Date: 02/08/2008
From 1st October where there is no HIP in place on a property being sold, the seller will be obligated to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to a purchaser before exchange of contracts can take place. This is regardless of the reason for HIP exemption which means that properties that were listed prior to the relevant commencement date for requiring a HIP are also subject to this requirement.

The legislation which allowed people who were already on the market to be except from a HIP, however, this exemption under Regulation 51(1) ceases from the 1st October 2008, as provided by Regulation 51(7). Therefore sellers of homes which beat the HIP deadline will now need an EPC from 1st October 2008.

James Scollard from CLIFFTONS comments “Many sellers, solicitors and agents are currently unaware of the impending deadline and legislation, I know we’ll be speaking to our clients in August to ensure they have sufficient time to prepare their Energy Performance certificate and remain compliant with the changing legislation.

The sales process can sometimes take months to go through, as an agent, I would be more than frustrated for any sale to be delayed by a week or two to orgainse an Energy Performance Certificate at the last minute. Fortunately, I am a qualified assessor and can carry out the energy certificates for my clients.”

To organise an Energy performance certificate, James at CLIFFTONS can be contacted on 01202 789699.