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Details: Published: 15 February 2022; Hits: 917

2022 Update. EPC Rules are Changing

Energy Performance Certificates (or EPCs) have, until now, been barely significant when it comes to the housing market. But it’s important to be aware that there are big changes afoot with regard to EPC requirements, and landlords need to pay close attention.

So, what changes are coming to the EPC requirements?

What kind of impact will those changes have?

Here, we take a closer look at the facts.

What Are EPCs?

The EPC or Energy Performance Certificate is a building’s official energy efficiency rating. The ratings range from A – the best – down to G – least efficient.

All properties listed on the market must have their EPC included within the sale particulars. Furthermore, all tenants need to receive their rental home’s EPC on moving into the property.

An Old Housing Problem

There are many different house types, and some of them are very old. These period homes often have poor insulation. Stone cottages, for example, have no room at all for any cavity wall insulation to be installed, while houses with unconverted lofts often suffer from poor roof lagging.

For this reason, it’s been estimated that around 60% of all homes in the UK currently have a low EPC rating between D and G. In contrast, though, most modern homes have an EPC rating of A, B, or C.

The Reason Why Energy Performance Certificates Are Becoming Increasingly Important

EPCs are becoming more important for two different reasons:

In 2022, electricity and gas prices are going to go up as the cap that the government put on the amount that energy suppliers could charge has been lifted. The result is going to be enormous increases in utility bills. Therefore, energy efficient homes that have excellent insulation will be in higher demand, since less fuel will be required to heat them and thus energy bills will be lower.

It’s likely that new legislation will require everybody owning a property, whether a landlord or owner-occupier, to create an energy-efficient home with the aim of helping the UK government meet their emissions targets to combat climate change.

Already, the possibility of this new legislation is having an impact on the property market.

Deadlines And Targets To Improve EPCs

There’s an obvious incentive for owner-occupiers to improve their home’s energy efficiency. After all, a property that has an excellent EPC rating is going to be more attractive to prospective buyers. Younger home buyers will be more attentive to EPCs when compared with older purchasers.

It has been suggested that eventually, taxes such as stamp duty will be linked with EPC ratings, meaning that better EPCs will result in lower amounts of stamp duty to pay and, (at least in theory), a faster home sale.

For landlords, these are tough and specific targets.

Currently, a rental property must have a minimum of an E-rating on its EPC. But for all new tenancies beginning in 2025, the government is keen to change this to a minimum rating of C. It is also eager to introduce a minimum C rating across all rental homes by 2028, even for those that have long-standing tenants.

Further, although it hasn’t been confirmed yet, from 2030, a rental property’s minimum Energy Performance Certificate rating looks set to rise to a B.

Will There Be Any Exemptions?

Although there are a few exemptions, there aren’t many.

Listed buildings and buildings that have restricted covenants that would have their appearance unacceptably altered by energy efficiency improvements are the obvious exemptions.

Also, some temporary properties, and those used for under 4 months per year, are exempt too.

For landlords unable to improve their property to its required minimum Energy Performance Certificate rating, a £3500 rental cost cap has been put in place. This allows them to make the necessary improvements to that amount, then register their exemption as “all improvements made.”

The Impact On The Market

It has recently been reported by Rightmove that those sellers who improved their EPC from a G, F, E, or D rating to a C, received as much as 16% more on the sale price of their property.

Trade bodies representing the rental sector have reported, though, that some landlords have already taken the decision to sell up since they’re afraid of being unable to afford to make the required improvements, particularly on older homes, and particularly if the cost cap of £3500 is increased.

Everybody wants to do their bit to reduce global warming, however, it’s essential to avoid making such strict targets that owners struggle to afford them or find them too disruptive. Fewer properties may, as a result, be available for renters as an unintended consequence, and some flats and houses that are owner-occupied may become challenging to sell.

It’s possible that there will be some softening of the targets, but regardless, energy is going to be an ever-larger factor this year in the housing market, and for the foreseeable future.

Warren Powell-Richards are your local property experts. Call us or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out more.

Details: Published: 10 February 2022; Hits: 413

9 Tips to Improve Your Home for Under £100

Overhauling your property can be a lengthy and costly task.

Limited time and finances often mean we renovate our homes at a slower pace than we would like, but of course, this also allows for careful consideration to go into each room.

Improving your home doesn’t have to be expensive though. There are many budget tricks you can use to spruce up your home.

