What actions are required in relation to energy performance when purchasing the property, including Green Deal considerations?

• A. EPC must be provided and satisfactory; TA6 environmental matters reviewed; identify any Green Deal and insert a special condition for repayments.
• B. Energy matters are not required in conveyancing.
• C. Check only the energy supplier price.
• D. Ignore environmental matters.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that energy performance and environmental information are part of the standard due diligence in a property purchase, and any Green Deal financing tied to the property must be identified and addressed before completion.

Start with the EPC: the seller must provide an Energy Performance Certificate, and the certificate should be valid and satisfactory for the buyer. The EPC tells the energy efficiency rating and sets out recommendations; it can impact running costs and potential future improvements, so it’s a basic part of assessing the property.

Then the TA6 environmental matters: this form requires the seller to disclose environmental issues that could affect the property, including aspects related to energy efficiency. Reviewing these responses helps spot any potential costs or risks that the buyer would inherit.

Finally, Green Deal: if there is any Green Deal financing attached to the property, it must be identified and a mechanism added to the contract to deal with repayments. The Green Deal involved charges tied to the property for energy-saving work, so the buyer needs to know about any such charge and how repayments will be handled—typically by discharging the charge before completion or by agreeing who will take on the arrangements.

So the best approach is to ensure the EPC is provided and satisfactory, review the environmental matters on the TA6, and identify any Green Deal with a special condition addressing the repayments. This aligns with good practice and protects the buyer from unexpected costs after purchase.