According to a recent Savills survey, a majority (77%) of buyers say the prospective energy consumption of their next home has become more important to them. Clearly, the rise in the cost of living is at the forefront of buyer’s and tenant’s minds.
What’s more, with the Government having proposed changes to EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) regulations, seeking to raise minimum energy efficiency standards required to rent out a property from 2025, improving thermal efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of our portfolio is an ever greater priority.
We regularly acquire old period buildings in poor condition and renovate and retrofit them to bring them up to modern standards, thereby ensuring future longevity and providing a high quality of life for new occupants. As we look to future proof the Bondcap rental portfolio, we are considering improvements such as adding new insulation, smart meters and LED lighting, alternative heating systems, more energy efficient boilers and new double or triple glazing.
We received planning approval to replace all the windows at our building in Riverdale Road in Twickenham this year and have recently submitted applications to replace all the windows at the Earl of Derby, a Grade II listed former pub building in Plaistow. Using restoration specialists, we will seek to retain the heritage quality of a building whilst improving sustainability and desirability.
To quote a New London Architecture article,
‘When it comes to sustainability, working with what we’ve got is often the best policy.’