Property Market Fact File – April 2012

Andrew WilliamsNews

Bank Lending Rate It has been confirmed that the Bank of England Monetary Committee have decided that the Bank Base Rate is to remain at 0.5% for a further month.  It has been at this very low level for a record period of over three years. Source: Bank of England Mortgage Lending by the Major UK Lenders According to initial … Read More

Budget Analysis 2012 – How this year’s budget will affect the property industry

Andrew WilliamsNews

In this year’s budget, the Chancellor stressed that he was unashamedly supporting business, rewarding work and producing far reaching tax reform which would be simpler and more supportive of business than any other major world economy. Grand statements indeed, but what do the policies laid out in the budget really mean for the property industry? We take a look at … Read More

Stopping heat going up the flue. – Passive Flue Gas Heat Recovery Devices. (PFGHRD)

Andrew WilliamsNews

Over the last few years energy prices had been rising inexorably. Every new international crisis and increasing demand from countries like China pushes fuel prices even higher. Even if the new Irish oil discoveries provide additional supply and new finds are discovered in UK waters (following the budget) and Cuadrilla are successful in extracting shale gas near Blackpool, (without allegedly … Read More

Changes to EPC legislation

Andrew WilliamsEnergy Performance Certificates

There have been important changes to the legislation concerning the provision of Energy Performance Certificates. Below are the key points in the new legislation: An EPC must be commissioned before marketing a property.. Unless you already have an EPC available you must commission an EPC from an EPC provider before you first put the property on the market. An EPC … Read More

New EPCs go live

Andrew WilliamsEnergy Performance Certificates

On the 6th April the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (a bit of a mouthful) will go live.  And these latest Regulations will have a significant impact on the commissioning of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). Sellers, landlords, and all agents (both residential, and for the first time, commercial property agents), need to … Read More

The next QSi Annual Conference is on 7th November 2012.

Andrew WilliamsQSi - Quantity Surveyors International

The QSi (Quantity Surveyors International) Conference. The next QSi Annual Conference is on 7th November 2012. Put the date in you diary! Last year the Conference was held in London. This year, it is to be held at Haydock Race Course. If you are interested in attending or being a sponsor  please email info@andrewrwilliams.co.uk Please send PRIORITY and marked I AM INTERESTED IN … Read More

200,000 homes will face insurance difficulties

Andrew WilliamsNews, Surveying

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has indicated that up to 200,000 homes at risk of flooding will face difficulties in obtaining buildings insurance next year. To highlight this, they have mapped neighbourhoods with the highest risk of flooding in England and Wales, ie. the areas where homeowners will struggle the most to obtain insurance. The greatest risks were found … Read More

When an Energy Performance Certificate is needed.

Andrew WilliamsUncategorized

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are required when any building is sold, rented out or constructed, and sometimes after refurbishment work. EPCs give information on a building’s energy efficiency in a sliding scale from ‘A’ (very efficient) to ‘G’ (least efficient). A recommendations report setting out how the rating could be improved accompanies every EPC. Only accredited energy assessors can produce … Read More

Improvements to your Homes Energy Rating

Andrew WilliamsNews

Here is a list of some of the improvements that have a positive effect on the energy performance of your house. Boilers An EPC may recommend upgrading the boiler as many older gas fired boilers are deemed to be inefficient or less efficient than their modern counterparts. They are also more harmful due to their poor efficiency. If your gas … Read More