Buying a property at auction can be a brilliant way to find a home or investment with real potential, often at an attractive price. However, many properties sourced through auction, particularly older ones or those needing refurbishment, might not score highly on energy efficiency. This can mean draughty rooms, high heating bills, and a lower overall comfort level.

The good news is that if you're already planning auction property improvements, you have a fantastic opportunity to tackle energy performance head-on. Integrating Energy Efficiency Improvements during your renovation work is often the most practical and cost-effective time to do it. These upgrades aren't just 'nice-to-haves'; they deliver tangible benefits:

• Lower running costs for heating and electricity.
• A more comfortable living environment, warmer in winter and potentially cooler in summer.
• An increase in property value and greater appeal to future buyers or tenants.
• Ensuring compliance with regulations, like the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) required for rental properties.

UK Auction List is the go-to resource for finding properties across the UK that offer this scope for improvement. You can browse countless listings from various auction houses and see what UK Auction List offers subscribers here.

It’s important to remember, though, that UK Auction List functions strictly as a property directory. We connect you with the auctioneers listing the properties, but we don't offer specific renovation advice, conduct energy assessments, or manage installations. This guide provides general information and practical ideas; for tailored advice and quotes, consulting qualified professionals is essential.

Let's explore the key Energy Efficiency Improvements to consider when renovating your auction property.

The Importance of Energy Efficiency Improvements

Before diving into the 'how', let's quickly recap the 'why'. Investing in energy efficiency when undertaking auction property improvements brings multiple rewards:

• Lower Energy Bills: This is the big one. Better insulation, efficient heating, and draught-proofing mean using less gas and electricity to stay comfortable.
• Increased Comfort: A more energy-efficient home stays warmer in winter and can even be cooler in summer, eliminating cold spots and draughts.
• Boosted Property Value & Appeal: Energy efficiency is increasingly important to buyers and renters. A good EPC rating can make your property more attractive and potentially command a higher price or rent.
• Meeting Regulations: If you're renovating to rent, you must meet Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). Currently, rental properties need an EPC rating of E or above. Planning ahead during renovation is crucial, especially as standards may tighten further. This is a key consideration within the strategy for buying to let via auction.
• Environmental Benefits: Reducing energy consumption lowers the property's carbon footprint.
• Easier During Renovation: Installing insulation, upgrading heating systems, or even fitting new windows is often much easier and less disruptive when you're already undertaking significant building work.

Assessing Your Property's Current Energy Performance

Before planning specific Energy Efficiency Improvements, get a baseline understanding of where the property currently stands.

• The EPC Report: An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates a property's energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It also provides recommendations for improvement. If you're buying, the EPC should be included in the information provided by the seller or auctioneer, often within the legal pack. If you don't have one, you can usually find it on the government's online EPC register or commission one from an accredited assessor. Study the recommendations – they provide a good starting point.
• Your Own Checks: Even without an EPC, you can spot obvious issues during viewings. Look for: an old boiler, single-glazed windows, visible gaps around doors/windows, condensation/mould signs (indicating potential ventilation/insulation issues), and check the loft (is there insulation? How thick?). Being thorough when preparing before auction day includes assessing the property's condition, including potential energy performance issues.
• Consider Specialist Surveys: For a deeper understanding, especially in older properties, a thermal imaging survey can pinpoint hidden heat loss spots, though this is an additional cost.

Improving the Building Fabric: Core Structure Upgrades

Upgrades to the core structure of the building often offer the biggest long-term gains in energy efficiency.

Insulation: Your First Line of Defence

Stopping heat from escaping through the roof, walls, and floor is key.

• Loft Insulation: Often cited as the most cost-effective measure. If you have access, check the existing depth. Current recommendations are typically around 270mm (about 11 inches). Topping up is usually straightforward using rolls of mineral wool, sheep's wool, or other insulating material laid between and then across the joists. If converting the loft, insulation will need to be incorporated into the roof structure itself (e.g., using rigid insulation boards between rafters).
• Cavity Wall Insulation: If your property was built between the 1920s and 1990s, it likely has cavity walls. If these haven't been filled, insulating them can save significant energy. Specialist installers drill small holes in the external walls and inject insulation (like mineral wool fibre or polystyrene beads). It's crucial to ensure the walls are suitable (no existing damp issues) and use a reputable, registered installer.
• Solid Wall Insulation: Properties built before the 1920s usually have solid walls, which lose more heat. Insulating these is more disruptive and expensive, but yields significant benefits.
  • Internal Insulation: Involves fixing rigid insulation boards to the inside of external walls and replastering. Reduces room dimensions slightly and requires removing/refitting skirting boards, radiators, etc.
  • External Insulation: Involves fixing insulation to the outside walls and covering it with render or cladding. Very effective, doesn't disrupt the interior, but significantly changes the property's appearance and usually requires planning permission.
• Floor Insulation: Often overlooked but important, especially for ground floors.
  • Suspended Timber Floors: Insulate by fitting material (like mineral wool held by netting, or rigid boards) between the joists. Access might be possible from below (if there's a cellar) or by lifting floorboards.
  • Solid Concrete Floors: Insulation needs to be laid on top of the concrete before a new screed or floor finish, usually only feasible during major ground floor renovations. Insulating under the screed in extensions is standard practice.

Windows and Doors: Stopping the Draughts

Significant heat is lost through inefficient glazing and draughts.

