Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1489264
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 1 JANUARY 2023 10 COMMERICAL Energy performance certificates – improved value of property investment WOULD it not be a good idea to ensure that the most impor- tant and most expensive invest- ment most of us engage in our lives is protected against future risks and maintains if not ex- ceeds average market values? The answer is compellingly clear and obvious. While we need to make sure that the ba- sic aspects of safety and align- ment to lifestyle are a must, our personal ambition to maximize on our wellness at an affordable operational cost is a necessity if we wish to ensure our invest- ment, our home, be considered an attractive investment. An Energy Performance Cer- tificate (EPC) measures the energy efficiency of a building. The EPC will also include rec- ommendations on what can be improved in a given property or building to better this perfor- mance. An EPC certificate is usually the responsibility of the vendor or landlord with few exceptions. It is required when a property is being let or sold. An agent, seller or landlord are obliged to provide or procure this infor- mation. The reality is that this infor- mation is very significant and is in the best interest of the con- sumer. Any buyer, whether a first-time or a seasoned buyer has all the interests in the world to ensure that his/her invest- ment is a sound one that will re- main so in the medium to long term It is therefore no wonder that banks lending money to buyers are already providing diverse lending products that positively discriminate in favour of a ma- ture, informed and intelligent property purchases that will ultimately motivate and tran- sition the market to purchase wisely and reduce risks on the lending institutions themselves. Existing owners of their own properties have a real and tan- gible interest in asking for this EPC. All owners should know the true energy performance of their residence/property and this will enable better-in- formed and astute decisions when we are effecting minor refurbishment works or decide to invest in deep renovation. Every correct and timely deci- sion is a shrewd resolution that will ensure that this significant investment is done wisely and safeguards value to the owners. The accelerated implemen- tation of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) with atten- tion to recommendations for improvement is low-hanging fruit for the Maltese economy to transition to a decarbonized future and a more attractive in- vestment jurisdiction.