Current legislation means that if a property doesn't have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘E’ or above, then it cannot legally be let. With soaring energy prices a real problem for all of us, an energy efficient home is now on a higher proportion of prospective tenants' wish lists. Not only are we all becoming (rightfully) more environmentally aware when it comes to our properties, but for tenants, a higher EPC rating means lower bills, a decrease in the risk of mould and a warmer place to live.
Mortgages
Three in five first-time buyers depend on the bank of mum and dad in order to get onto the property ladder, according to research by Just Group. In the last five years, 61 per cent of FTBs relied on financial help from relatives in order to purchase a property. In comparison, just 20 per cent of FTBs relied on financial assistance from relatives 30 years ago.
