Clarification needed on EPCs - commercial mortgages

29 June 2009

The Institution of Commercial & Business Agents (ICBA) has called on the government to make clear the rules regarding Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and commercial property.

It would seem that people with commercial mortgages need some clarification on the matter and the ICBA has called for more emphasis on when details of a property are requested.

Commenting to Property Week, chairman of the group Michael Hare suggested that EPCs are not being distributed by many agents when initial marketing material is provided.

Financial penalties can occur for property owners as a consequence, he explained.

"Some direct criteria and guidance from the government would clarify the problem," Mr Hare remarked, before adding that the owner and not the agent should hold responsibility for providing the EPC to the potential buyer.

Meanwhile, an interview in the Independent with John Richards of property company Hammerson hinted at a positive future for the commercial property market.

Prices could begin to rise before the end of 2009, he predicted.

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