Following the decision to abolish HIPS, Richard Sexton, business development director of e.surv, the UK’s leading firm of residential surveyors, comments:
“The demise of HIPs will have implications for the industry that has sprung up to deliver the service and this group of providers could well be considering mounting a legal challenge against their abolition. The alternative to HIPs would have been to move towards a version of the more successful Scottish Home Report, but with competing priorities, it would seem the Government don’t feel this to be a huge priority. “
And, with the spotlight now on EPCs, Richard comments:
“The coalition government has announced new regulations for the management of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) but not much at this stage appears to be new and this appears to be a ‘sop’ for abolishing HIPs.
“The real question for the new Government is how will they enforce the regulations. EPCs have been mandatory since October 2008 and subject to fines for non-compliance. While EPCs have been highly visible in Estate Agents windows, many private landlords currently ignore this requirement when letting property. It will need increased non-compliance penalties for the regulations to have real bite.“
“EPCs could become very powerful in the future because they could be a way of driving differential tax breaks to support the green agenda and therefore become an important part of consumer decision-making.”
Notes to Editors:
- The Energy Performance Certificate was introduced as a consistent measure to help improve the energy efficiency of buildings. Since October 2008 all buildings, whenever they are built, sold or rented out, are now legally required to have an EPC. Accredited energy assessors will produce the EPC alongside and associated report which suggests improvements to make a building more energy efficient.
- e.surv is the UK’s largest residential surveyors and valuers.
To speak to Richard Sexton, please contact Sarah Evans-Toyne, Melanie Bradley or Anna Taylor on 020 7726 6111 or esurv@broadgatemainland.com
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