Energy-saving measures 'can impress tenants'

News Category: Industry News

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Landlords who fail to take advantage of energy-saving grants are missing out on a cheap way to impress potential tenants, according to a mortgage lender.

With increasing numbers of owner-occupiers opting to rent out their homes because they are unable to sell or unwilling to accept current market value, established landlords face strong competition to attract tenants.

As owners of rental accommodation must now provide an energy performance certificate (EPC) to prospective tenants, Paragon Mortgages' managing director John Heron is urging landlords to upgrade their properties to ensure the EPC data looks good.

The government offers a tax break in the form of the Landlord Energy Saving Allowance (LESA) to those who are installing things such as insulation, which will help to reduce carbon emissions and lower utility bills - not to mention improve a home's EPC.

Mr Heron believes all landlords should look at the opportunities offered by LESA to help upgrade properties.

"[Landlords] should take full advantage of the tax breaks available to them. In the current environment, any cost saving is important," he said.

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