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Properties could be subject to environmental levies

18 June 2008

Developers have been warned to be prepared for the possibility of vehicle excise duty-style charges for properties which do not meet energy-saving criteria.

The head of sustainability at EC Harris also said even those buildings that meet all part L building regulations will only achieve a grade C energy performance certificate (EPC).

Matt Fulford was speaking at the SCORe conference run by refurbishment specialists Overbury.

He said: "The future for properties could be like vehicle excise duty, perhaps linked to business rates or stamp duty."

He also claimed up to 35 per cent of carbon savings could be made at little or no cost, meaning property owners should look at tenants' behaviour before engaging on costly refurbishments.

Mr Fulford also compared showroom taxes on high polluting cars to stamp duty.

Landlords could get help from the newly published, updated version of the popular Green Building Bible, providing tips on reducing a home's carbon footprint.

Pat Davies, partner in the residential property team comments: "The above reflects the green agenda prevalent in housing matters but there is concern that the government is failing to develop a coherent strategy about what to do with Britain's existing housing stock.

A spokesman for the Federation of Master Builders recently commented "The government's leadership in tackling new build needs to be matched with new initiatives and leadership about what it intends to do with our existing homes. We need a range of incentives to encourage householders to upgrade their homes."

The Federation of Master Builders advocates cutting V.A.T on energy efficient improvements as well as reform of stamp duty and the introduction of council tax rebates.

A clear and coherent strategy is perhaps yet to emerge but it is rising energy costs which will concentrate minds .

The Green Building Bible is a publication covering environmental friendly matters for the home and gives guidance and advice on how to obtain grants for renewable energy installations and other environmental initiatives.