• Upgrade Glazing: Replacing old single-glazed windows (or even old, inefficient double-glazing) with modern double or triple-glazed units makes a huge difference to heat retention and can also reduce noise. Look for windows with high energy ratings (Window Energy Ratings - WER - graded A++ to G) and low U-values (indicating less heat transfer). Frame material (uPVC, timber, aluminium) also impacts performance and aesthetics.
• Draught-Proofing: A simple, low-cost DIY task. Use self-adhesive foam strips, brush strips, or silicone sealant for gaps around window frames and doors. Block gaps around letterboxes and keyholes.
• Efficient Doors: Ensure external doors are solid, well-fitting, and draught-proofed. Composite doors generally offer excellent thermal performance compared to older timber or standard uPVC doors.

Optimising Heating and Hot Water Systems

Your boiler and heating controls are major energy consumers. Upgrades here are key auction property improvements.

Upgrading the Boiler

• Modern Condensing Boilers: If the property has an old (15+ years), non-condensing boiler, replacing it with a modern A-rated condensing boiler (gas, oil, or LPG) can cut heating bills significantly (typically 15-30% or more). These boilers recover more heat from the flue gases. Ensure it's sized correctly for the property.
• Heat Pumps (Air/Ground Source): A lower-carbon alternative. They work like a fridge in reverse, extracting heat from the air or ground. Running costs can be low, and government grants (like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme – always check current availability and terms) can help with the higher installation cost. However, they work best in well-insulated homes and may require larger radiators or underfloor heating as they operate at lower flow temperatures than boilers. Suitability checks are essential.
• Biomass Boilers: Burn wood pellets or chips. Can be efficient but require significant space for the boiler and fuel storage, making them less common for typical renovations.

Heating Controls: Taking Charge

Efficient heating isn't just about the heat source; it's about controlling it effectively.

• Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs): Allow you to set different temperatures in different rooms, avoiding overheating unused spaces.
• Programmers & Thermostats: A room thermostat measures the air temperature and switches the heating off when the desired temperature is reached. A programmer allows you to set specific times for the heating and hot water to come on and off.
• Smart Controls: Smart thermostats learn your habits, allow remote control via phone apps, and can offer features like weather compensation or optimisation, potentially saving more energy and adding tenant appeal.
• System Zoning: For larger properties, dividing the heating into zones (e.g., upstairs/downstairs) with separate controls can improve efficiency.

Hot Water Cylinder

• Insulation: If you have a hot water cylinder, ensure it has a thick, well-fitting insulation jacket (at least 80mm recommended). This is a very cheap and effective measure.
• Replacement: Consider replacing very old, uninsulated, or inefficient cylinders with modern, highly insulated ones.

Implementing Efficient Ventilation Strategies

While sealing draughts is vital, properties still need ventilation for fresh air and to control moisture. The key is controlled ventilation.

• Fix Uncontrolled Draughts: Seal gaps around windows, doors, floors etc.
• Use Controlled Ventilation: Ensure kitchens and bathrooms have effective extractor fans (ideally humidity-controlled or on timers) vented to the outside. Trickle vents in modern windows provide background ventilation.
• Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR): For properties aiming for high levels of airtightness (often new builds or very deep retrofits), MVHR systems extract stale, moist air while recovering most of its heat to warm incoming fresh air. More complex and costly to install.

Exploring Renewable Energy Options

If budget and suitability allow, generating your own energy is the next step.

Solar PV (Photovoltaics)

• Panels convert sunlight into electricity. Reduces reliance on grid electricity, lowers bills. Check current schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) for payments for exporting surplus power. Requires suitable roof space (south-facing ideal) with minimal shading.

Solar Thermal

• Panels use sunlight to heat water directly, reducing the load on your boiler or immersion heater for hot water. Requires a compatible hot water cylinder and roof space.

Funding Options and Professional Help

Implementing Energy Efficiency Improvements involves costs, but help might be available.

• Check for Grants/Schemes: Government schemes (like ECO, Boiler Upgrade Scheme) and some local authorities offer grants or support for certain energy efficiency measures, particularly for lower-income households or specific technologies. Eligibility criteria apply, and schemes change frequently, so always check the latest official information (e.g., Gov. UK website).
• Get Qualified Installers: Use certified professionals for installations: Gas Safe registered engineers for gas boilers, MCS certified installers for renewables (often required for grants), FENSA/CERTASS registered companies for windows (to self-certify Building Regs compliance).
• Factor into Budget: Include the costs of desired energy upgrades in your overall renovation budget. When considering the finances involved, refer back to guides covering the general process of buying property at auction, which touch upon budgeting.

Conclusion

Tackling Energy Efficiency Improvements when undertaking auction property improvements is one of the smartest investments you can make. Beyond the potential increase in property value, you're creating a more comfortable, affordable, and sustainable living space for yourself or future tenants.

Prioritise based on the property's condition, your budget, and the potential impact – insulation and draught-proofing are often the best starting points. Remember that the renovation phase is the prime time to integrate these changes efficiently.

UK Auction List provides the platform to find properties with potential. Once you've secured it, ensure you consult with qualified assessors and installers for tailored advice and professional execution of any energy efficiency upgrades.

Please note: This article provides general educational information. Energy efficiency recommendations, costs, savings, and available grants vary and change over time. Always seek professional assessments and quotes for your specific property. For queries about using the UK Auction List website or regarding selling property via auction, you can reach us using our dedicated contact form. We do not provide specific energy assessment or installation advice.