With the ever increasing emphasis on climate change and energy conservation, it is now a legal requirement for almost all buildings to have an Energy Performance Certificate or EPC when they are first offered to the market for sale or to let or even for leasehold surrender.  This new measure which began to be phased in from April 2008, becoming fully operational by 4 January 2009, seeks to show at a glance the likely energy usage of any building and compares it with a similar property of its age and type, so that occupiers can make a judgement on the relative cost of heating and cooling.  Along with the EPC there is a simple bar chart, similar to that already provided on most energy consuming products as well as a report making recommendations as to how the energy performance can be improved.

Naylors can provide an EPC no matter how complicated the property through a number of specialist consultants.  It helps to keep the cost down if plans and any technical specifications of the property are available, but once provided, the EPC lasts for 10 years unless there are significant alterations made.   Bill Naylor comments “There is no doubt in my mind that in time, the Government will penalise less efficient buildings probably through the rating system and that in turn will affect values, so the issue of energy efficiency will become more important as time progresses, with the EPC certificate being the first step in the process”.

Naylors Chartered Surveyors’ move to Hadrian House has created opportunities for two other companies, with Newcastle solicitors Brysons moving into 93a Grey Street and Wish Communications, a mobile communications company from Northamptonshire taking the Team Valley premises.  Louis Donaldson handled both lettings and things moved pretty quickly.

“There was a lot of interest, particularly in the Newcastle suite, including an offer to buy the property, but we were keen to secure lettings on both units rather than sell them” said Louis.

In order to provide our clients with a national service, Naylors have become the latest regional commercial property firm to join Property Agents International.  Made up of other respected independent property surveying companies PAI provides member’s firms and their clients access to the best property advice whenever they may need it in the United Kingdom.  “Membership to PAI is by invitation only and we were delighted to be asked to join to represent the North East”, says Bill Naylor “We have also been impressed by the welcome we have received from other members from across the country.  I am convinced that the liaison with like-minded organisations who are regional specialists like ourselves, some of whom have other areas of expertise, will be a great benefit.”

Naylors will host a PAI conference in Newcastle in 2009.