Would energy rating put you off buying??

lincroft1710

Virtually every pre 1945 built property has solid as opposed to cavity walls, even some built immediately after 1945. As these properties clearly have poor energy rating should the government consider compulsorily purchasing and demolishing them - NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Prudent

I am viewing houses just now. Whilst I wouldn't go by an energy report, I do work out if I could afford to heat it. I recently viewed a Victorian semi. It was almost identical to my bf's house, except the ceilings were even higher - and his is always freezing in the colder months. I live in a 1974 semi and its much warmer.

Its a very personal choice though. My bf doesn't mind the cold, but likes the character of his house. I would prefer comfort over character. If my budget wasn't so tight I would definately go for character too

I decided I couldn't afford to heat the Victorian semi to a heat that I would like, so didn't think about getting a survey.

Bungarm2001

It wouldn't stop me buying a property either, in fact I wouldn't even consider it something mildly important.

Don't get me wrong, I want to save the planet and my bank account as much as the next person, but I seriously do not believe that a bloke walking round a house with a clipboard-questionnaire would be able to point out the bleeding obvious more than I could, and consequently would affect the CO2 emissions one little bit.

The whole HIPS thing is at best a laughable and useless piece of gov. intereference, a knee jerk reaction to what was actually a pretty minor problem in property buying and selling, the energy 'assessment' being the larger part of joke.

Northern_girl_2

It wouldn't stop me buying the house at all because I would always prefer an older house, which is far less likely to have a higher energy rating. My flat was built in 1900 ish. It's got double glazing and loft insulation at the level recommended but I can't get cavity wall insulation because it is a solid wall.
Not much I can do about that but I think its worth it for the other features and big room sizes.

Davesnave

I'd have been more impressed if the govt had upped the minimum insulation standards for new builds to Scandinavian levels.

People will do more research into insulation, solar energy supplementation etc as they begin to feel real pain with their bills; they won't need Nu nanny Labour to 'educate' them via a pretty chart.

And what are they supposed to do with all those older properties? Imagine...........

'Oh Drucilla, just look at this Tudor one; it's energy efficiency is appalling.'
'Never mind, Henry, we can buy this lovely new modern boxy house from Mr Wimpey.....it's a 75!'
'Yes, I agree darling, leave nasty Tudor timber-frame, wattle and daub thingy on Mr Estate Agent's shelf where it belongs.'

Incidentally, cavity walls did make an appearance pre-War. My 1937 property has them.

epz_2

i wouldnt even blink at it but then i commute in a 4.4liter v8 car, life is to short to spend large portions of it in a tiny little box.

lincroft1710

Davesnave, I did say "virtually every", as I knew cavity walls did make an appearance in the 30s but were not widespread. My late parents' house built in 1946, but in fact a late 30s design still had 9" solid walls.

ema_o

I pretty much think the same, not so great efficiently but far nicer than a modern box!!
Will have to invest in some warm jumpers!!!

If we went for it we'd probably do what we could to insulate, but still, would rather live in a colder lovely house than a hot box!!

Davesnave

lincroft1710 wrote: »

Davesnave, I did say "virtually every", as I knew cavity walls did make an appearance in the 30s but were not widespread. My late parents' house built in 1946, but in fact a late 30s design still had 9" solid walls.

I knew that too, which is why I said 'made an appearance,' but let's not dwell on semantics, eh? :rotfl:

bandraoi

Someone said location, location location and then price.

The energy rating is part of the price. It's just the price you couldn't easily see until now. The price to heat and run the house adds up over you living there.
At the moment it's very new and quite probably not a huge amount of use, but give it some time and a database of information, knowledge and assessor experience should be built up. As houses get refurbished and replaced energy ratings will be improved.

Given the choice between one Victorian house with a low energy rating and another where someone had improved it, I'd go for the one with a decent energy rating.