Commercial Property – Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)

Trustees of SIPPs and SSAS's should be aware that a recent EU directive requires that where a commercial property is to be disposed of (either by sale or letting), the owner/landlord is responsible for providing an EPC.

The certificate, prepared by a government approved energy assessor, includes a Recommendation Report which will give information aimed at improving energy performance. The EPC is valid for 10 years. The EPC is required even if the property transaction is between connected parties.

The timescales for the requirement for the reports are : From 6/4/08 - where the building has a total useful floor area over 10,000 square metres. From 1/7/08 - total useful floor area over 2,500 square metres. From 1/10/08 for all remaining properties.

Please contact us if you require clarification of these new rules.