Energy-efficient home improvement could maximise appeal

A property expert has urged landlords to consider the benefits of investing in home improvements that will not compromise the energy efficiency of the property.

While older conservatories could at times be draughty and allow heat to escape, quality modern glazed extensions are able to retain and even boost the heat of a home.

National Landlords Association (NLA) spokesman Anthony Zahara explained that the new Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) scheme that has just been launched in Scotland will show potential tenants how energy-efficient the property is.

"Landlords were already investing in energy-saving measures prior to the launch of the EPC and this is in response to growing market demand for energy-efficient properties," he said.

"If you have got an energy-efficient property that will show up on the EPC then tenants are going to be more attracted to those sorts of properties."

The EPC legislation means that Scottish landlords who do not comply with the scheme could receive substantial fines.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, around 27 per cent of the UKs carbon dioxide emissions comes from residential property.