Here are 9 of our favourites with their approximate costs.

Tidy Up the Front Door

Whether preparing your house for sale or simply trying to smarten the family home up, a fresh front door is always a good idea.

You don’t need to invest in a whole new door. With some decent paint and a little elbow grease, you can completely transform your existing door. The front door is the first thing your guests or viewers will see, so a little TLC will go a long way. Cost: £30

Add a Coat of Fresh Paint

Although an obvious solution, repainting your walls can have a considerable impact on your property’s overall finish. It is not until you begin to paint, that you will realise quite how many scuffs and marks are covering the walls.

Painting is especially relevant when your home is on the market, with fine margins separating you and the local competition.

When trying to sell your home, be sure to freshen up bathrooms and kitchens as a priority and stick to a neutral palette to attract the broadest range of viewers. Cost £50-£100

Convert a Dedicated Office Space

With so many of us now working from home, there has never been a better time to turn an unloved space into an office.

The initial transition to home working left many of us hunched over our kitchen tables. But, buyers are now expectant to see a dedicated workspace in every home they visit.

A fresh coat of paint and a proper office desk and chair can transform any space. While a brand new office set up can often amount to hundreds of pounds, instead, search second-hand stores and online marketplaces to stay within your budget. Cost: £100

Revamp Your Handles

Fitting new door handles throughout your house can give your property a cohesive and stunning finish.

The choices are endless, and you will be sure to find a style that matches your home’s personality. If you love the vintage look, check Facebook Marketplace and eBay, where you can find some hidden gems for significantly less.

Alternatively, revamp your drawers and cupboards by simply replacing the handles. Carrying this idea through to your kitchen can give your cabinets a whole new lease of life, transforming your kitchen at a fraction of the price. Cost: £20-£50

Tidy Up Your Garden

When selling your home, the garden may be the first glimpse of your house that viewers get, leading to immediate make or break decisions.

There are a few simple tasks you should carry out in the garden that cost next to nothing.

Ensure any decking or patio areas are jet washed and free from weeds. Trim back any shrubs or conifers that border the property, and give the grass a good cut. This is particularly important in the spring, when the garden has been neglected over the winter months. Consider also planting some bright edging flowers that will add life and vibrancy to any garden. Cost £10

Add a Budget Stair Runner

New stair carpets are expensive.

If you are lucky enough to have decent floorboards lurking beneath a tired staircase carpet, pull it up and add an inexpensive runner to completely transform the space. Cost: £100

Consider Your Home Security

This might be as simple as having the locks on your front and back door changed to more secure options.

Alternatively, improving your home security may involve purchasing motion sensor powered lights for around the perimeter of your home. This can be a clever and inexpensive deterrent for those looking to take advantage and a plus for potential buyers looking at your home. Cost: £25 – £100

Replace Tired Curtains or Blinds

Providing you have had blinds installed before, the cost of new ones should not break the bank. Replacing your tired blinds with some fresh new ones can drastically brighten up the room. Sales are constantly on rotation, so keep an eye out to grab yourself a bargain. Cost: £50-£100

Replace Your Kitchen Backsplash

Protect your walls and inject a new lease of life into your kitchen with a budget backsplash in the form of stickers. These can simply be applied over your existing wall or tiles and are a fun way to add colour and pattern to a bland room. For something a little more permanent, a solid backsplash can be purchased. These are easy to install and look surprisingly luxurious, considering the relatively inexpensive nature of the product. Cost: £20-£50

Thinking of selling your home? Call Warren Powell-Richards or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to arrange a free valuation.

Details: Published: 08 February 2022; Hits: 415

7 Small Space Gardening Ideas

As the summer months creep up on us, those with properties with small outside spaces are bound to be eager to make the most of them!

So, here are seven tips on how to maximise even the smallest of gardens.

Create a Herb Garden

Herb gardens are a great place to start for beginner gardeners with only a small amount of space.

Herbs require very little room to flourish, so they can happily be planted on balconies or even window boxes. Essentially, any area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day permits you the space to grow a beautiful herb garden.

Herbs taste and appearance are altered by fertiliser, so this should be omitted from the soil. These are straightforward to grow though; a daily watering is enough for the plants to thrive. Additionally, herbs are incredibly tolerant to changing and cooler weather conditions, making them perfect for our unpredictable British seasons.

Sage, Parsley and Mint are three of the easiest to grow herbs. Conversely, Basil does not cope well in windy conditions, and therefore should only be planted where it can be afforded a great deal of shelter.

