Eco-policies to dominate rental sector in 2021 predicts agency

Lettings agency Carter Jonas predicts the housing market - for both owner-occupiers and landlords - will become increasingly eco-focussed in 2021.

It says behind the scenes much is happening across UK industry to support the government’s recently-revealed 10 Point Plan to accelerate Britain’s path to net zero and a green industrial evolution. 

The agency says: “Firstly, the ban on petrol cars by 2030 will have an impact on landlords, developers and homeowners who will have to respond to a growing demand for electric charging points. 

“Another consideration for landlords will be the need for rental homes to have an EPC rating of C or above from April 2025. The Green Homes Grant available until March 2022, could help landlords make their properties meet these standards ahead of the deadline. 

“Property owners will also need to take a closer look at fundamentals like roof insulation, radiator efficiency and boiler systems to improve ratings and future proof their homes.”

And Isabelle Branson, the agency’s head of sales in the London borough of Wandsworth, adds: “I have definitely dealt with young couples and families who are more aware of their impact on the environment. I had a couple from Fulham, with babe in arms, pull up outside a beautiful Arts & Crafts home near Wandsworth Common in their hybrid car and on the street was an electric charging port. It was like fate had taken its course and they put in a well above asking price that day on their dream home. The convenience of the charging port definitely played its part.”

Just before the Christmas break a group of government appointed accreditation schemes demanded the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government shift green issues up the housing agenda.

The Property Energy Professionals Association - whose members are those schemes producing Energy Performance Certificates - has called for new policies to help improve the energy efficiency of homes. 

Andrew Parkin, chair of PEPA, says: “Incredibly we are building flats in some parts of the country that are less energy efficient than those which were built decades ago.”

He adds that while his group warmly welcomes the extension to the Green Homes Grant scheme, and a consultation on improving minimum energy efficiency ratings on private rented homes to a minimum EPC ‘C’, there remain further actions the government could do.

One of PEPA’s 10 demands was for the Energy Performance Certificate to be valid for only five years and not the current 10.