New research published today from Mercantile Trust highlights a lack of awareness among brokers and their property investor clients of the proposed changes to Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements.

The survey which garnered over 150 broker responses, found that 48.5% of brokers said they were not confident that they fully understood the government’s proposed new rules regarding EPCs for rental properties.

In addition, nearly half (49.2%) of brokers said their property investor clients had not asked them for any information on the EPC regulatory changes.

The changes to Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements are due to come into force in 2025, when all properties covered by a new tenancy agreement will need an EPC rating of C or above.

All rental properties will need to meet this standard from 2028. Failure to comply risks a fine of £30,000 per property.

The research also reveals that 60% of brokers have not arranged a bridging loan to finance energy efficiency-related refurbishments over the past year but that 66% predicted they would do more business in this area over the coming 12 months.

To help brokers and their clients deal with the impended EPC changes, Mercantile Trust has partnered with Elmhurst Energy to create a free EPC Hints & Tips guide for landlords and property investors.