Environmental upgrades set to grow in importance

This article was brought to you by Rentman the premium property management system

Environmental upgrades to properties are set to grow in importance following recent government legislation, a property expert has claimed.

The energy efficiency of a property could soon directly influence the ability of the property owner to secure a mortgage, according to the technical consultant to the National Home Improvement Council, Andrew Leach.

At the same time, the inclusion of an Energy Performance Certificate as part of the newly introduced Home Improvement Packs (Hips) makes the level of energy efficiency of any property sold by a landlord even more important.

"We are going to reach a stage, and it's not too far away now - within the next couple of years, where mortgages and getting a mortgage on a house will tie in with how efficient the house is," Mr Leech explained.

The government recently launched the Green Homes Service, offering a one-stop-shop for property owners looking to make their residential lettings more energy efficient.

Among the services offered, the scheme provides the opportunity to access discounted energy-saving products such as cavity wall and loft insulation.

See how a property management system makes property management easy