Property agents call for EPC clarity

Property agents have called for clarity and communication when commercial En-ergy Performance Certificates (EPCs) come into effect early next year.

The calls come after delays and uncertainty surrounded the residential version of HIPs (Home Improvement Packs), of which EPCs are a major part.

Pubs measuring more than 500sq m in size will need an EPC when sold or rented after 6 April 2008, and pubs under 500sq m will need to comply by 1 October 2008.

Stephen Taylor, of Guy Simmonds, said: "The confusion surrounding HIPs has contributed to the current downturn in the residential market. I would not like to see this situation mirrored in the pub market next year."

He continued, "It's not something many people involved in the trade are happy about, but at the very least it should be clear and properly communicated to the relevant people."

Graham Allman is concerned that the people trained to put together the EPCs could be under-qualified: "The people that are going to go on this two-week training course don't need any qualifications and therefore won't necessarily know what they're doing when it comes to valuing property.

I don't think it's workable and I hope it gets scrapped."

Under current plans HIPs and EPCs will be available through a chartered surveyor or similar organisation. Nine bodies have been accredited to allocate the qualification including the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

David Morgan, of DMP Cookseys, said: "I would like to see clarity, they're not coming in for a while

but there is already confusion over whether or not the 500sq m applies to the gross exterior or the net internal measurements of the pub. We're currently training up some people so they know about EPCs."

Allman is also worried that the new legislation will slow the business-transfer market down. "It's just more red tape and legislation - it will not add any value to the process of the sale or speed it up."