EPC Rating for internal space of less than 50sqm

General Chat
1

Is it correct that the new regulations have provisions to exempt self contained properties with internal space of less than 50 sqm from the requirements to have a minimum EPC rating of C?

2

50 sq mts? That is very small ,more like a pod or a garage

3

Plenty of studio and 1 bed flats around at less than 50 square m. I havent heard of this exemption though. Perhaps someone will be able to find a reference.

4

That exemption only applies to detached or stand alone buildings of less than 50 sq mts. You would think that they need MORE insulation with more external walls. Does not mean they can be rented out tho. Some listed buildings may be exempt also

5

Are currently a fantasy

6

@David122 here’s the ref

“An EPC is generally not required where the seller or landlord can demonstrate that the
building is any of these:

…
 stand-alone buildings with a total useful floor area of less than 50m² (i.e. buildings entirely detached from any other building)”

Source ‘A guide to energy performance certificates
for the marketing, sale and let of dwellings’ DCLG Dec 2017

1 Like
7

Fab. Very helpful. So, this 50 sqm threshold is already in place?

8

@VikP

Yes but you’d need to check whether will be removed when the epc methodology is updated (later this year I think ) or when new epc min standard c comes in (2028 for new tenancIes, 2030 all tenancies).

Not many properties qualify as standalone maybe some small bungalows or mountain huts. It’s not granny annexes

9

I have already got C rating on some flats .As they become empty or I have more time I get on with it

10

where’s the legislation that has set those dates?

11

@tatemono

It’s not yet in legislation but these dates were in the consultation “Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes: consultation document”

“Government is proposing that the higher standard would apply to new tenancies from 2028 and that all tenancies would be required to be compliant by 2030” (Feb 2025)

Best

12

exactly… so this

would be more helpfully worded

13

And I think govt can change the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) through changes to guidance, or possibly a statutory instrument or secondary legislation they won’t need new primary legislation.

14

absolutely and precisely because of that, specifying dates when new MEES might be enforced is pure speculation at the moment