Landlords looking at ways to fund energy efficiency upgrades may be wondering how they can afford the alterations. Sofia Jones, managing director of Penny House, runs through some options
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are important documents for landlords as they provide information about the energy efficiency of a property.
Changes to EPC regulations can have a significant impact on landlords and their properties.
In 2023, the minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties are expected to become stricter, meaning that landlords will have to make sure that their properties meet these new standards.
If a landlord’s property does not meet these standards, they may face financial penalties or be unable to rent their property until the necessary improvements have been made.
Bridging finance can be an option for landlords to consider if they need to pay for necessary work on their buy-to-let properties in order to comply with EPC changes. However, there are also other options that should be considered before deciding on using bridging finance.
The pros and cons of bridging finance
Bridging finance is a short-term loan that can be used for a variety of purposes, including financing property renovations.
The loan is usually secured against the property and can be used to pay for necessary work that needs to be done in order to comply with EPC regulations.
However, there are some disadvantages to using bridging finance, such as high interest rates and fees.
It’s important to carefully consider the cost and the length of time it will take to repay the loan, as well as the potential impact on the property’s value, before deciding whether to use this type of finance.
Before deciding on using bridging finance, landlords should also consider other options, such as taking out a conventional loan or using personal savings.
They should also consider the potential impact of the necessary work on the property’s rental income and long-term 
value.
In conclusion, while bridging finance can be a viable option for landlords to consider if they need to pay for work required to comply with EPC changes, it’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons and consider alternative options before making a decision.
Sofia Jones is managing director of Penny House
