Building Energy Ratings: One of the Key Considerations when Selling your Property

5 Key Considerations : Building Energy Ratings

 

  1. What is a Building Energy Rating (BER)?
    A Building Energy Rating represents the way in which the overall energy efficiency of a building is assessed. The BER assessment is carried out by a registered BER Assessor who visits the property, completes an inspection including collecting data on the property’s construction, insulation, heating system and ventilation.  This information is then used to calculate the property’s Building Energy Rating. The BER Assessor will then produce a BER Certificate which rates the performance from A to G with A1 being the most efficient and G being the least efficient.  An Advisory Report is also included with the Certificate and will indicate where improvements can be made.  Improving the energy efficiency of your property can lead to a higher BER rating, which in turn can make the property more attractive to both potential buyers and tenants.  It will also lead to lower energy bills and a reduced footprint.

 

  1. It is a Legal Requirement
    Since January 2009, it is compulsory by law that a property owner must supply a Building Energy Rating Certificate to prospective buyers and tenants in relation to the sale and letting of all residential and commercial property. The BER rating must also be included in all property advertising in relation to the sale or letting of the property.

 

BER Exemptions

There are certain buildings exempt from Building Energy Ratings including;
- Protected Structures, National Monuments, Places of  Worship, Non Residential Agricultural Buildings, Standalone buildings with a total floor area of less than 50sqm, Industrial Buildings with an installed heat capacity that does not exceed 10W/m2

 

  1. It’s a Valuation Criteria
    A BER is now a criteria of Valuation rather than just a consideration so as your local Estate Agent it is advisable for us to be able to establish the BER prior to determining the Advised Market Value. It is also a relevant factor for us in relation to assessing comparable sales.

 

  1. How long does a BER Cert last?
    It lasts for 10 years.   If you are unsure if your property has a BER Cert you can log onto the National BER Register found through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (seai.ie) and click ‘Find BER’.  Simply enter the MPRN number (found on your electricity bill) and complete the check. If you do have an existing Building Energy Certificate but you have made changes / upgrades which will affect the Rating, it is important to get a new BER Cert, reflecting the higher rating, which will be an advantage when placing your property on the market.

 

  1. What service can we provide here at Helen McCormack Estate Agents in relation to BER?
    We can recommend a qualified BER Assessor and act as liaison in relation to the inspection. We can also discuss the Rating, how it affects the value of your home and if it would be worthwhile making improvements prior to selling; which will be unique to each owner..

 

In Summary
Looking at your property’s BER is an important ‘first port of call’ when you are thinking of both renting and selling your property but has a heightened importance in relation to selling due to it being a Valuation Criteria.  The BER system is an important tool for promoting energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions in the building environment.

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Helen McCormack

Experienced Estate Agent with 19 years working in Sales, Lettings Management and Block Management in Limerick City and County. Strong track record, solution focused and results driven with long standing business relationships and high volume of referral business from satisfied clients.