How it started

Moorcrofts were instructed to deal with the sale of a freehold mixed-use property to an investment buyer subject to tenancies.  The property was a Grade II Listed building comprising a commercial shop and three residential flats let on separate assured shorthold tenancies.  The residential flats in the property were managed by local residential estate agents, who had obtained Energy Performance Certificates (“EPC”) for these areas. The client managed the commercial shop itself and was under the impression that they were exempt from the requirement to obtain and provide an EPC as the property was listed. The buyer’s solicitor requested evidence of an exemption.  

What we did

We explained to our client that listed properties were only exempt if the works required to achieve the minimum energy performance rating of E would unacceptably alter the Property and be prohibited by the listing. To clarify the situation, we introduced our client to a national EPC provider we had worked with previously. At our suggestion, a draft EPC was prepared to assess the current rating and determine whether any required alterations would compromise the property’s listed status.

How it helped our client

The draft assessment confirmed that the commercial shop already had an EPC rating of C in its current condition, meaning it was compliant with MEES regulations. This allowed our client to commission a formal EPC and provide it to the buyer, ensuring the transaction could proceed smoothly without delays.

Contact us

For more information on our commercial property services and how we can assist with exiting business premises, please contact a member of our team.