HOW DO THE VOUCHERS WORK?
The vouchers will cover two-thirds of the cost of eligible improvements, up to a maximum government contribution of £5,000.
For an energy-efficient improvement costing £5,000, you would pay £1,667, and the voucher covers the remaining £3,333. Landlords can apply for vouchers to improve each property in their portfolio.
Vouchers are valid for three months from the date they’re issued or until 31 March 2021 (whichever is earlier). You can request a voucher extension at any time before the scheme closes.
You must redeem the voucher and ensure your improvements are completed by 31 March 2021.ELIGIBILITY FOR LANDLORDS
Most private rented properties must have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E under the minimum energy efficiency standard. If you’re a landlord applying for a voucher for a private rented sector property, you need to either provide:
- Proof that you’ve met this standard
- Proof of an exemption
The voucher will cover the cost of materials, labour and VAT. However, the work can’t be completed by yourself, a member of your household or your immediate family. The work must be carried out by a TrustMark-registered installer who is registered for the scheme.
Your installer will need to meet PAS and MCS standards when completing any improvements.
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY MEASURES
The energy-efficient improvements you can make are divided into primary and secondary
measures. Your voucher must be used to install at least one primary measure.
PRIMARY MEASURES INCLUDE:
• Insulation
o Solid wall insulation (internal or external)
o Cavity wall insulation
o Under-floor insulation (solid floor, suspended floor)
o Loft insulation
o Flat roof insulation
o Pitched roof insulation
o Room in roof insulation
o Insulating a park home
• Low carbon heating measures
o Air source heat pump
o Ground source heat pump
o Solar thermal (liquid filled flat plate or evacuated tube collector)
o Biomass boiler
o Hybrid heat pump
If you install at least one primary measure, your voucher can be used to help cover the cost of secondary measures. But the amount you get towards the cost of secondary measures can’t exceed the amount you get for primary measures.
SECONDARY MEASURES INCLUDE:
• Windows and doors
o Draught proofing
o Double or triple glazing (where replacing single glazing)
o Secondary glazing (in addition to single glazing)
o Energy-efficient replacement doors (replacing single glazed or solid doors installed before 2002).
• Heating controls and insulation
o Hot water tank thermostat
o Hot water tank insulation
o Heating controls (such as appliance thermostats, smart heating controls, zone controls, intelligent delayed start thermostat, thermostatic radiator valves)
SIGNIFICANT COST SAVINGS FOR LANDLORDS
If you’re a landlord of privately rented properties, you could make considerable savings on improvements across your portfolio.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PROPERTY INVESTMENT?
We’ve recently launched two brand new online property investment courses:
PROPERTY INVESTING MASTERCLASS – AN INTRODUCTION TO PROPERTY INVESTING
This course will provide you with an introduction to property investment, whether you’re new, intermediate or experienced.
House of Multiple Occupancy Masterclass – Live Recording
This will give you a better understanding of one of the most popular and financially rewarding property strategies in the UK.
Plus, we’re delighted to introduce PMA Property Mentor Elite Online & Personal to motivate, inspire and challenge you to achieve your personal and business goals.
All of our mentors are experienced industry professionals with years of experience AND are all active investors.
Email mark@propertymasteracademy.co.uk or phone 01252 730040 to be the first to take advantage of this brand new online mentoring service.
You can also use my calendar to schedule a call at https://go.oncehub.com/MarkLloyd and book a 30-minute slot.