Use Mirrors in Your Garden

Mirrors can be used in the garden to create the same illusions we use them for inside our homes. They are also a fun way to add a distinctive design and personal flair to your outside area.

Attaching a mirror to one side of the fence can completely transform your garden. It gives the impression of a much larger space but also bounces the light around magically.

Divide Your Garden into Sections

If you are lucky enough to have a garden but lack the size you desire, creating designated areas can give the sense of a bigger space.

Ensure there is somewhere for relaxing, adding quality and well-fitting garden furniture. Overcrowding with chairs that are too large will make the garden feel more cramped and render the space useless.

Create a purposeful planting section. If you want to grow fruits and vegetables, use raised beds that all sit at different heights. This allows you to make the most of your space and looks incredibly stylish.

Add Hanging Baskets

For those who lack a massive amount of space, hanging baskets are a great way to add a splash of colour.

Petunias look particularly beautiful and can be used to frame doors and windows. Providing the basket is sturdy and has sufficient drainage, your Petunias will look fantastic with very little upkeep.

Hanging baskets can also be used to grow fruit and vegetables as a fun alternative for those who lack a traditional garden. Obviously, they are only appropriate for specific food items, but strawberries, tomatoes and small peppers can be grown happily in a hanging basket that receives plenty of sunlight.

Grow Plants Vertically

Growing vertically is the best way to garden in a very tight space. Attaching trellis or pots along the balcony or garden perimeter will maximise the number of plants and flowers your small area will permit.

Climbing plants such as Wisteria and Honeysuckle look stunning but can also offer a great deal of privacy for your outside space.

Attract Wildlife to Your Garden

Just because you don’t have an enormous garden doesn’t mean you can’t build one that attracts the local wildlife.

While there may not be enough space for an elaborate birdbath, there is more than likely enough room to hang a bird feeder, which will attract plenty to your outdoor area. Most of these feeders have a rim around the bottom for the birds to perch, meaning you do not have to build any other resting area.

Alternatively, consider hanging a bee hotel. These provide a sustainable nesting option for bees, a crucial part of the ecosystem in the UK.

For small gardens, allow wildflowers to grow around the perimeter. These look stunning and are a hassle-free way to inject colour into a small space. However, they are also great for insects, creating an ideal habitat.

Make Use of Communal Spaces

City centre living is becoming ever more popular, which usually comes at the sacrifice of outside space.

However, many blocks of flats are home to some form of communal outdoor area. This might be a shared garden or even a rooftop terrace.

Speak with your neighbours and consider how you can best use the space. It is unlikely you will be able to make any permanent changes; however, potted plants and vegetable beds can make a huge difference.

This will dramatically change the appearance of this communal area and be sure to bring the neighbourhood closer together.

Do you dream of a larger garden? Warren Powell-Richards are your local property experts and we can help you find your dream home.

Details: Published: 01 February 2022; Hits: 390

How to Know if You’re Emotionally Ready to Sell Your Home

Selling your home is a huge deal. Naturally, we can feel very attached to where we live. The walls of our home often hold special memories and all the things we love. The selling process can be challenging, not just because of the paperwork, but because it means saying goodbye to your home long before you’ve left. The process can be emotional and you need to be ready before you fully commit.

At Warren Powell-Richards, we can help make the sale as stress-free as possible. But before you decide to sell, here are our tips on how to know if you’re emotionally ready to sell your home.

You’re prepared to declutter

Unless you’re a minimalist, you probably have lots of things in your home that are special to you. The most important thing to do before selling your home is to stage it for a sale. This often means getting rid of the clutter and stripping out your quirks to make it neutral and attractive for buyers. While moving some pictures into a cupboard might be a painless task, painting a room or selling your beloved furniture can feel much more permanent. Before selling your home, you need to be ready to neutralise and maybe even get rid of the possessions you love that you can’t take with you.

You daydream about living somewhere else

Are you imagining your future somewhere else? Do you find yourself excitedly daydreaming about it every spare minute you have? If the answer is yes, it’s highly likely that you’re emotionally ready to sell your home. Once you start staging your home for buyers, you’re already saying goodbye. Even though the thought of selling may be sombre, if you’re making plans for new furniture and you’re looking forward to living somewhere else, then this is a definite sign that you’re emotionally ready to sell.

