EPC's and buying a flat with flat roof & no gas....

NameUnavailable

I've offered on a flat which currently has an EPC rating of E.

The property is a top floor flat in a 3 level block with a flat roof (which was replaced and apparently insulated a couple of years ago). There's no gas so it has electric heating (new electric radiators fitted) and an immersion tank for hot water. It also has double glazing.

Now, I have only just realised that EPC's are changing in a few years and to rent out a property you will need to have a C rating or better. I have no intention of renting the flat out, it's for me to live in, but I'm concerned if might affect the saleability/value in the future. A flat roof is rated as poor or very poor (depending on which EPC you look at) as is an immersion heater, so there's very little I can do to make the place more energy efficient than it is now.

The news today about climate change and likely 'quick win' steps that Govt. will take made me think some more. It's easy to clobber car drivers or home owners, not so easy to tackle the big business polluters!

Am I right to be concerned or am I worrying too much? Any insight appreciated.

anselld

Whilst the current EPC penalises electric over gas they are also talking about banning new gas boilers in a few years time.  I guess they will need to change the way EPC is calculated to encourage people to go with the trend back to "green" electric. ie they will completely shift the goal posts as they have done with diesel vehicles.

Who knows?  I certainly would not attach too much credence to an EPC in any decision making.