U.K.: Will your home fail the new energy test?

Hundreds of thousands homes are likely to be given a poor ‘green’ rating under the Government’s new energy efficiency tests.

From 1 June, all houses put up for sale will have to undergo a ‘green’ audit costing up to


But London’s ageing housing stock means many owners are in for a shock, experts told the Evening Standard today. Of the capital’s 3.2m homes, 60% – the highest proportion in Britain – were built before the Second World War, long before cavity wall insulation and modern standards of glazing.

Almost a quarter date from between 1851 and 1918. Only 3% – half the national average – were built after 1995, when far tougher building regulations started to be introduced. There is also concern that a shortage of home inspectors could force people to delay selling and put increased pressure on the housing market. Industry experts say, however, that the 4,000 inspectors being recruited will be enough.

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