"For many CRE landlords, now is the time to take action as the EPC regulations only strengthen over the coming years"
Under the government's new EPC legislation, commercial buildings that do not have an energy performance certificate rating of E or above are no longer able to be traded or leased. Set to evolve over time, the regulations will become stricter, with the minimum EPC rating rising to C in 2027 and B in 2030. This could see the level of regional rent at risk increase to £3bn and £4.8bn respectively, as legislation tightens.
Reseach from data, news and analytics provider, EG, highlights the impact that the first phase of the legislation will have on the CRE market in England’s regions. In London alone, 24.1million sq. ft will fail to meet these regulations, putting the equivalent of 20 Shard’s at risk. Looking across the whole of England, this number rises to 95.6million sq. ft – or 80 Shards.
Tom Flanagan, Product Manager at EG comments:
“The CRE market will undoubtedly take a significant hit following the introduction of this new EPC legislation. With billions worth of rent taken off the market and assets left stranded, we can expect to see rental premiums put on energy-efficient buildings and competition for properties increasing.
“For many CRE landlords, now is the time to take action as the EPC regulations only strengthen over the coming years. By acting now, landlords can ensure their properties are compliant for the years to come and - most importantly - meet the market demand for energy-efficient, sustainable buildings.”
For landlords of properties that do not meet the new EPC standards, there are steps that can be taken.
Liz McKillop Paley, Real Estate Principal Associate at law firm Shoosmiths, added:
“The new rules enforced from April 2023 only apply if a building falls under MEES regulations and where there is a valid EPC. If a property is vacant, it can remain so without an EPC. The risk of not making improvements, however, is that a landlord could be left with a stranded or obsolete asset.
“Carrying out cost-effective energy efficiency improvements and meeting the EPC standards – even through making small upgrades during a building’s life cycle - can have a big impact, ensuring a landlord complies with the regulations as they evolve, while also avoiding being left with a property that the market deems substandard.”
