As of 2012, all homes that go up for sale will require an energy efficiency rating to be conducted on the property. New EU legislation means that it will be compulsory for these energy efficiency ratings to be published on all advertisements for homes for sale.

Currently, homeowners have to have to commission an energy performance certificate (EPC) before they put their home up for sale but the results of this might not be available when the house is available for viewing. But with the new EU rules, sellers will have to publish the rating upfront in order to provide potential buyers with energy efficiency information.

The legislation will use a traffic light system, grading properties red, amber or green on every advertisement and For Sale sign around the UK. The scheme will also be a boost to the Government to help them reach their 2020 household carbon emissions target.

Ebico, a non-profit energy supplier, have advised people thinking about selling their homes to begin energy efficient improvements as soon as possible and owner, Phil Levermore, stated:

"There has never been a better time. Not only could it make a property more saleable in the future, but people will also reap rewards from lower energy bills and a warmer, more comfortable home in the meantime."

With the government’s ‘green deal’ scheme set to be laid out this autumn, it is expected that loans of up to £6,500 will be available to be paid back over 20 years with the payments coming from the money saved on fuel bills.  The Energy Saving Trust have previously stated that most of the UK’s least energy efficient homes could be pushed up to an average level for £3000 or less, couple with the motivation of the EU legislation this could be a major boost for energy efficient home improvements.

Author:  Thomas Davies

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