You’re ready to accept buyer feedback

If you plan to show people around your home yourself, you’ll likely overhear lots of things. Although some people will be discreet about any distastes, many won’t. Viewers may overtly cringe at your décor or openly criticise some of your home’s best features. Prospective buyers might express their desire to rip apart the kitchen you lovingly designed or tear down your living room walls the minute they buy it. If you’re ready to accept that those things will happen in your home, and you’re prepared to hear this feedback, then the selling process will be much easier for you.

You feel ready to say goodbye

This is one of the biggest signs that you’re ready to sell up. Committing to sell means committing to leave. If you’re prepared to say goodbye and the thought of leaving excites you, then you’re definitely ready!

We’re here to help

At Warren Powell-Richards, we understand that selling your home can be emotional. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

Details: Published: 28 January 2022; Hits: 748

Struggling To Sell? How To Turn House Viewings Into Solid Offers

We know that it can be very frustrating for homeowners if your house has been on the market for a while without attracting any offers.

If this sounds familiar, here are a few common pitfalls that could be preventing potential buyers from making an offer on your home, and how you can fix them.

It’s Overpriced

A common mistake among homeowners is to want to overprice their home deliberately with the intention of letting a buyer haggle so they can get the true asking price that they’ll be happy with.

The biggest issue with this is that when a property is overpriced it excludes a number of potential buyers. For example, a buyer with a £300,000 budget won’t spot a property that’s on sale for £310,000, even if £300,000 is the figure that the homeowner would actually be happy to accept.

It’s far better to allow your estate agent to price the property realistically in the first place!

It’s Lacking Kerb Appeal

Be honest with yourself, does your property look attractive from the outside?

Research has found that a lot of buyers make their mind up about a property before they even step through the front door, so if your home is looking tired and worn on the outside, then it could be putting buyers off.

You don’t need to spend a fortune to improve the kerb appeal either. Just putting a couple of hanging baskets up and making sure the window frames are clean can make a big difference.

It could even be something as simple as cutting the front lawn or moving the wheelie bins so they’re not directly on show.

It’s Not Being Marketed Properly

Let’s face it, most buyers will go online at the start of their property journey, utilizing social media, estate agents websites and property portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla.

Your estate agent should be advertising your property across a wide variety of media, both online and offline to ensure you are reaching a rounded audience.

Check with your estate agent that your property is being listed to its full potential. If it’s not, then it may be time to find a new agent!

It’s Cluttered

Few things are as off-putting to a potential buyer than a house that’s packed full of clutter.

Buyers want to imagine themselves living in the property, so even though you’re still living there, make sure it’s as clean and tidy as possible before any viewings take place.

As much as possible you should be aiming to give buyers a blank canvas to work with so they can picture where their own furniture and possessions might go, so keep it tidy.

You’re In a Long Property Chain

If you’re moving into a property that’s part of a long chain this could be enough to deter some buyers.

Although this usually can’t be helped, if there’s anything you can do to get out of the chain, such as renting a property in the short-term while you wait for your purchase to go through, then it may be worth considering – especially if you’ve been struggling to sell for months.

Buyers Aren’t Seeing Its Full Potential

When you’re living in a property day to day it can be easy to forget how appealing it might be to a fresh set of eyes. It’s vital that your property is working as hard as it can for you to be sold.

For example, if you’ve been granted planning permission for an extension but you haven’t gone through with it, make sure your estate agent is aware. Similarly, if your neighbours have been granted planning permission with no problems then let your estate agent know about it.

These might seem like insignificant details to a seller, but to a buyer who’s trying to imagine the property in 5-10 years’ time, it’s great information to have.

And it’s not just big things like extensions either. Make sure your property is being displayed in its best possible light by making some subtle changes. Whether that’s using bright and airy colours to redecorate, or hanging up a mirror to make a room feel bigger, some minor changes can make a major difference.

It’s Poorly Maintained

It’s easy to let things slide at home, particularly if the issues aren’t causing you any major headaches.

However, buyers will usually notice the little details that you have learned to ignore, such as a missing pane of glass, a wonky fence post or over-flowing gutters. Seemingly minor issues like these can be enough to put some buyers off, because they suggest that there could be bigger issues lurking too, even if you know there aren’t.

So before your next viewing, just make sure all those little odd jobs and easy fixes are completed, as they could be making a bigger difference than you realise.

Is your home up to scratch and ready for market? Let us advise you. Warren Powell-Richards are your local property experts.