responsibility to protect listed buildings. If there isn’t a exemption and an EPC just isn’t made out there to a potential tenant, then landlords might be fined.

Nonetheless, potential landlords of listed buildings have to be cautious when endeavor work on a listed constructing. It’s a legal offence to undertake works on a historic constructing with out consent.

Picture credit score: Future PLC/Polly Eltes

What kind of work would possibly unacceptably alter the character of a constructing?

Properties will be improved in some ways and a few could have minimal affect on the character of the property. Others could have extra. Every time you might be finishing up such work, it’s advisable to make your property is roofed by specialist listed buildings insurance coverage.

Adam Male, Chief Income Officer at on-line lettings agent Mashroom, explains: ‘Alterations that might be deemed unacceptable and alter the character of a constructing can embrace becoming UPVC home windows and doorways, double glazing, exterior wall insulation and main modifications to the guttering and the roof.’ ‘Buildings that may fall underneath these unacceptable modifications embrace historic and listed buildings, in addition to buildings inside a conservation space.’

Authorities steerage says it’s best to search recommendation from the native planning authority, who will be capable to advise if you happen to want consent. Historic England may also advise on making modifications to listed properties.

Some corporations specialize in draughtproofing and sympathetic double glazing methods.

It additionally varies in response to the place the property is situated and English Heritage can provide recommendation. Tim Kampel, Director at Property Field Options, says: ‘It may be very regional. So in addition to checking together with your native council, we’d advise getting in contact with the native consultants. They are going to be capable to let you know what you may get away with.’