Higher Building Energy Ratings (BER CERTS) on New Homes
From 1st January 2009, all existing buildings offered for sale in Ireland are required to have BER energy rating certification. These certificates are issued by a qualified Building Energy Assessors registered with SEI (Sustainable Energy Ireland). It is similar to the mpg (or l/km) rating that is used for cars or the A to G rating for a household electrical appliance such as fridges or washing machines.
The BER makes the energy performance of a home visible to prospective buyers and enables them to take energy performance into consideration in their next home purchase.
A BER for a home is valid for 10 years from the date of it being issued, unless there is a material change in the building in the meantime which could affect its energy performance – examples of these would be an extension to the existing house or a change in the heating system or fuel use in the building.
As there are only New Homes for sale on Chap.ie, the energy ratings that they will receive should be significantly better than the rating received by older, second hand houses. This is because New Homes are built to comply with modern energy legislation and will therefore be more energy efficient.
This energy efficiency is not only good for the environment, but it will also result is actual financial savings over the period of ownership of the new home.
Should you decide to purchase a new home that is advertised on Chap.ie, you will be provided with a BER Cert in all cases.
For further information on this and other topics in relation to buying a new home, please visit www.homefacts.ie
