Eco-friendly properties

In a world increasingly focused on reducing carbon footprints and promoting eco-conscious living, the property market has seen a surge in demand for green homes.

Buyers are now more inclined to consider properties that align with their environmental values and offer energy-efficient features. At ntitle, we are aware of the need for additional checks and enquiries to be raised at title investigation stage to ensure the systems and features within the property are within legal requirements and that they ensure the eco-friendliness of the property.

What is an eco-friendly property?

Eco Friendly properties (otherwise known as Green homes or sustainable homes), are designed to minimise their impact on the environment while providing a healthy and efficient living space. These homes incorporate various eco-friendly features, such as:

1. Energy Efficiency: Eco-friendly properties are equipped with energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and HVAC systems to reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills.

2. Renewable Energy Sources: Many eco-friendly properties incorporate renewable energy sources like solar panels, wind turbines, or geothermal systems to generate clean energy on-site.

3. Water Efficiency: Eco-friendly homes may feature water-saving fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and efficient landscaping to minimise water waste.

4. Sustainable Materials: Builders use sustainable and recycled materials in construction, reducing the environmental impact of the development. This includes the use of recycled materials, low carbon concrete and sustainable timber together with environmentally conscious construction practices such as green roofing.

5. Healthy Indoor Environment: Eco-friendly homes prioritise indoor air quality through proper ventilation, non-toxic materials, and efficient filtration systems such as MVHR.

6. Smart Technology: Many eco-friendly homes are equipped with smart home technology to monitor and control energy usage and other systems.

Title Investigation of Eco-friendly properties.

Title investigation plays a crucial role in ensuring that a property meets its environmentally friendly claims and adheres to legal standards. When undertaking a title investigation on an eco-friendly property there are certain considerations:

1. Easements and Restrictions: The title may reveal easements or restrictions that may affect the installation or maintenance of eco-friendly features like solar panels or wind turbines.

2. Planning Permissions and Building Regulations: Verify that any eco-friendly modifications made to the property, such as energy-efficient upgrades, were properly permitted and comply with local building regulations.

3. Renewable Energy Contracts: If the property generates renewable energy, check for any contracts or agreements related to energy generation and distribution.

4. Land Use Restrictions: Some properties may be subject to land use restrictions that limit the type of sustainable features that can be added.

5. Solar Panel Leases: There may be a solar panel lease registered against the title with a third party.

It is essential that these matters are investigated and clearly reported to the purchaser.

Legal Considerations and Certifications

Several legal considerations are essential when assessing the eco-friendliness of a property at title investigation stage of a purchase transaction:

1. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): An EPC provides information about a property’s energy efficiency and potential for improvement. It’s a mandatory document when selling or renting a property in the UK.

2. Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas: If the property is located in a listed building or conservation area, there may be limitations on modifications that can be made, even for eco-friendly purposes.

3. Green Building Certifications: Some properties may have received certifications like BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), indicating their high level of sustainability. The Code for Sustainable Homes was developed as an earlier UK standard for assessing the sustainability of new residential properties.

4. Local Authority Policies: Research local authority policies related to sustainability and environmental initiatives to ensure compliance.

Compliance with legal requirements ensures that eco-friendly initiatives are implemented safety and responsibly and promotes a more sustainable future for the property industry.

Additional steps:

1. Engage Professionals: Collaborate with solicitors, surveyors, and estate agents who are experienced in green homes and their unique considerations.

2. Document Verification: Carefully review all relevant documents, including planning permissions, building permits, and energy performance certificates.

3. Expert Opinions: Seek expert opinions on the feasibility of incorporating or maintaining eco-friendly features on the property.

4. Negotiation and Disclosure: If any potential issues arise from the title investigation, explain the issues clearly to the purchaser who may be in a position to negotiate with the seller.

Title investigations of eco- friendly properties are becoming more and more common and are a vital step in ensuring the authenticity and legality of environmentally friendly homes in England and Wales. As the demand for sustainable living options continues to rise, Conveyancers must understand the legal considerations of the eco-friendly features, so that they can advise purchasers accordingly.

This article was submitted to be published by ntitle as part of their advertising agreement with Today’s Conveyancer. The views expressed in this article are those of the submitter and not those of Today’s Conveyancer.